Boundary-Scan Cell Driver Sensor Arrangement for PCB Connection Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of Integrated Circuits and the introduction of Surface Mounted Devices on printed circuit boards make it difficult to access circuit terminals for measuring electric connections using traditional multimeters, and existing boundary-scan testing methods are complex and time-consuming, requiring skilled users and complicated test vectors.
Innovation Solution
A method using an electronic processing unit to operate boundary-scan cells as drivers and sensors to determine electric connections between circuit terminals on a printed circuit board, without the need for physical probes or complex test vectors, by retrieving boundary-scan properties, outputting and sensing data, storing, and analyzing it to present the connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional multimeters are used to measure electric connections between circuit terminals, then the measurement method is simple and familiar, but the circuit terminals become inaccessible due to miniaturization of Integrated Circuits and Surface Mounted Devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces boundary-scan cells as intermediary components that are already present in boundary-scan compliant devices. These cells act as mediators between the inaccessible circuit terminals and the measurement system, allowing data to be forced and captured at terminals without physical probe access. The boundary-scan register serves as an intermediary data pathway that enables remote measurement of electric connections.
2Ease of operation
If boundary-scan testing methods are used to test connections between components, then physical probes are not needed, but the testing becomes complex and time-consuming requiring skilled users and complicated test vectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the boundary-scan compliant device self-testing by utilizing its own built-in boundary-scan cells and registers. The device forces data through its internal boundary-scan infrastructure and captures the results automatically, eliminating the need for external complex test vector generation and skilled operation. The device serves itself for connection testing using resources already embedded in its architecture.
3Productivity
If boundary-scan testing methods are used to test connections between components, then physical probes are not needed, but the testing becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous connection testing by utilizing the boundary-scan register's ability to continuously force and capture data through the device's internal pathways. Multiple connection tests can be performed in sequence without physical repositioning or setup changes, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the testing process. The automated data forcing and capturing eliminates idle time between measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and an arrangement for determining electric connections at a printed circuit board between boundary-scan compliant circuit terminals of one or more boundary-scan compliant devices. An electronic processing unit retrieves properties of the or each boundary-scan compliant device and a list comprising boundary-scan cells operable as a driver and/or sensor. Based on this list, a boundary-scan cell connected to a circuit terminal is operated as a driver, and at least one other boundary-scan cell connected to another circuit terminal is operated as a sensor. Data from the boundary-scan register, comprising the driver and sensor data, is stored in a storage device. The steps of operating boundary-scan cells as driver and sensor are repeated for a plurality of cells. The data stored are analyzed for determining electric connections. A result of the analysis is presented.