Boundary scan-based test system for Triax using Vario Tap

To minimize the test time for Triax, they chose a solution using Vario TAP in combination with a boundary scan.

Faster test times with better test coverage

DSE has collaborated with TRIAX for many years as a supplier of test solutions for TRIAX production tests.
When TRIAX developed their new digital headend products for the SMATV reception and distribution system, it was clear the limitations when using traditional boundary-scan would make the test time too long and not give the required test coverage. TRIAX chose a solution using Vario TAP in combination with a boundary scan. 
We build the TRIAX system on a backend module for their headend system with an ARM.9 processor for module control, an FPGA for signal processing, and 4 MPEG decoders.  

Bent Rytter, R&D Project Manager at TRIAX says:

”We have worked with DSE for many years and see DSE as a competent and flexible partner who always offers good service.”

The advantage of the VarioTAP technology

VarioTAP is a revolutionary technology for the fusion of Boundary Scan and processor emulation. It uses VarioTAP models to adapt platform modules to the target processor. The models are modularly defined as intelligent software IP and offer a multi-level functional structure.

- Core-assisted flash programming / PLD programming
- Bus emulation test/system emulation test
- Embedded Diagnostics Test (EDT)

DSE is a GATE partner with Göpel Electronic, and in cooperation with EP-TeQ and Testonica, the necessary VarioTAP models were developed and implemented by DSE.

The project included the development of a backend module for the TRIAX headend system with an ARM.9 processor for module control, FPGA for signal processing, and 4 MPEG decoders. There are 2 JTAG ports on the board.

The ARM.9 was connected with the FPGA on the first daisy chain.  We do a traditional BSCAN infrastructure and interconnection test of the two devices and then load the VarioTAP model when we want to program the SPI devices for the ARM.9 and the FPGA.

Boundary scan - an integrated method for testing interconnects on printed circuit boards

Boundary-scan is an integrated method for testing interconnects on printed circuit boards (PCBs) implemented at the integrated circuit (IC) level - without using physical test probes. The advantages of this method are less space needed, no need for a large number of test vectors, shorter test times, higher test coverage, increased diagnostic capability, and lower capital equipment cost.

DSE has used boundary-scan in many test applications and has become a national competence Center of JTAG/Boundary-scan in cooperation with Göpel Electronic.
In TRIAX delivery, we included a VarioTAP boundary scan-based test system. 

Download the case here