Software extends power of boundary scan testing

16th July 2019

XJTAG

Mick Elliott

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Software that helps engineers develop better test programs and operate more efficiently has been released by XJTAG. It introduces a new API that brings boundary scan’s power of individual pin control into a developer’s own test code, an editor that allows device models to be created that have configurable options for maximum reuse, and data-rich log files that are now even easier for existing systems to analyse.

Following requests from customers, XJTAG has introduced an API that allows engineers to use XJAnalyser’s ability to manipulate the pins of JTAG-enabled ICs in their own software with almost no set up.

This gives developers the ability to enhance non-JTAG tests: for example, a test routine can use the API to set control lines on a board to enable / disable individual power rails during testing; and to receive notifications if monitored pins change state.

It provides engineers with much-needed flexibility when designing functional tests. The API has been written for C#, Visual Basic and other .NET environments, and works with test executives such as National Instruments’ LabVIEW, TestStand and LabWindows/CVI.

It is available to any user with an XJTAG system that includes XJAnalyser, and come with example projects in Visual Studio, LabVIEW and TestStand that demonstrate how to use the API.

For engineers working with XJDeveloper, categorising new devices is now even more efficient thanks to an editor that allows users to add configurable options to model files.

This enables a single file to support a device with parameters that may want to be changed between different implementations (such as an I²C device that can be set to different addresses) as well as allowing a designer to include adjustable parameters (e.g. to vary the amount of text output or to change a memory’s programming method).

Engineers have the ability to create flexible device models that can easily be reused, making their work simpler and more efficient.

When it comes to performing boundary scan tests, the machine-readable log files now have an enhanced structure with new keywords that makes it even easier for a computer to extract information.

The file format has been documented so that the output from boundary scan tests can be incorporated into results databases without difficulty, giving operators the ability to track the history of units throughout the entire production line using already-established systems.

XJTAG 3.9 is available now for download from www.xjtag.com for existing customers with a valid maintenance contract. Fully-featured trials with free initial test project setup are available at no charge to new customers.