Autonomous JTAG Test Instrument with Embedded Computer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing JTAG test systems require a dedicated test computer for configuration and operation, leading to increased complexity, additional effort, and potential for errors when setting up or duplicating test systems, especially in environments with different computer operating systems and software interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact test instrument with an embedded test computer and JTAG controller, equipped with a web service interface, allows for autonomous configuration and commissioning, enabling network-based control and reducing the need for customer-specific adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated test computer is used for JTAG test system configuration and operation, then the system can perform comprehensive test functions, but the device complexity and setup effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the test computer, JTAG controller, and test execution environment into an integrated portable test instrument. The test computer and JTAG controller are merged into a single device with shared hardware resources (CPU, memory, display, keyboard), eliminating the need for separate dedicated test computers and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable test instrument is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple test functions across different platforms. It includes a web server that can be accessed via standard web browsers, allowing the same instrument to operate with different operating systems and software environments without requiring platform-specific configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a powerful test computer with multiple programs and drivers is required, then comprehensive test procedures can be executed, but the ease of operation and system duplication become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The portable test instrument contains its own operating system and test execution environment, making it self-sufficient. It does not rely on external test computers or their software configurations. The instrument autonomously manages test sequences, data acquisition, and result evaluation, eliminating the need for users to configure complex software environments or install multiple drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the test execution environment from the user's host computer. The portable instrument contains a complete, self-contained test environment with its own OS and software, while the host computer only needs a simple web browser for control and display. This segmentation allows independent operation and simplifies deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices and interfaces are added to the test computer, then more test and measurement procedures can be supported, but the device complexity and synchronization effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable test instrument provides a universal interface through its web server that can be accessed by any standard web browser. This single universal interface replaces multiple specialized interfaces and devices, allowing diverse test procedures to be executed through a common communication protocol without requiring additional hardware interfaces or synchronization mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 2c
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the autonomous provision of test sequences for a JTAG interface (31) of predefined different test objects (3). The problem of finding a new way to execute test sequences according to the IEEE standard, which does not require additional adaptations to the infrastructure and is independent of test bench specifics with regard to computer operating systems and software interfaces of the test objects (3), is solved according to the invention by providing a compact test instrument (1) comprising a JTAG controller (12) and an embedded test computer (11), which includes an operating system and basic software for autonomous configuration and commissioning of the test instrument (1) as well as a web service interface, and a network connection (15) for transmitting dedicated control commands.to establish at least connections with an external test terminal (2) as a user interface and between the JTAG controller (12) and the embedded test computer (11), wherein the test computer (11) contains a utility programmed in this way to respond to HTTP commands, to control test software for implementing test plans of the test objects (3) and to generate information in the web design.