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Implementing ScanWorks’ new I2C action will be easy for users of ScanWorks who are familiar with the flash programming action because the two types of actions are very similar. From the I2C dialog box, the target device is selected and assigned a model definition. Next, an I2C bus address is defined and either “program” and/or “verify” are selected. At this point, a source file with data can be imported and incorporated into the ScanWorks I2C action or a link can be included in the I2C action, connecting the action to a source data file in binary, S-record or Intel Hex format. ScanWorks automatically determines the most efficient boundary-scan access when the action is built. Once a ScanWorks I2C action has been created, it can be included in a sequence or called from a ScanWorks application programming interface (API) just like any other ScanWorks action.

When a source file is imported into the action, the same data will be written to the memory device whenever the action is run. If the action is linked to a source file, the contents of the source file can be modified so that unique data is written each time the action is executed. A ScanWorks script action will automate this process by automatically requesting user input to modify the contents of the source file for each board. The script routine can be embedded in a ScanWorks test sequence prior to the execution of the I2C action or it can be included in a custom test procedure.

The I2C action is included with all ScanWorks development stations at no additional cost.

New Design Browser

The latest version of the InterComm Design Browser (5.1) by OHIO Design Automation has been incorporated into ScanWorks 3.4. InterComm is a graphical design-oriented interface that’s based on information from electronic design automation (EDA) equipment such as schematics and layouts. With a design browser interface, ScanWorks users are able to easily and graphically correlate boundary-scan test information and design data. InterComm also allows personnel who do not have access to an EDA system to quickly browse intelligent schematic and printed circuit board (PCB) design data and effectively communicate design issues.

Version 5.1 of InterComm has significant new and valuable features for ScanWorks users, including a new format for EDA data which allows faster access and shortens the loading of data from schematic and layout files. EDA files can be imported directly by ScanWorks from the major computer aided design (CAD) tools or they can be exported from InterComm for use by ScanWorks.

For detailed information about the new features and benefits of InterComm 5.1, visit the OHIO Design Automation web site at www.ohio-da.com. Web conferences are regularly scheduled to demonstrate the use of InterComm. In addition, introductory and informative videos can be downloaded from the site.

New Script Actions

Actions based on Java Script (JScript) or Visual Basic scripts can now be included in ScanWorks sequences or they can be called from any ScanWorks API. ScanWorks’ easy-to-use integrated process automation scripting capability simplifies the test development flow and facilitates communications within the organization. Scripting is based on familiar test control languages, including Tcl and Perl, and now JScript and Visual Basic. Scripting relieves engineers from many tedious tasks involving data gathering, data preparation, data logging for further analysis and data updates. In addition, scripting can interface ScanWorks with other applications in the organization and automatically communicate test results or consolidate certain follow-on steps in the process that are dependent upon test results.

With the new capabilities of ScanWorks 3.4, Visual Basic and JScript routines can be applied to the design that is currently active within ScanWorks. In addition, a Visual Basic or JScript routine can be initiated from within ScanWorks and perform operations external to ScanWorks. Examples of this might be turning on a power supply or reading measurements from external instrumentation.

Moreover, ScanWorks 3.4 has a new command line utility under its Tools menu. The command line can be used to execute any script operation from within ScanWorks. After the script has run on the design that is currently active in ScanWorks, the design is reinitialized and reset to its default. Any Windows-compatible command can also be executed without leaving ScanWorks.

Automatic UUT Detection

The new automatic UUT detection feature in ScanWorks 3.4 can be very valuable when several versions of a design are being tested or when second-sourced boundary-scan devices have been implemented in a design. This new feature allows a ScanWorks 3.4 Manufacturing Station to automatically find the correct design definition file for the UUT that is currently connected to the station. The operator simply requests that ScanWorks retrieve the design file. ScanWorks then queries the UTT by performing a non-intrusive scan of the BYPASS and IDCODE registers, and compares this data with information stored in each design file.

The automatic UUT detection feature saves manufacturing production time by quickly finding and loading the appropriate design file for the operator, but it also reduces the risk of possible damage to the UUT that could result by mistakenly running the wrong boundary-scan tests on a certain version of the design.

License Handling Features

ScanWorks 3.4 has several new unique features that help users get the most value from their ScanWorks licenses. For example, with the automatic license release feature a license administrator can set parameters that control how long a ScanWorks system will be inactive before its license is released and made available to other users. In this way, managers can make efficient use of resources around the world. A test engineer in China, for instance, might forget to close ScanWorks before leaving for the weekend. The automatic license release feature would return the license to the administrator and inform the engineer when he returns. Then the engineer can choose to request access to a ScanWorks license to continue working or he can save the current state of ScanWorks and close it.

Another new license feature reserves a license for a specific user. This can be very helpful when access to ScanWorks is needed in an engineer’s office, the development lab, the manufacturing floor or other locations. A ScanWorks license can accompany the engineer no matter where he is temporarily working.

ScanWorks’ User Access Control option and network licensing is required for both of these new license handling features.