Press Release

Boundary Scan Software Platform SYSTEM CASCON™ automates Structure Test of complex Memory Clusters

The newly developed tools enable an unrivalled level of process automation during the interconnection test of memories with severely reduced Boundary Scan access.

Source: GOEPEL electronic
8/21/2007

OEPEL electronic, world-class vendor of JTAG/Boundary Scan solutions compliant with IEEE Std. 1149.x introduces a new generation of intelligent tools for the structural test of complex memory clusters as another feature of the Boundary Scan software platform SYSTEM CASCON™.
The newly developed tools enable an unrivalled level of process automation during the interconnection test of memories with severely reduced Boundary Scan access. They support all IEEE1149.1 application stages, handling of non Boundary Scan components, automatic test program generation (ATPG), automatic pin failure diagnostic (PFD), graphical fault localisation and debugging in a completely integrated environment.

“The new system tools for memory interconnection test are another milestone in our development strategy to ensure highest test automation even for limited Boundary Scan accessibility by a new generation of intelligent tools”, says Thomas Wenzel, Managing Director of GOEPEL electronic’s Boundary Scan Division. “Now time consuming manual analysis is unnecessary, leading to an increase in productivity. Moreover, users will be able to achieve a considerably better test quality with deterministic fault coverage, the utilisation of safe vectors and a clear fault diagnostic to pin level.”

The new solution’s central element is a significantly more intelligent ATPG tool, paired with a further developed processor for pin fault diagnostic. Application of intelligent algorithms allows the ATPG tool to identify the Boundary Scan access points for the memory cluster and also any associated non Boundary Scan components such as buffers or conventional logic. Generation of the test sequences for the extended cluster are fully automatic. This is all achieved in the background by the software by referring to comprehensive built in circuit libraries with model descriptions and doesn’t utilise templates, which must be manually adapted to the cluster. This approach means the tool can generate test programs for each kind of memory or cluster configuration including any control of buffers, even when cascaded.

The ATPG is based on a special synthetic fault simulation, and therefore generates deterministic fault coverage for shorts, opens and stuck-at 0/1 faults with safe and trouble-free test vectors. Definitions and assignments determined by the user are automatically included.
The automatically generated CASLAN code (GOEPEL’s readable programming language), can step-wise be processed and changes can be executed interactively and immediately. It is possible to visualise all registers, TAP states and logic levels on nets and pins, which is extremely helpful for the fault analyses.

Compiled test programs are cross-compatible with all Boundary Scan controllers from GOEPEL electronic. Subsequent to the test execution an automatic fault diagnostic to pin level identifies any faults and these can be immediately displayed in the layout or schematic by the integrated ScanVision™ software feature.

The new IEEE1149.1 tools are integrated into SYSTEM CASCON™ from version 4.4 onwards, and are activated per license manager. The new release is already shipping and is valid for users with valid software maintenance contract, incl. libraries with extendable component models for logic components.

About GOEPEL electronic
GOEPEL electronic, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Jena/Germany, is a worldwide leading vendor of innovative JTAG/Boundary Scan / IEEE 1149.x solutions, offering mature software tools in an integrated development environment, high-performance Boundary Scan controllers and accessories, as well as comprehensive product support and value added services. The company of 125 employees generated a revenue of more than 16 million EURO (about 20 million US Dollars) in 2006, maintaining support and sales offices in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. An extended distribution and service network of more than 300 specialists ensures excellent local and on-site customer support for more than 5,000 worldwide system installations. GOEPEL electronic has continuously been ISO9001 certified since 1996 and has been honoured with TOP-JOB and TOP-100 awards for being one of the best medium-sized companies in Germany. GOEPEL electronic’s products won several awards in recent years and are used by the leading companies in telecommunication, automotive, space and avionics, industrial controls, medical technology, and other industries.