FPGA test upgrade eliminates need for probes

28th September 2014

Mick Elliott

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GOEPEL electronics has extended the availability of ChipVORX model libraries for the XILINX ARTIX 7 FPGA series to support embedded test and embedded programming. ChipVORX is a technology for universal control of Chip Embedded Instruments via JTAG port. The special ChipVORX models are modular IP (Intellectual Properties), which contain all relevant access information of the target FPGA and are part of a comprehensive IP library.

As part of a project development, users can first select the target FPGA and then enable the desired test or programming function. These include Flash programming (for parallel or serial NOR Flash, including FPGA Boot Flash), RAM Access Test, universal frequency measurement and Bit Error Rate Test (BERT).

The ChipVORX technology allows the user to implement the Embedded System Access (ESA). By design integrated test electronics no needles or probes are necessary for contacting the UUT.

In addition, a mix with non-intrusive methods such as Boundary Scan or Processor Emulation is easily possible on a platform.

Application settings for the contents (including the connection between IP and pin) are performed automatically and without FPGA synthesis. Parameters for functions like Bit Error Rate Test and frequency measurement are interactively set via control panels and become operative immediately.

The ChipVORX model libraries enable fast system adaption with unified equipment for all testing and programming tasks. Thereby, overall process efficiency is improved, investments are protected and costs are smaller related to external testers.