ASSET InterTech's Boundary-Scan Test, Processor-Controlled Test and Intel® IBIST are unique tools for access, automation and analysis of embedded instrumentation.

Dead Board Debug

Processor-Controlled Test (PCT) is able to debug dead boards because it doesn't need to boot a board in order to test it. However, power to the CPU is needed.

Most functional tests rely on a board booting before faults can be diagnosed. In the example below, the dead terminal could be caused by more than 50% of the board's buses and devices. The lack of feedback prevents any diagnosis of the fault(s).

However, when testing the same faulty board (shown below), PCT has no problems giving a detailed diagnosis because it doesn't need to boot the board. Instead it takes direct control of the CPU and instructs it to set up and test all devices and buses, working progressively outwards from the CPU. Even if a device like the Boot ROM has failed, PCT can still reach all other devices to test them. This allows all failing devices to be identified.