PRESS ROOM - PRESS RELEASES

RICHARDSON, Texas (October 8, 2002) - A new multiple-port boundary-scan controller from ASSET InterTech Inc., an international leader in boundary-scan (IEEE 1149.1/JTAG) test and in-system programming (ISP), makes the company's ScanWorks system the industry's fastest test and ISP system, in addition to making it the most flexible in highly diverse manufacturing environments. The new system is capable of applying boundary-scan tests or programming algorithms at speeds of up to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) or at a test clock (TCK) frequency of 50 MHz. Until now, the fastest boundary-scan test systems could achieve speeds of only 25-35 Mbps.

The new hardware subsystem from ASSET is called the PCI-400. It consists of a controller card that plugs into a personal computer (PC) and a boundary-scan interface pod which links the ScanWorks software running on the PC to as many as four circuit boards for testing or programming. An optional second pod can be added to test or program eight circuit boards simultaneously.

ASSET’s ScanWorks system is currently used by leading electronics companies such as Cisco, Lucent Technologies, Agilent, Vivace Networks, Ericsson, Intel, Rockwell Collins, EMC and others. As a leader in boundary-scan technology, ASSET gives its customers access to a complete solution, extending beyond hardware and software to consulting, service, training and support.

"The speed of test application is a very important factor for a high-volume manufacturing line, but it's really only half the story," said Dave Bonnett, technical marketing manager for ASSET. "The other half is how does the boundary-scan system cope with a manufacturing environment where there is a very diverse mixture of board types being produced. If the controller card or interface pod has to be changed for each type of board that comes down the manufacturing line, then the throughput of the manufacturing line is not going to be very high no matter what the test application speed. That's why the PCI-400 is such a breakthrough. It has the highest test application speed and it is so flexible that it can test or program just about any type of circuit board."

The features of the PCI-400 controller card expand on and are compatible with the other members of the ScanWorks family of boundary-scan controllers. This compatibility allows any test or programming operation developed on any ScanWorks controller to be reused on the PCI-400 without modification in a manufacturing environment. As tests and programming operations move from development to deployment in manufacturing, the PCI-400 setup parameters are established automatically because setup information is included with the test or programming data.

Because of the flexibility of the PCI-400, ScanWorks is able to test multiple identical boards in parallel for high-volume operations or one board at a time in an environmental test chamber, for example. In addition, ScanWorks can logically combine several physically separate boundary-scan paths and then create and apply the tests or programming algorithms for the combined scan paths, increasing test coverage for the board or system.

"This kind of flexibility is extremely valuable for overcoming many of the challenges that contract manufacturers face," said Bonnett. "The PCI-400 is the first boundary-scan controller subsystem that's been specifically developed to meet the requirements of a manufacturing environment. For example, tests often are developed in different ways and for different configurations. The flexibility of ScanWorks with its PCI-400 controller ensures that tests and programming algorithms can be reused throughout a product's life cycle. That saves time and money for manufacturers and it brings their products to market faster."

As for circuit boards with diverse operating parameters, the ScanWorks control software can adjust the system's logic levels to 1.8 V, 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5 V, as well as match the impedance level to the circuit board's inputs. In this way, PCI-400 hardware can accommodate different types of boards without changing the ScanWorks controller card or any fixturing. In addition, the ScanWorks controller card can be a distance of 50 feet from the board being tested and still maintain a test application speed of 50 Mbps.

ASSET's PCI-400 technology also has been integrated into Agilent Technology's 3070 in-circuit test (ICT) system. The PCI-400 controller card and connection pod are available from Agilent as part of its ScanWorks for 3070 product.

"Many of our customers are contract manufacturers looking to improve the efficiency of their manufacturing lines to reduce costs and optimize profitability," said Barry Odbert, Product Manager at Agilent Technologies. "Most contract manufacturers serve multiple customers and that means that they are continually switching the types of printed circuit boards that they are producing. ScanWorks with the PCI-400 running on an Agilent 3070 ICT system gives contract manufacturers the speed and flexibility they need to ensure efficient operations."

In addition to its standard boundary-scan signaling capabilities, the PCI-400 hardware subsystem includes 20 discrete non-boundary-scan signals to enhance the flexibility of the ScanWorks system. These signals can be used to optimize flash programming or for certain general-purpose tasks.

Pricing and Availability

The ScanWorks PCI-400 controller subsystem and associated pod is available now from ASSET InterTech and its authorized representatives. For upgrades to existing systems, the cost of the PCI-400 hardware begins at $9,995. Depending on the options configured, a standalone manufacturing test station of ScanWorks with the PCI-400 subsystem begins at $15,995.

About ASSET InterTech

ASSET InterTech, Inc. develops, markets, sells, and supports boundary-scan testability and in-system programming (ISP) products worldwide. ASSET’s PC-based ScanWorks™ environment allows users to quickly and easily test semiconductors, circuit boards or entire systems during every phase of a product's life, including design, manufacturing/repair and field maintenance. The ISP capabilities of ScanWorks can be used to load software or data into programmable devices after they have already been connected to a printed circuit board. The ScanWorks product family works in conjunction with a standard of the International Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE) society known as the IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) boundary-scan test specification. ASSET's Ensure DFT Services provides high-level design-for-test engineering and development services to the electronics industry. ASSET InterTech is located outside of Dallas at 2201 North Central Expressway, Suite 105, Richardson, TX 75080.

For product information, call toll free 888-694-6250, send faxes to 972-437-2826, direct e-mail to sales@asset-intertech.com or visit the company’s web site at www.asset-intertech.com.