Browser-Based JTAG Debugging via Dynamic Driver Download

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and miniaturization of electronic components, such as Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) and Ball Grid Arrays (BGA), pose challenges in testing and debugging due to loss of physical access and the need for complex test fixtures, which traditional methods struggle to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a web-based JTAG debugging and testing system where the debugging software and JTAG drivers are dynamically downloaded and executed within a web browser, ensuring the latest versions are always available without operating system interactions or compatibility issues, and eliminating the need for manual updates or test fixtures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional JTAG debugging software is installed locally on the host system, then the software can be executed with full functionality, but the software requires manual updates and may have operating system compatibility issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware availabilityVSAvoidmanual updates required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between the user and the JTAG debugging software. The server hosts the latest version of the debugging software and JTAG drivers, delivering them to the client system as needed. This eliminates the need for manual updates on the client side while ensuring the latest version is always available, resolving the contradiction between software reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional JTAG debugging software is installed locally on the host system, then the software can be executed with full functionality, but the software requires operating system interactions and may have compatibility issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating system compatibilityVSAvoidoperating system interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server serves as an intermediary that handles all operating system-specific interactions and software execution. The client system only needs a web browser, eliminating direct operating system interactions on the client side. This improves adaptability across different operating systems while reducing device complexity on the client end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/software installation model with a web-based delivery model. Instead of installing software directly on the operating system, the debugging software is delivered through a web browser, substituting the traditional installation mechanism with a web-based distribution mechanism that is OS-agnostic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the complete JTAG debugging software and drivers are downloaded to the host system, then all functionality is available locally, but the download size is large and updates require re-downloading the entire package

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownload efficiencyVSAvoiddownload size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary portions of the debugging software and JTAG drivers from the complete package and delivers them selectively to the client system. Instead of downloading the entire software suite, the system downloads only the specific components needed for the current debugging session, significantly reducing download size and improving download efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The server pre-preps and hosts the debugging software and drivers in its library, so when a client needs them, they are already available in the latest version without requiring the client to perform any preparation or re-download entire packages for updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If physical test fixtures and probes are used for traditional board testing, then direct physical access to components is achieved, but the complexity and cost of fixtures increases for fine pitch components and BGA devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical access to componentsVSAvoidtest fixture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical test fixtures and probes with a software-based JTAG debugging system accessed through a web browser. Instead of using complex physical fixtures to access fine pitch components and BGA devices, the system uses logical/ electrical connections through the JTAG interface, eliminating the need for complex mechanical test equipment while maintaining component accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8661303B2Mechanism to instantiate a JTAG debugger in a browser

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

An operating system independent JTAG debugging system implemented to run in a web browser. The software executing in the browser identifies the JTAG enabled components in the target system that is to be tested and automatically downloads the latest versions of the appropriate software and drivers from a test server database, together with any applicable patches and software updates.