JTAG Scripting Langauge

Overview

The Eclipse Test Development Environment supports an open, extensible JTAG boundary-scan scripting language to execute commands and develop flows without resorting to C++ programming. Since its introduction in 1997, The ESL language allows customers to create custom scripts for either flow control of 1149.1 test types or cluster testing of non-JTAG parts such as USB interfaces, UARTS, Northbridges, Infrared interfaces, PCI interfaces, CardBus interface and others. All of the scripts developed can be re-used in other targets without changing the code, a basic capability introduced in 1997. Memories, EEPROM and FLASH can be tested with the scripting language, however, Intellitech's FLASH programming interface and Memory Test capability has libraries of traditional SRAM, DRAM, EEPROM, Serial/I2C EEPROMS and FLASH devices. Included with the scripting lanaguage is a comprehensive single-step debugger for developing scripts as well as easy access to the Timing Analyzer for monitoring bus emulation of custom scripts.  The Eclipse ESL or "jtag scripting language" has extensions for interactive GUI control, mouse events, and sophisticated event call backs.  Not only can you re-use test scripts but entire custom GUI for tests can be re-used from one PCB to the next.

ESL enables users to customize their entire test flow including:

• Control and read third party instrumentation
• File I/O - read and write
• Develop customized GUIs
• Access/control pins, nets, busses, and scan registers within a design to improve diagnosis and debug
• Develop customized tests for memories and non-scan logic clusters
• Automate an entire manufacturing test down to the level of prompting specific actions from a test operator

ESL has an interactive single-step development environment, with trace and breakpoints for efficient design and test debug. Third party development tools are also available that support the language.

Simple to write Scripts

ESL is interpreted bytecode. This simplifies program and flow development. ESL supports useful constructs that can be linked together into a 'program' to perform any number of operations using the Eclipse Test Development Environment, Scan Executive Manufacturing Test Station or supported test hardware.

ESL provides a rich set of functions for design and test applications and can be easily extended with application specific commands using C++. Programs can be rapidly developed and will run on either Windows or UNIX hardware platforms.

Specialized extensions to scripting language

ESL has extensions and constructs to support the creation and application of 1149.1 test programs, in-system FPGA and CPLD configuration and in-system FLASH programming.

Test Development Functions

• Eclipse Message control
• Diagnostic handling
• Bus and register manipulation and observation
• Pin manipulation and observation
• non-JTAG pin and bus control and observation
• TAP state control

Test Controller Functions

• Hardware setup
• Control pin voltages
• Clock pulse widths and frequencies

SVF and WGL control

• Apply and observe data

Process and flow control

• Event handling
• Event Protocol

Third party interfaces

• Database handling
• Connecting to software or devices
• Remote Command Interfaces

Re-usable Analog and Boundary-Scan Tests

• VISA - Virtual Instrument System Architecture
• GPIB controlled measurements

VFA^TM

• Visualization controls