Software emulation of Boundary Scan architecture

This paper describes a solution for improving the functional and structural testing capabilities of an electronic product built around one or more programmable devices (i.e. microcontrollers). This can be achieved by implementing a software module which emulates the Boundary Scan architecture and Test Access Port defined by standard IEEE 1149.1. The target devices are the microcontrollers which don´t have these functionalities embedded, often due to increased development and production costs. Once the emulation software is running on the microcontroller, the tester will be able to run a set of standard Boundary Scan tests in a hardware transparent way. The final goal is to extend the range of testing solutions which must be taken into account early in design for testability process for the entire PCB or individual devices.