Asset Unveils Gigabit JTAG Scan

RICHARDSON, Texas -- ASSET® InterTech Inc., (www.asset-intertech.com) an international leader in boundary-scan (IEEE 1149.1/JTAG) test and in-system programming (ISP), has enhanced its ScanWorks JTAG test system with the ability to test high-speed one to 10 gigabits-per-second (Gb/s) serial buses on printed circuit boards (PCB). ScanWorks is the first boundary-scan test system to support the functionality of a new IEEE specification, the 1149.6 Boundary-Scan Standard for Advanced Digital Networks.

The 1149.6 standard defines test methodologies for buses that feature serial AC-coupled chip-to-chip interconnects and/or differential signaling, such as Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel and others. Some types of systems, including high-speed fiber-optic switching equipment, already feature hundreds, if not thousands, of these high-speed serial links. Typically, boundary scan, which is commonly referred to as JTAG from the group that defined the specification – the Joint Test Action Group – only tests DC-coupled device networks on a PCB. With its new 1149.6 capabilities, ScanWorks becomes the only JTAG system that can test both DC-coupled and high-speed AC-coupled nets at the same time on a PCB.

“1149.6 builds on the foundation of the original 1149.1 standard and that’s just what we’ve built our company on,” said Alan Sguigna, vice president of sales and marketing, ASSET InterTech. “Over the last decade or so, we’ve stayed very focused on what our business is all about – providing the most advanced, easy yet powerful, and cost-effective boundary scan technology. Because we’ve done that and stayed ahead of other suppliers who may have gotten distracted, we are able to quickly incorporate new advanced technologies on the solid foundation of ScanWorks.”

ScanWorks supports 1149.6 testing as an added feature. Its automatic test generation tool examines the design of a PCB to determine whether 1149.6 devices are present and if 1149.6 tests are needed. If they are, ScanWorks will automatically generate the 1149.6 test patterns and include them into a test suite for the PCB. The 1149.6 tests are applied concurrently with standard 1149.1 JTAG tests and the results of the entire test suite are reported to the user. If necessary, thorough diagnostics can then be performed.

“The 1149.6 standard was motivated by a need to define boundary scan structures and methods required to ensure simple, robust and minimally intrusive boundary scan testing of advanced digital networks not adequately addressed by existing standards,” said Bill Eklow, chairman of the IEEE Std. 1149.6 working group. “The methods defined in 1149.6 provide greater detection and diagnostic capabilities than existing test structures and methods for these advanced, high-speed digital networks.”

ScanWorks’ 1149.6 capabilities are being demonstrated this week in ASSET InterTech’s booth at the International Test Conference in Charlotte, NC.

Pricing and Availability

ScanWorks with 1149.6 test capabilities will be available from ASSET's direct sales force and its global network of resellers by year-end 2004. Limited-term licensing for a ScanWorks Interconnect Development Station begins at $6,000. Standard and network licenses are also available, ensuring flexible pricing options and low cost of ownership.

Asset InterTech Inc.