|
The BSDL Validation Service has two functional modules. Once a BSDL file is submitted online (at www.asset-intertech.com/bsdl_service), the BSDL Syntax Checker examines punctuation and spelling to determine whether the syntax of the file is accurate. Then it analyzes the BSDL file to locate any semantic discrepancies, such as missing instruction codes, register associations or register cells that are required by the standard. The service’s second module, Automatic Test Pattern Generation, creates a set of test vectors in a simple truth-table format. These vectors can effectively test a chip design during the simulation phase to verify that it meets many of the requirements of the IEEE 1149.1 Boundary Scan Standard and to determine whether the BSDL file accurately describes the device.
“The more accurate BSDL files are, the better off hardware manufacturers will be,” said Ken Parker, Engineering Scientist with Agilent Technologies. “There are few, if any, tools that automate any of this base-level checking on BSDL files. The new BSDL Validation Service significantly enhances functionality and it is simpler to use because it is available directly on the Internet.”
The new BSDL Validation Service is completely free. After creating a user account and password, a BSDL file can be submitted to the tool immediately. The tool retains a history of each user’s submissions and, for a limited time, it will store the results of a syntax check and any test patterns that are generated. These outputs from the tool can be downloaded at any time, providing they are still stored on the system. ASSET’s technical support department maintains and supports the BSDL Validation Service.
BSDL files are required to perform boundary scan tests or programming operations on electronic circuit boards and systems. BSDL files are used to build a model of the unit under test in order to apply test patterns or programming algorithms to it. An inaccurate BSDL file can cause faulty results when boundary scan operations take place.
To visit the new BSDL Validation Service, click here.
The Next Step: Hardware-verified BSDL files
After a BSDL file has been syntactically and semantically validated and the first samples of the semiconductor device have been produced, the accuracy of the BSDL file can be verified against the functionality of the chip by using ASSET’s BSDL Silicon Validation Service. This chargeable service verifies BSDL files against actual silicon. The device is sent to ASSET and placed in a fixture that provides proper power and ground, boundary scan access to each I/O, access to TRST, TMS, TCK, TDI and TDO, and static control of compliance enable pins. Then a test sequence is generated for the device and its BSDL file. The test consists of:
- RESET Action
- Intuitive interface eases deployment
- Scan Path Verify Action
- Device ID and Bypass DR Scan only
- IR Capture
- Bypass Register
- IDCODE
- Boundary-scan Register Length
- USERCODE (if applicable)
- Interconnect/Pin Test
For more information on the
BSDL Silicon Validation, click here.
|
