Scanworks asserts structural tests and diagnostics

Xeon 5500 series processors will be deployed in systems using Intel's Quickpath Interconnect (QPI) platform architecture.

To validate Intel Xeon processor 5500 series-based designs, the Scanworks platform employs Intel's Interconnect Built-In Self-Test (IBIST) embedded instrumentation technology, which is being placed in that company's processors and chipsets.

The embedded IBIST instrumentation is employed by Scanworks to perform margining and bit error rate testing (BERT) on high-speed buses like QPI and PCIe.

The same Scanworks platform with its processor-controlled test capabilities can also test Nehalem-based circuit boards.

Scanworks is able to take control of an Intel Xeon processor 5500 series CPU and assert structural and functional tests and diagnostics on other devices and buses on the circuit board, including the 5520 chipset.

Asset Intertech said Scanworks' validation and test capabilities improve the quality of the system and accelerate a new product's time-to-market.

In recent years, Asset has enhanced its Scanworks platform with embedded instrumentation capabilities such as CPU-emulation functional test, signal integrity analysis utilising embedded Intel IBIST technology and others.

With its automation, data acquisition and data analysis features, Scanworks will continue as a platform for structural boundary-scan test.