Version   0.02  2002.11.04  dg/kip

 

Use of JTAG for reprogramming after Flash ROM failure

    For revitalization of DCS systems where data in the flash boot ROM was destroyed, a special
    JTAG chain should be implemented to ensure that the system can repair itself by taking data from
    a consistent DCS board.
    The picture below shows an example of  a chain solution for reprogramming inconsistent flash data.

   A compact connector should be used for JTAG interconnection of the DCS boards.
   It will contain four differential JTAG lines ( DATA, TMS, TRST, TCLK ), driven by RS422
   devices for ground loop prevention.
   AM26LV31C with 4 line drivers and AM26LV32C with 4 line receivers where chosen because of
   their 3,3 Volt capability.
   A high 15kV ESD protected, significant lower supply current, TSSOP receiver device is offered
   by MAXIM : the MAX3094E , which is slightly more expensive ( 1,23$ / 1k / 2002.10.28 )
   It should be considered that the RS422 receivers must still work even if the FPGA on a DCS fails!
   The JTAG outputs of the FPGA are general user I/Os which emulate a JTAG master when
   reprogramming a failed DCS board.

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   One disadvantage of the solution shown above is that DCS 2 must contain a second driver device,
   which will be left unpopulated an all other boards, but requires space anyway.

   This problem could be solved by connecting DCS n to DCS 1 but will require longer cable length.
   For reduced cable length shorter chains with 3 or 4 DCS boards may work fine.
   This will probably not affect security because failure of  three boards at a time will hopefully not
   happen.
   Therefore a single running board will be able to revitalize all other boards in its entire chain.
   A chain with 3 boards is shown below :

 

   

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