Boundary Scan Test of Bus Interfaces

12 September 2011 - GOEPEL electronic introduces SFX-9305/R, another I/O module within the frame of the Boundary Scan hardware platform SCANFLEX. The new module series provides five ports for the universal test of industrial interfaces, which can be completely electrically isolated per relays. Users are now able to combine functional test procedures for bus interfaces such as LAN, USB, CAN or LIN with vector-less working test methods on a unique platform.

In addition to increased fault coverage, the new integration opportunities result in reduced test costs by saving separate process steps.

“Combined test strategies based on deep integrations are an important issue in strategic test planning for our customers says,” Thomas Wenzel, Managing Director of GOEPEL electronics’ Boundary Scan Division. “Simultaneously, we strengthen our OEM co-operations with leading ATE vendors.”

The SFX-9305/R module provides five independent, freely configurable bus ports. The target is physically accessed by a selection of “Bus Access Cables” (BAC). The current configuration is automatically identified, whereby BAC type and quantity are freely definable. By parallel operation of several SFX-9305/R modules the number of available bus ports is practically nearly unlimited. Supported interfaces are LAN (10/100/1000), USB 2.0 (Host/Slave), Bluetooth, CAN (high-speed/low-speed), LIN, RS232 and RS422/458. Additional interfaces are being developed. The available interface functions contain the step-wise handling of protocol layers including bi-directional data transfer. Hence, users can completely control the bus target without additional driver software and clearly identify faults.

SFX-9305 can be combined with all SCANFLEX controllers on the basis of PCI, PCI Express, PXI, PXI Express, FireWire, USB and LAN. It is fully supported in the industrially leading JTAG/Boundary Scan software SYSTEM CASCON from version 4.5.x on. Module programming and handling of test program data are based on user-friendly CASLAN instructions. CASLAN is a powerful Boundary Scan programming language with several hundred commands supporting IEEE1149.1, IEEE1149.4, IEEE1149.6, IEEE1532, and JESD71 as well as mixed signal operations and VarioTAP for emulation test as well as control of chip embedded instruments.