ASSET InterTech announced a new online service that validates the accuracy of boundary scan description language (BSDL) files. These files describe the boundary-scan characteristics of semiconductor devices.
 
ASSET collaborated with Agilent Technologies on the development of the service. ASSET will host and support the Website on an ongoing basis. Agilent previously offered an email-based BSDL checker, which has been used over 90,000 times by chip suppliers. The new BSDL Validation Service expands on its predecessor's capabilities and is available in an easy-to-use Web browser interface.
 
BSDL files perform boundary scan tests or programming operations on electronic circuit boards and systems. The files are used to build a model of the unit under test to apply test patterns or programming algorithms to it. An inaccurate BSDL file can cause faulty results when boundary scan operations take place.
 
“Before JTAG tests can be automatically generated, the engineer has to have BSDL files for all of the devices on a scan chain,” said Alan Sguigna, VP of sales and marketing for ASSET. “So the whole process begins with BSDL files. Anything we can do to help chip suppliers verify the accuracy of BSDL files will greatly improve the testability of printed circuit boards and systems for hardware manufacturers.”
 
The free service is available at www.asset-intertech.com/bsdl_service.
 
After creating a user account and password, a BSDL file can be submitted to the tool immediately. The tool retains a history of each user's submissions and, for a limited time, it will store the results of a syntax check and any test patterns that are generated. These outputs from can be downloaded at any time.