Remote Boundary Scanning via Network Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional boundary scanning techniques require physical access and co-location of the scanning system with the target computing system, making them cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for devices like blade servers where opening the chassis is difficult.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a remote boundary scanning system with a boundary scan master embedded in a remote management controller, using a network interface for external communication, and a port-to-port boundary scan assembly to interface and route boundary scan data between peripheral ports, allowing remote access and management of embedded ICs via a network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cable connection is used to connect peripheral port to JTAG bus, then boundary scanning can be performed, but physical access and co-location are required which makes the process cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of boundary scanning operationVSAvoidtime required for physical connection and co-location

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A network interface acts as an intermediary between the boundary scanning system and the target computing system. Instead of requiring direct physical connection through cables, the network interface enables remote communication over a network, eliminating the need for physical access to the JTAG bus while maintaining boundary scanning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical cable connection system is replaced with a network-based communication system. The physical JTAG connection is substituted with network protocol-based data transmission, allowing boundary scanning operations to be performed remotely without mechanical coupling between systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If direct physical access to JTAG bus is required, then boundary scanning can be performed, but opening the target computing system chassis is difficult especially for blade servers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of JTAG busVSAvoidease of physical access to target system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The network interface serves as an intermediary that provides accessible entry points for boundary scanning without requiring physical access to the target system's internal JTAG bus. The intermediary communicates with the target system through network protocols, eliminating the need to open chassis or access internal connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The access dimension is changed from physical/spatial access to the JTAG bus to network-based access. Instead of requiring physical proximity and chassis access, the system enables remote access through network communication, transitioning from three-dimensional physical access to a different access dimension via network protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If cable connection is used for boundary scanning, then testing can be performed, but on-site disposition of testing computing system is required which increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of physical connection setup

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network interface acts as an intermediary that simplifies the testing setup by providing standard network-based communication rather than requiring specialized cable connections. This intermediary approach reduces the complexity of physical connection setup while maintaining full testing capability through network protocol support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network interface provides universal connectivity that can be used for various boundary scanning operations without requiring specialized cable connections or on-site disposition. The network-based approach offers multi-functionality, supporting remote access, file transfer, and communication protocols that simplify the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8656236B2Remote boundary scanning

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Techniques related to remotely boundary scanning of an integrated circuit embedded in a target computing system are disclosed herein. In an example, a host computing system includes a first peripheral port and a second peripheral port. A port-to-port boundary scan assembly is to interface boundary scan data between the first and the second peripheral ports. Thereby the boundary scan data can be routed from the second peripheral bus to the target computing system via a network port at the host computing system.