System Programs SPI/I2Cs Directly

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CERRITOS, Calif. Corelis Inc. added direct I2C and serial peripheral interface (SPI) based device programming capabilities to the ScanExpress Boundary-Scan System using Corelis JTAG controllers. The SPI full-duplex, synchronous, serial data link is standard across many microprocessors, microcontrollers, and peripherals and enables communication between microprocessors and peripherals and/or inter-processor communication. The I2C bus is a serial, two-wire interface for ICs, serial EEPROMs, and flash memory devices. SPI and I2C interfaces are independent of the JTAG test interface, meaning the same JTAG controller tests the board and performs direct programming of serial EEPROM and flash memories, without operators having to remove the JTAG connector or switch to a dedicated SPI and I2C programmer.

Operators can use the direct programming option of the test-programming-file generator (ScanExpressTPG) to create SPI and I2C programming files automatically. Corelis claims that the generator can detect file types, and programs the device to SPI or I2C protocol. Serial FLASH/EEPROM devices also can be programmed at the speed of a device's theoretical programming time, according to Corelis.

These capabilities are expected to increase test and in-system programming productivity, and reduce device on-board programming time, according to Karla May, boundary-scan product manager, Corelis. A Corelis program lets customers upgrade old controllers to include the direct programming feature.