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ASSET® hosts new online boundary-scan validation service Free service improves testability of circuit boards and systems

Richardson, TX (Oct. 31, 2005) – ASSET InterTech Inc. today announced a new online service that validates the accuracy of boundary scan description language (BSDL) files which describe the boundary-scan characteristics of semiconductor devices.

ASSET collaborated with Agilent Technologies Inc. on the development of the free online service. ASSET, (www.asset-intertech.com) an international leader in boundary-scan (IEEE 1149.1/JTAG) test and in-system programming (ISP), will host and support the web site on an ongoing basis. Agilent previously offered an e-mail-based BSDL checker, which has been used over 90,000 times by chip suppliers. The new BSDL Validation Service expands on its predecessor’s capabilities and is available in an easy-to-use web browser interface.

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.

“Before JTAG tests can be automatically generated, the engineer has to have BSDL files for all of the devices on a scan chain,” said Alan Sguigna, vice president of sales and marketing for ASSET. “So the whole process begins with BSDL files. Anything we can do to help chip suppliers verify the accuracy of BSDL files will greatly improve the testability of printed circuit boards and systems for hardware manufacturers.”

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, as 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 that the BSDL accurately describes the silicon.

“The more accurate BSDL files are, the better off hardware manufacturers will be,” said Ken Parker, engineering scientist with Agilent. “There are few, if any, tools that automate some of the base level checking on BSDL files. This new BSDL Validation Service has significantly enhanced 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.

About ASSET InterTech

ASSET InterTech, Inc. develops, markets, sells, and supports boundary-scan testability and in-system programming (ISP) products worldwide. ASSET’s affordable ScanWorks® environment is easy yet powerful. It 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 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 InterTech is located outside of Dallas, TX, 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.

TRADEMARKS:
ASSET and ScanWorks are registered trademarks, and the ASSET logo and DFT Analyzer are trademarks of ASSET InterTech, Inc. All other trade and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.