BMC Boundary Scan Testing Without JTAG Master
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing boundary scan testing methods for computer systems, such as JTAG, require an additional device (JTAG master device) for testing, increasing costs and time, especially when testing multiple circuit boards, as the device needs to be manually switched between boards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Board Management Controller (BMC) on the circuit board that is electrically connected to electronic components, allowing it to initiate and manage boundary scan tests without the need for a JTAG master device, enabling remote initiation and simultaneous testing of multiple systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a JTAG master device is used to perform boundary scan testing, then testing can be initiated, but testing costs increase due to the additional device requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The BMC is configured to autonomously initiate and control boundary scan tests on electronic components without requiring an external JTAG master device. The BMC contains integrated boundary scan controller circuitry that can independently execute test sequences, effectively making the system self-testing and eliminating the need for separate testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The BMC serves dual functions: it manages overall board operations and simultaneously performs boundary scan testing of electronic components. By integrating testing capability into the existing BMC, the system achieves multi-functionality without adding dedicated testing hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
2Productivity
If a JTAG master device is manually switched between multiple circuit boards for testing, then multiple boards can be tested, but testing time increases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The BMC autonomously manages the testing process across multiple circuit boards without requiring manual intervention. It can automatically initiate tests, control test sequences, and manage communication with electronic components, eliminating the time-consuming manual switching of external JTAG master devices between boards.
Solution Approach 2:
The BMC pre-configures the boundary scan controller and establishes test parameters before actual testing begins. This preliminary setup allows the testing process to proceed automatically and efficiently when multiple boards need to be tested, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration between boards.
3Productivity
If multiple JTAG master devices are used to test multiple circuit boards simultaneously, then testing time is reduced, but testing costs increase due to additional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The BMC serves as both a system management controller and a boundary scan master device, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing equipment. This multi-functionality allows a single BMC to perform testing that would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, maintaining high productivity while reducing device count and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing function is merged with the existing BMC rather than being implemented as a separate system. By combining board management and boundary scan testing capabilities into a single integrated controller, the system achieves efficient multi-board testing without requiring multiple discrete master devices, thereby reducing both cost and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system includes a circuit board, one or more electronic components and a board management controller (BMC). The electronic components are disposed on the circuit board. The BMC is disposed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the one or more electronic components. The BMC is configured to enable/initiate a boundary scan test for the one or more electronic component.