AutoBuzz – Amazing JTAG/boundary-scan Tool for Debug & Repair

Eindhoven, the Netherlands, September 27^th, -  The makers of JTAG Live^TM Buzz and Buzz-plus are proud to announce AutoBuzz, the most exciting addition yet to their no-netlist-required range of JTAG/boundary-scan test and debug tools. AutoBuzz is an amazing tool that uses a unique ‘seek and discover' feature to completely scan a compliant design, and then perform comparative tests using JTAG/boundary-scan.

With only the JTAG scan-chain information plus BSDL models of the JTAG/IEEE std 1149.1 compliant parts (available from manufacturers' web-sites), users of AutoBuzz will be able to connect to their designs via a number of compatible JTAG interface options. AutoBuzz can then be set to gather a complete ‘connectivity map' of any board's boundary-scan to boundary-scan pin connections (either direct or through ‘transparent' devices such as series resistors).

Autobuzz uses two simple operating modes: Learn and Compare.  In Learn mode AutoBuzz scans a known good PCB, establishing a reference connectivity map.  Scanning suspected faulty boards using Compare mode automatically compares the connectivity maps and highlights differences indicating possible faults, including interconnect short-circuits, open-circuits or ‘stuck-at' 1 or 0.

For added reliability and reproducibility a constraints section allows setting fixed drive values of critical pins as ‘guards'.

Since the user requires no boundary-scan technical knowledge and with only a basic scan chain input needed, AutoBuzz is expected to find favour in repair and service centres as well as other debug arenas.

Supported interfaces currently include Altera's USB Blaster, Xilinx's parallel III/IV and USB interfaces, JTAG Technologies' JT 3705 / USB controller, JTAGLive dedicated USB controller and some FTDI based modules.

AutoBuzz joins the JTAGLive range which not only includes the aforementioned Buzz and BuzzPlus, but also the programmable cluster test modules Clip and Script. The latter is a powerful Python based API that enables users to create sophisticated boundary-scan based device or device cluster tests in an easy-to-learn, open-source programming environment. Recent extensions to the JTAG Live Script module also allow users to access embedded test and debug features of many devices through the use of ‘private' JTAG instructions. This capability facilitates test and debugging beyond the boundary-scan test registers.

AutoBuzz is available immediately to buy online

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