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ASSET InterTech is the world leader in Manufacturing Test and Hardware Debug Solutions for processor-based boards.

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Testing and Diagnosing Embedded Control Boards

Testing and Diagnosing PC Boards

This Application Example on Testing and Diagnosing Embedded Control Boards can be downloaded in PDF format.

The MicroMaster ("MicroMaster") processor board test solutions from ASSET InterTech can be used to test all types of CPU-based boards. This application brief shows how the solution can be configured to test an embedded control product, such as an automotive or aerospace board.

 

MicroMaster Debug Configuration

In Figure 1 above, the tester consists of a host PC (7) with a Functional Test Controller Card (1), and a Processor Control POD (2). The tester takes control of the UUT's processor via its debug port (4). Once in control, test programs and diagnostics can be directed and sequenced under the control of the host PC. Additionally an I/O Emulator (3) is available, which provides the facilities to stimulate and/or measure activity on the board's I/O connector (5). Using this top-down and bottom-up approach full testing of the UUT (6) can take place in seconds, rather than minutes.

 

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MicroMaster Fixtured Solution

Figure 2 above shows an optional fixture, which can be used to automate the connection of UUT to the test instruments - ideal for high volume production test.

Figure 3 below shows how the tester's hardware components are configured for an automotive application, and the following table shows the test sequence and program, which is run by the tester. Results returned are pass/fail, or pass/fail with full diagnostics to bus and component level.

 

Embeded Control Board Test

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Test Name Test Sequence What it Tests
Power
  1. Power on UUT.
  2. Check key voltages using analogue test card.
  1. Key voltages within range?
CPU
  1. CPU ID Check.
  2. CPU BIST Check.
  3. Take control of CPU.
  1. CPU OK?
  2. CPU infrastructure OK?
General Bus
  1. Boot ROM Bus Test.
  1. Verifies access to boot flash.
Flash Test
  1. ID Check.
  2. CRC Check.
  1. Verifies access to flash from CPU.
  2. Verifies flash and flash contents.
Microcontroller I/O Test
  1. Register Test.
  2. Configure for normal operation.
  1. Verifies communications and buses from CPU to I/O functions.
  2. Verifies I/O registers.
Sensor Inputs
  1. Simulate all sensor inputs using ITT's analog and frequency generation / measurement cards.
  2. Verify sensor inputs using A/D, timer, and general I/O read-back at microcontroller using MicroMaster.
  1. Verifies sensor input connector.
  2. Verifies signal conditioner IC's and components.
  3. Verifies microcontroller I/O functions.
Driver Outputs
  1. Generate and change board outputs by accessing the microcontroller I/O functions using MicroMaster.
  2. Verify driver outputs using ITT's general purpose I/O card.
  3. Repeat for various output levels.
  1. Verifies driver output connector.
  2. Verifies output driver IC's and components.
  3. Verifies microcontroller I/O functions.

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