JTAG Technologies has launched JTAG Function Test (JFT), which is says will bridge the gap between standard structural boundary-scan testing and functional verification.

“JFT makes use of an open-source programming language to give test designers the ability to verify quickly the functionality of non-boundary-scan devices and device 'clusters',” said the supplier.

It is offered as a plug-in module to the firm’s ProVision tool.

JFT uses the Python programming language plus key underlying boundary-scan resources - such as BSDL files and design netlists - to present users with a powerful command and control environment for easy access to device I/O pins.

The functions available in Python support the rapid construction of sequential logic tests needed for functional verification.

"Before now, engineers have often needed to write custom test firmware to create these types of test, firmware that is often not re-usable across projects,” said James Stanbridge, JTAG Technologies' sales manager. “Within JFT test modules can be quickly prepared using a built-in Python editor and re-used across designs. It also includes a
number of sample or template modules for cluster devices and their associated functional tests."

Device test code can be written solely from the functional [test] cluster perspective. Also, a 'bind model' feature supports the re-use of cluster tests by automatically mapping device-under-test pins to active boundary-scan pins.

JFT is available immediately with the most recent release of JTAG Provision (as on CD15).