XJTAG Boundary Scan Test System

XJTAG Limited is a UK company based in Milton, Cambridge, and part of Cambridge Technology Group. With more than 23 years of experience, it supplies boundary-scan test tools that let electronics makers find assembly faults on complex printed circuit boards where BGA packages and dense layouts leave little room for physical test probes.

The system uses the IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) logic built into CPUs, FPGAs and CPLDs to test boards through a simple 4/5-signal interface. Tests are generated from the netlist and BOM, and faults are pinpointed to a device, net or pin. The suite includes XJDeveloper for building tests, XJRunner for production execution and in-system programming, XJFlash for FPGA-based flash programming, XJAnalyser for debugging, XJInvestigator for repair stations and the XJLink2 controller. Users named on the site include ARM, SAAB, Eaton and Kongsberg Spacetec.

• XJDeveloper: IDE for creating boundary-scan tests and programming setups from netlist and BOM.
• XJRunner: fast test execution and in-system programming on the production line.
• XJFlash: FPGA-based high-speed flash memory programming.
• XJAnalyser: visual debugging of pin states and board faults.
• XJInvestigator: repair-station tool for diagnosing returned boards.
• XJLink2 controller: USB JTAG hardware that connects the software to the board.

An EMS plant in Vietnam can add boundary-scan testing and flash programming to SMT lines for high-density controller boards. An electronics design firm can debug first prototypes without test points. A repair centre can diagnose field returns down to the failing pin.

Boards can be tested without test points, including pins under BGAs, which reduces fixture cost and redesign. Faults are reported down to the exact device, net or pin, shortening debug and repair time. Test and in-system programming run in one production step. The same project moves from prototype debug to manufacturing and repair stations, complementing ICT, flying probe and AOI/X-ray inspection.

PCBs keep shrinking and using more BGA and fine-pitch parts, which limits physical access for in-circuit testing and raises demand for boundary scan. Electronics assembly for export is expanding quickly in Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, and EMS plants need test methods that cut fixture costs while meeting customer quality requirements.

Registered office at CamTech House, Milton, Cambridge, UK (company no. 4682618); part of Cambridge Technology Group. Distributors listed for Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand include Gopalam Embedded Systems and Test Consultant. A free trial can be requested on the website.