XJTAG launches new chain debugger to fast track prototype development

the new chain debugger abstracts engineers from the complexity of the JTAG standard and significantly improves board set-up time and fault diagnostics

XJTAG also integrates development and run-time environments to further reduce NPI timescales

XJTAG to demonstrate the new chain debugger at Electronica (Hall A1/Booth 358), November 11-14 2008, New Munich Trade Fair Center, Germany

CAMBRIDGE, England, November 11, 2008 — XJTAG, a leading global supplier of IEEE Std. 1149.x boundary scan development systems, has introduced a new JTAG chain debugger to enable engineers using its boundary scan system to significantly improve printed circuit board (PCB) set-up times and to quickly troubleshoot faults on early prototype circuits.

The new XJTAG chain debugger abstracts developers from the complexity of the JTAG standard and allows engineers developing complex ball grid array populated circuits to get their new prototype boards up and running extremely rapidly.

The XJTAG chain debugger can quickly verify the integrity of the JTAG chain, and by matching JTAG device codes to their respective BSDL files, engineers can instantaneously diagnose the specific location of an error in the JTAG chain, such as a short or open circuit, poor joint or incorrect connection.

Diagnostic output from the new chain debugger is also much improved and there is an option for engineers to print out the complete contents of the scan chain in the event of a problem, including binary and hex versions of the results.

Dominic Plunkett, XJTAG’s chief technology officer, said: “This powerful and feature-rich chain debugger is a significant enhancement to our boundary scan development system and will speed up the development process. It is particularly useful for engineers bringing up JTAG for the first time on a prototype board. Once the JTAG chain is working the XJTAG development system provides a rapid method for testing the rest of the board.”

To further improve prototype development and to speed up new product introduction timescales, XJTAG has integrated its development and run-time environments (XJDeveloper and XJRunner). Now a hardware engineer can develop and run code within the same environment, thereby avoiding the arduous and time consuming process of switching between applications.

XJTAG’s boundary scan development system is a cost-effective solution for the entire product lifecycle. It is used worldwide by design engineers, developers, OEMs and contract manufacturers for debugging, testing and programming complex PCBs and systems.

For more information about the XJTAG development system, please contact XJTAG, St John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0DS, UK. Telephone +44 (0) 1223 223007, fax +44 (0) 1223 223009 or email enquiries@xjtag.com. Alternatively, visit www.xjtag.com.

XJTAG will be demonstrating the new chain debugger at Electronica (Hall A1/Booth 358), November 11-14 2008, New Munich Trade Fair Center, Germany.

About XJTAG (www.xjtag.com)

XJTAG is a leading global supplier of IEEE Std. 1149.x compliant boundary scan development systems. XJTAG offers a highly competitive solution for designers and developers of electronic printed circuit boards and systems. Utilising XJTAG allows the circuit design, development and manufacturing process to be shortened significantly by facilitating early development of reconfigurable and re-useable test scripts that can be used from design validation through prototype debugging and on into manufacturing.

The XJTAG development system enables engineers to debug and test a high proportion of the circuit (both JTAG and non-JTAG/cluster devices) including BGA and chip scale packages, such as SDRAMs, Ethernet controllers, video interfaces, Flash memories, FPGAs and microprocessors. XJTAG also enables In-System Programming of FPGAs, CPLDs and Flash memories, and XJTAG clients have access to a library of device-centric test scripts.

XJTAG is based in Cambridge, UK, and is part of the Cambridge Technology Group. XJTAG has a global network of distributors servicing Europe, the Far East, North and South America, the Middle East and Australasia.