XJFlash speeds up XJTAG's Flash programming

XJFlash uses the internal circuitry of an onboard FPGA to create a simple Flash programmer.

This relieves the bandwidth-restricted JTAG scan chain of repetitive tasks such as shifting in control, address and data bits.

By removing traffic from the scan chain, the XJTAG system can achieve close to theoretical programming times for a given flash-memory device.

Simon Payne, XJTAG's chief executive officer, said: 'Using the XJFlash module, we have seen up to a 50-fold improvement in flash programming speeds with certain flash/FPGA configurations.' Used in conjunction with the XJTAG boundary scan debug, test and programming system, XJFlash can be used to erase, program and verify any Flash memory, provided there is an FPGA on the target board and this is connected up to the JTAG chain correctly.

Payne added: 'With this enhancement to the XJTAG system, we have overcome the traditional speed limitation of JTAG programming Flash memories.

'This means that engineers designing complex boards containing BGA, FPGA and Flash devices can do away with a separate Flash programmer and utilise the full power of the XJTAG system to debug, test and program their designs throughout the product lifecycle.

'The XJTAG development system is a cost-effective solution for debugging, testing and programming electronic printed circuit boards and systems throughout the product lifecycle.

'It is used worldwide by design engineers, developers, OEMs and contract manufacturers for producing complex BGA-populated printed circuit boards and systems.' XJTAG reduces the time and cost of board development by allowing early development of reconfigurable test scripts that can be used from design validation through prototype debugging and on into manufacturing.

XJTAG has a network of distributors servicing Europe, Asia, America, the Middle East and Australasia.