FAQ – XJDeveloper

• XJDeveloper is available with or without XJAnalyser functionality.
• XJDeveloper is available with or without XJFlash test generation capability.
• XJDeveloper can work with hardware licensing or with network licensing.

The minimum needed is the BSDL file for at least one of your JTAG devices (available from the device manufacturer). Results will be much better and test coverage easier to achieve if you have a netlist for the board you wish to test. This is usually exported from the board design (EDA) tools. If your EDA tools support export in ODB++ format, by using this as the netlist, XJDeveloper will also have access to layout information on your board to improve how it shows you problems. If you have a Bill of Materials (BOM) for your design, XJDeveloper can use the information in it to help you improve your setup and save time in deciding how to categorise devices. Providing the schematics (in PDF format) to XJDeveloper also allows it to help better during board setup. You do not need the board you wish to test in order start the setup, though you will want to verify your tests on real hardware at some stage.

Our recommendation is that customers use ODB++ board data because this contains both netlist and layout information and almost all CAD tools can generate ODB++. However, XJDeveloper supports over 100 formats of netlist, so if you do not have ODB++ we simply suggest you try using yours. If XJDeveloper does not recognise it please send it to us, we will gladly convert it to one that we can support, and we will also add support for your format into the next release of XJTAG software.

Yes, simply edit the board to use the new netlist. XJTAG will migrate all the existing setup to the new netlist.

XJTAG has the ability to add connections (e.g. wire mods) to the circuit model, or to disconnect parts of the circuit (e.g. cut tracks) in addition to being able to mark devices such as resistors and connectors as fitted or unfitted.

We think it is very easy. But mostly you won’t have to, because the XJEase library contains a large number of common devices such as RAM, Flash, etc. The XJEase language is designed so that you work by thinking about the device you are testing, so if for example you want to set the nOE pin high on a chip, that is how it is described in XJEase (SET nOE := 1; ) No need to worry which JTAG device the pin is connected to, or how it is connected, XJTAG works that out for you. The XJEase language means you can do more than just play back a pre-defined set of vectors – you can use IF or WHILE statements to make decisions during tests, and even call other programs from within the tests. The library of tests provided with XJEase contains a wide selection of devices, and you can see all of the XJEase source code for these tests. So if you want to find out how to do something for a new device, look in the tests we supply for a similar device, and copy or modify it. The XJEase library also contains functions for using protocols such as I²C or SPI, and useful functions for tasks such as reading programming information from files in various formats, doing maths operations, etc.

The best answer we can give is to suggest you try XJTAG and let XJDeveloper generate a test coverage report for your circuit. XJDeveloper can also give some indications of parts of the board which are not tested or for which testing could be improved. If you would like to take advantage of a free DFT Coverage Review of your initial design, our experienced test engineers will be happy to provide an analysis of boundary scan testability and make suggestions for improvements to maximise test coverage. Contact us now.

Yes, upgrading is simple and our costs are transparent with no penalty for adding functionality at a later date.

Customers with a support + maintenance agreement have access to both bug-fix software releases and new-feature releases. XJTAG offers support by email and online meetings during UK office hours. Where appropriate we will offer an online meeting to view problems directly on a customer’s PC, or to demonstrate the use of a feature by showing a PC desktop to the customer. In the event of a fault developing in XJTAG’s hardware XJTAG will replace or repair the unit and will work with the customer to minimise downtime (e.g. by loaning a unit during the repair).

There is no difference between the functionality of the purchased product and the free evaluation version. We provide full technical support by telephone and email, to help with the set-up or troubleshoot any issues during your trial. You will also have access to XJTAG’s device test libraries and latest software upgrades, during your 30-day evaluation period.

Yes. If you already have XJDeveloper for evaluation, you can continue using it without interruption by purchasing the full licence. Contact your XJTAG distributor to make a purchase and have your licence extended.