Processor Emulation Tester targets TI's MSP430 MCU series.December 5, 2011 -
Intended for MSP430 series 16-bit Ultra-Low Power (ULP) MCUs with Spy-By-Wire (SBW) debug interface, VarioTAP®-IPs enable use of dynamic processor emulation tests (PET) to recognise and diagnose hardware faults at board test level. Solution also supports accelerated programming of embedded Flash memory, and users can verify prototype hardware without requiring special commissioning software. Also, fault coverage is provided during production test.
Original Press release
GOEPEL electronics LLC
9600 Great Hills Trail, Suite 150 W
Austin, TX, 78759
USA
GOEPEL Electronic Enables Processor Emulation Test for Texas Instrument MSP430 Micro Controller Series with SBW Debug Interface
GOEPEL electronic, globally leading supplier of JTAG/Boundary Scan solutions has developed special VarioTAP®-IPs for the 16-bit Ultra-Low Power MCU of MSP430 series with Spy-By-Wire (SBW) debug interface. This solution enables the use of dynamic processor emulation tests (PET) to recognise and diagnose hardware faults at board test level. Fast programming of the embedded Flash memory is also supported.
Users now can verify prototype hardware without requiring special commissioning software. Benefiting from an considerably improvement in fault coverage during production test and a reduction in investments in other test and programming equipment.
"The newly available support of the Spy-By-Wire interface marks a crucial step forward concerning availability of our VarioTAP technology for all microcontrollers of the widely used MSP430 series, exceeding the standard JTAG interface," says Stefan Meissner, head of marketing at GOEPEL electronic. "Irrespective of the deployed type of MSP microcontrollers, users can always use the same instruments for testing and programming and thus will cut down time and costs. Production quality will naturally increase significantly."
MSP430 microcontrollers are optimised for ultra-low energy consumption. Based on a proprietary 16-bit design they offer a broad variety of types with different peripheral functions. Using the standard JTAG/SBW debug port, VarioTAP® reconfigures the integrated processor to function as a native design-embedded test and programming controller. Alongside with Boundary Scan (IEEE Std.1149.x) this strategy, often called Processor Emulation Test (PET), is the latest technique in the area of embedded test access technologies and allows for a functional at-speed test of all peripheral microcontroller interfaces. Moreover, VarioTAP® can be used to programme the embedded Flash memory within seconds.
In terms of hardware, the JTAG/SBW interface is controlled via a SCANFLEX® system utilising a TAP interface card (type TIC020). Using its dynamic re-configuration feature this recognised multi-bus module is capable of covering a broad range of different debug protocols.
In addition, within the scope of SCANFLEX® the SFX/TAP16G provides a solution for gang programming of up to 16 target devices. Even the demanding throughput requirements of mass production are met.
VarioTAP® handling is extremely easy: neither does it require expert background knowledge nor does it require additional design tools or processor specific pods.
The new VarioTAP IP models are supported by SYSTEM CASCON(TM) from version 4.6. Like the system software, they are activated via the license manager. SYSTEM CASCON(TM), developed by GOEPEL electronic, is a professional JTAG Boundary Scan development environment which currently spans 45 fully integrated ISP-, test- and debug-tools.
About GOEPEL electronic:
GOEPEL electronic is a worldwide leading vendor of professional JTAG/Boundary Scan solutions and technology innovator of IP based instrumentation. With more than 100 product launches the company became the biggest innovator in the market within the last five years. A network of branch offices, distributors and service partners ensures the global availability of the products as well as the support of the more than 7,000 system installations. Founded 1991 and headquartered in Jena, Germany, GOEPEL electronic employs currently about 180 employees and generated a revenue of more than 22 Million Euro in 2010 (ca. $31Mio). 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. Further information about the company and its products can be found on the internet at www.goepel.com.
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