Production Integration Package for TestStand - JTAG Technologies

Overview

The JTAG Technologies Production Integration Packages (PIP) allow boundary-scan applications to be integrated within a wide variety of existing environments on the factory floor including integration using National Instruments’ TestStand, LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI.

These packages support integration of testing and in-system programming in the form of sub-routines that are called from and report to a higher-level test executive program such as TestStand. Integration allows the test engineer to create an operational sequence that includes other test methods along with boundary-scan. Also, with this architecture, a uniform user-defined interface applies to all of the operations performed at the functional (or other) test station including the boundary-scan applications

Production Integration Package for TestStand - PIP/TestStand

The Production Integration Package for TestStand supports an Application Program Interface (API). The API defines the interface and the communication between the integration package and TestStand. The API also defines the services the integration package makes available to the TestStand test (executive) program. The Application Program Interface can be divided in two kinds:

Controller Specific API

This API can only be used in combination with one dedicated type of Boundary-scan controller.

Controller Independent API

This API is used in combination with all Boundary-scan controllers that are supplied by JTAG Technologies. Supported Boundary-scan applications are the execution of tests, flash programming actions and CPLD programming actions.

JTAG Step Types

TestStand contains a set of predefined types of steps that define the standard properties and behaviors for each step of that type. Examples of predefined step types are: Action, Numeric Limit Test, String Value Test, Pass/Fail test, Label, Goto, Message Popup, Call Executable.


Figure a. Accessing/Selecting JTAG Types

JTAG Technologies has defined additional step types called JTAG_TypesTM (see figure a.) specifically for boundary-scan applications. The JTAG_Types allow seamless execution of boundary-scan testing and in-system programming of flash memories and CPLDs through the TestStand executive.

The set of JTAG_Types are provided as the API with the PIP/TestStand software package. The JTAG_Types can be divided in controller-specific step types and step types applicable for all controllers.


Figure c. Editing Step Options:
Step Options Dialog Box (Example: Edit SetVoltage)

With its built-in support for TestStand, PIP/TS enables the test engineer to rapidly create integrated test sequences containing advanced boundary-scan applications along with a full array of functional tests. Among the significant benefits to the user are:

• One-stop board testing and in-system programming, possibly skipping the ICT step
• Less handling of products and a reduction in floor space
• Lower capital investment, significant fixture savings
• Quicker time-to-market by means of automated test preparation, rapid fault localization, and shorter prototype debug time
• Better quality because of predictable fault coverage and pinpoint diagnostics

Test and Programming Application Flow

The JTAG Technologies product line applies powerful boundary-scan technology to test printed circuit boards and systems, and perform in-system programming of flash memories and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs). Boundary-scan overcomes physical access limitations caused by advanced IC packages such as BGAs. In addition, it simplifies logistics and product handling compared to conventional test and programming methods such as in-circuit (bed-of-nails) testing and off-line device programming. The products of JTAG Technologies are used in engineering departments for prototype debugging and flash memory /CPLD programming, in manufacturing departments for testing and in-system programming and in field service for diagnostics/repair and upgrading of systems.

Development of Applications

Boundary-scan testing and in-system programming applications are first prepared and validated by (test) engineering using the JTAG Technologies software development environment. Depending on the software package used, application preparation may be accomplished manually or in a highly automated manner.

The compiled applications can be executed via any of the high-performance hardware controllers from JTAG Technologies. Test results are presented to the designer in a truth-table format that highlights any differences from the expected response. An optional diagnostics tool analyzes the test results and indicates the probable location of the fault or faults.

Execution of Applications

After the test-engineering phase has been completed, the applications can be executed for proto-type debugging, testing / programming in the production environment or field service. Several execution (runtime) packages are available to meet a variety of different production environments.

Combining boundary-scan with other test methods such as in-circuit testing or functional testing may help achieve the optimal production test strategy for your production process. Execution of the applications using the runtime software packages may be performed on any of the high-performance hardware controllers from JTAG Technologies. Alternatively, in some cases, third parties’ hardware can be used.

Optional Boundary-Scan Diagnostics and Visualization software can be used to interpret the results and to identify the possible fault causes on the target graphically. With JTAG Visualizer, faults are highlighted on the schematics and layout drawings of the design along with appropriate repair actions. Also, the data resulting from execution of an application sequence can be logged for subsequent retrieval and analysis by quality management systems.

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JTAG Technologies: Production Integration Packages for TestStand

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