Kernel testing interface and method for automating diagnostics of microprocessor-based systems
US5136590A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/277
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved testing apparatus and method for testing the kernel of a microprocessor based unit under test (UUT) in which connection to the UUT is made at both the memory connection socket and at the microprocessor with the microprocessor being in place and active in the UUT. The apparatus and method permits substantially full diagnostics of the kernel to be carried out in a systematic and automated manner in which the requirement of manual probing of the UUT is minimized. Connections at the microprocessor permit the development of high resolution sync signals for verification and evaluation of test results. The testing protocol implemented in the method includes the use of testing primitives which permit the development of a signature for each address and data bus line for the identification of the type as well as the location of any faults discovered by the apparatus. The method of testing exploits bootstrapping techniques including three primitives for bus test, data stimulus and address stimulus to optimize simultaneous testing and circuit fault diagnosis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.