Testing device

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a test device, and more particularly to a test device of a device that connects a communication processing unit that performs a predetermined communication process and a main body unit by a connector.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, digital consumer devices that integrate AV devices such as digital televisions, personal computers, and communication devices have appeared. As a standard for data transmission between such devices, there is IEEE1394, which is a high-speed serial interface.

【0003】

Digital transmission in accordance with IEEE1394 does not deteriorate in quality and has copyright protection technology. Therefore, for example, it handles high-quality digital contents such as digital televisions and AV-HDDs that receive digital broadcasts. There is a strong desire for mounting in devices.

【0004】

Since IEEE1394 is a transmission standard, its compatibility is important, so the means for realizing transmission in accordance with the IEEE1394 standard in general products is being developed as a common module rather than being developed individually for each product. .. This common IEEE1394 function module was connected to the main body with a connector to make a product.

【0005】

IEEE1394 requires not only signal processing by hardware (hereinafter referred to as H / W), but also information exchange between connected devices by software (S / W) and authentication of the other device, and its interface (hereinafter referred to as H / W). , I / F) Modules also need to be controlled by S / W. Therefore, at the time of its development, a special IEEE1394 functional module for testing is created for S / W testing, and testing is performed with this module.

【0006】

A test 1394 function module based on the conventional IEEE1394 (hereinafter referred to as 1394) will be described. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a conventional 1394 function module for testing. The conventional test 1394 function module adds a debug connector 450 and a stream monitor connector 460 that input and output test signals to the 1394 function module that realizes the normal 1394 function.

【0007】

The test 1394 function module 400 inputs a 1394 compliant signal from the 1394 connectors 421, 422, and 423, performs signal conversion with PHY431 and LINK432, and converts the received packet into a real-time signal stream (for example, MPEG stream signal). Convert and send to the main body via TSout462 and connector 440. The stream acquired from the main body via the connector 440 is converted into a 1394 packet by LINK432 and PHY431 from TSin461, and output from 1394 connectors 421, 422, and 423. Further, the stream monitor connector 460 is connected to TSin461 and TSout462. The CPU 411 is connected to the ROM 412, RAM 413, and LINK 432 by the CPU bus 414, and controls the transmission / reception and signal processing of signals according to 1394 according to the program recorded in the ROM 412. The CPU 411 has a built-in debug I / F and a communication I / F, and the communication I / F is connected to the main body side via the communication line 441 and the connector 440. The debug I / F is connected to the debug connector 450 by the debug signal line 451.

【0008】

In the test, the module board and the host board were connected by directly connecting the IC that processes the real-time signal and the host board that has the CPU system that controls the entire system, and the debug connector 450 on the module board was connected while the real-time signal was flowing. The S / W test was performed by sending a debug control signal from the connected debug test device. Further, if necessary, the operation of the test 1394 function module 400 is confirmed by connecting a device for monitoring the stream to the stream monitor connector 460 and checking the stream.

【0009】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in the conventional communication module that performs communication processing, there is a problem that a test connector for connecting to the test device must be provided on the module substrate in order to perform the test.

【0010】

First, when the debug connector 450 is mounted on the module board, a space for arranging the debug connector 450 is required, and there is a problem that it is difficult to miniaturize the module board.

【0011】

Second, assuming that the debug connector 450 part is not built on the module board at the time of commercialization, if the debug connector 450 is mounted on the module board during S / W development, the module board will be mounted on the host board. When performing S / W debugging, the mounting position of the module board on the host board on the horizontal plane and the arrangement of its peripheral parts are different from the final product, making it difficult to miniaturize the host board or recreating the host board. It may be necessary. In addition, if the debug connector 450 is removed at the time of commercialization, there is a problem that S / W cannot be developed by the final board, and defects caused by the final board that occurs on the verge of commercialization or after commercialization cannot be analyzed. ..

【0012】

Thirdly, when monitoring the real-time signal used between the module board and the host board, a monitor connector or a monitor land must be prepared on either board, which leads to an increase in the area of the board.

【0013】

Furthermore, fourthly, there is a problem that there is no partner to supply real-time signals and control signals without a host board, and S / W development must always be performed in combination with a host board. When developing an S / W with a module board alone, it is necessary to provide a power supply terminal on the module and supply power exclusively, which requires an area on the module board and also requires preparation of a dedicated power supply. is there.

【0014】

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a test apparatus capable of performing a test on a product in a form at the time of commercialization.

【0015】

[Means for solving problems]

In the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, in a test device of an apparatus for connecting a communication processing unit that performs a predetermined communication process and a main body portion by a connector, a first connector to be connected to the connector of the main body portion and the above. A predetermined signal line of the main body unit having a second connector to be connected to a connector of a communication processing unit and a third connector to be connected to a predetermined test device, or the predetermined signal line of the main body unit to be connected to the first connector. Provided is a test apparatus, characterized in that a predetermined signal line of the communication processing unit connected to the second connector is connected to the third connector.

【0016】

In a test device having such a configuration, when testing a device in which the communication processing unit and the circuit of the main body are connected via a connector, the test device is connected to the connector of the main body by the first connector and communication processing is performed by the second connector. Connect with the connector of the part. The third connector takes out a desired signal line from the circuit of the communication processing unit or the main body connected to the first connector or the second connector, and connects to a predetermined test device.

【0017】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, a signal compliant with IEEE1394 is connected to the host board, which is the main body that receives digital broadcasts and processes the input transport stream (hereinafter referred to as TS), to the host board via a connector. An example of a test device for testing the 1394 function module, which is a communication unit for processing, and the 1394 function module of the device composed of the 1394 function module will be described.

【0018】

First, the test apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a test device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The 1394 test board 100 includes a test device, for example, a debug connector 110 for connecting a debugger, a power supply 121 and a power switch (hereinafter referred to as a power supply SW) 122 for supplying power to the 1394 function module as needed, and a TS signal. It is composed of a TSin monitor connector 131 for connecting a monitoring device, a TSout monitor connector 132, a connection connector 141 for connecting to a 1394 function module, and a connection connector 142 for connecting to a host board.

【0019】

The debug connector 110 is a connector for connecting to a debug device for S / W debugging. The debug connector 110 is connected to the CPU of the 1394 function module via the connection connector 141 by the debug signal line 510. The CPU of the 1394 function module is provided with a debug I / F, and the debug signal line 510 is connected to the debug signal terminal. The debugger connected to the debug connector 110 can control the CPU of the 1394 function module via the debug signal line 510. In this way, the debugger debugs the S / W of the 1394 function module.

【0020】

The power supply 121 supplies power to the 1394 module as needed. The power supply 121 is supplied to the 1394 function module via the connector 141. The power supply SW122 is a switch that controls the on / off of the power supply 121. For example, when the 1394 function module is separated from the host board and tested by itself, the power supply 121 is turned on by the power supply SW122 to supply power to the 1394 function module. By mounting the power supply 121 and the power supply SW122 on the 1394 test board 100 in this way, it is possible to test the 1394 function module alone, and it is possible to develop the 1394 function module separately from the host board.

【0021】

The connection connector 141, which is the second connector that connects to the 1394 function module, and the connection connector 142, which is the first connector that connects to the host board, are located at the same horizontal position on the 1394 test board 100, that is, the 1394 test. It is arranged at the same position on the front and back of the board when looking through the board 100. The connection connector 141 has a shape that can be connected to the connector of the 1394 function module, and is arranged on the surface of the 1394 test board 100 (the surface on which the debug connector 110 or the like is mounted). The connection connector 142 has a shape that can be connected to the host connector, and is arranged on the back surface of the 1394 test board 100.

【0022】

Further, the debug connector 110 on the 1394 test board 100 is connected via the debug signal line 510, and the stream signals TSin531 and TSout532, respectively, the stream monitor connector, the TSin monitor connector 131, and the TSout monitor connector 132. Connecting. The debug signal line 510 is connected to the CPU of the functional module, and the stream signals (TSin, TSout) are directly connected between the 1394 functional module and the host board. Furthermore, the communication signal (not shown) also connects the 1394 function module and the host board as they are.

【0023】

The 1394 function module projection area 150 indicates an area where the 1394 function module and the 1394 test board 100 overlap when the 1394 function module is connected by the connection connector 141. The 1394 test board 100 has the same length in the short side direction as the 1394 test board 100. Therefore, when the 1394 test board 100 is stacked and connected to the host board, the 1394 function module board is mounted on the 1394 function module projection area 150 and is mounted on the host board as it is, so that the 1394 test board 100 protrudes in the short side direction thereof. Absent. Therefore, the components can be arranged on the host board without considering the shape of the 1394 test board 100. In this way, the host board can be designed assuming the final product from the beginning.

【0024】

Further, the debug connector 110, the monitor connector 133, 134, the power supply 121, and the power supply SW122 can be made as small as possible when the 1394 function module board and the 1394 test board 100 are stacked. In addition, it is placed in a part that does not overlap with the 1394 function module board. In the 1394 test board 100 shown in FIG. 1, the debug connector 110 is arranged at a position far from the connection connectors 141 and 142 for connecting to other boards, but both boards are close to the connection connectors 141 and 142. It is also possible to place them in places where they do not overlap.

【0025】

Next, the 1394 function module will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a 1394 functional module to which the test apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected. The same items as in FIG. 1 are given the same numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

【0026】

The 1394 function module 200 is composed of a control unit consisting of CPU 211, ROM 212, and RAM 213 that controls signal processing, and 1394 connectors 221, 222, 223, PHY device 231, and LINK device 232 that perform input / output and signal processing of 1394 signal processing. It is composed of a signal processing unit and a connector 240 for connecting to a host board or a 1394 test board 100.

【0027】

The control unit is composed of a CPU 211 that controls the entire 1394 function module 200, a ROM 212 that is a program memory in which a program is stored, and a RAM 213 that is a work memory. The CPU 211 and ROM 212, RAM 213, and LINK device 232 are connected by a CPU bus (for example, a 16-bit data bus and, for example, 17 address buses, CS signals, RD signals, WR signals, ACK signals, etc.) 214. CPU211 controls each part according to the program and realizes the signal processing function. Furthermore, CPU211 has a built-in debug I / F for debugging and a communication I / F. The communication I / F is an interface for performing control communication with the host system of the host board 300, has a communication means (TX, RX) such as a UART, and inputs / outputs communication signals. The communication means may be an efficient dedicated parallel I / F (Data [0-7], CS, dir) depending on the communication content. The debug I / F is a connection interface with an external debugger for program development, and is connected to the debug connector 110 of the 1394 test board 100 via the connection connector 240 via the debug signal line 510. For example, JTAG signals (TCK, TRST, TMS, TDI, TDO) are used as debug signals.

【0028】

The 1394 connectors 221, 222, and 223 are connectors for inputting and outputting signals conforming to the IEEE1394 standard to the PHY device 231, and one or a plurality of connectors are provided.

【0029】

The PHY device 231 converts the IEEE1394 standard signal input from the 1394 connectors 221, 222, 223 into a physical layer signal and outputs it to the LINK device 232. In addition, the signal acquired from the LINK device 232 is converted into an IEEE1394 standard packet and output from the 1394 connectors 221, 222, 223.

【0030】

The LINK device 232 controls signals such as converting the physical layer signal converted by the PHY device 231 into a link layer signal and transmitting / receiving packets to / from the 1394 bus according to the control of the CPU 211. From the LINK device 232, a TSout signal (TSCLK, TSEN, TSSTART, TSDATA [0-7]) that outputs a packet received from the 1394 bus as a real-time signal stream (for example, an MPEG stream) or a stream input from the outside. Processes a TSin signal (TSCLK, TSEN, TSSTART, TSDATA [0-7]) that supplies a stream for outputting a signal (eg, an MPEG stream) to the 1394 bus. The TSout signal is output to the 1394 test board 100 or the host board via the connection connector 240 via the TSout532. Further, the TSin signal input from the 1394 test board 100 or the host board via the connector 240 for connection is input to the LINK device 232 via the TSin531.

【0031】

The connector 240 for connection is a connector for connecting to the 1394 test board 100 or the host board. The 1394 functional module 200 is superposed on the 1394 test board 100 or the host board by the connector 240 for connection. The connector 240 for connection is connected to the TSin signal by TSin531, the TSout signal by TSout532, the debug signal by the debug signal line 510, and the communication signal by the communication line 520, and these signals are further connected to the 1394 test board 100 or the host board. To do. In addition, a power supply line (+ 3.3V, GND) for supplying power from the host board or the 1394 test board 100 to each IC on the 1394 function module 200 is also connected to the connector.

【0032】

Next, the host board will be described. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a host board to which the test apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected. The same numbers as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are assigned the same numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

【0033】

The host board 300 includes a control unit including a CPU 311, ROM 312, and RAM 313, a stream signal processing unit including a tuner 321 for performing stream signal processing, a demultiplexer 322, an audio decoder 323, and a video decoder, and a 1394 function module 200 or 1394. It is composed of a connection connector 340 for connecting to the test board 100 and a connection connector 340.

【0034】

The stream signal processing unit selects the TS containing an arbitrary program from the tuner 321 of the digital broadcast that is the stream source and the TS containing a plurality of input programs, outputs the TS containing the selected program, and outputs this TS. Demultiplexer 322 that generates and outputs video PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) from, and generates and outputs audio PES, and audio from video decoder 324 and demultiplexer 322 that decodes video PES from demultiplexer 322 and converts it into a video signal. It consists of an audio decoder 323 that decodes PES and converts it into an audio signal.

【0035】

The control unit is composed of a host CPU 311 that controls each decoding device such as a demultiplexer 322, an audio decoder 323, and a video decoder 324 via a CPU bus 314, a program memory (ROM312), and a working memory (RAM313).

【0036】

The power supply 350 supplies the power supply required for each device to the 1394 function module 200 connected via the connection connector 340 at the time of production. At the time of the test, power is supplied to the 1394 function module 200 via the connector 340 and the connector 141 and 142 of the 1394 test board 100.

【0037】

The connection connector 340 is a connector for connecting to the 1394 function module 200, and is a power line (3.3V, GND) supplied from the power supply 350 to the 1394 function module 200, and a stream signal (TSin signal) from the demultiplexer 322 to the LINK device. , TSout signal), communication signal (TX, RX) that communicates with CPU211 of 1394 function module 200 from host CPU311 is connected. Further, at the time of the test, it is connected to the 1394 function module 200 via the 1394 test board 100.

【0038】

The 1394 function module projection area 360 indicates an area that overlaps with the host board 300 when the 1394 function module 200 or the 1394 function module 200 and the 1394 test board 100 are connected. At the time of commercialization of the host board 300, the 1394 function module 200 is superposed on this board. At this time, in order to directly connect the connectors to each other so as not to have as much thickness as possible, an area such as the 1394 function module projection area 360 in which components are not mounted is secured.

【0039】

Next, a state when the host board 300, the 1394 test board 100, and the 1394 function module 200 described above are connected will be described. FIG. 4 is a side view of a state when the test apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

【0040】

At the time of debugging, the connection connector 340 of the host board 300 and the connection connector 142 of the 1394 test board 100 are connected, and further, the connection connector 141 of the 1394 test board 100 and the connection connector 240 of the 1394 function module 200 are connected. To do. Since the connection connector 141 and the connection connector 142 are provided at the same horizontal positions, the horizontal positional relationship between the host board 300 and the 1394 functional module 200 is the same as at the time of production.

【0041】

Further, the debug connector 110 provided on the 1394 test board 100 is provided at a position where the 1394 function module 200 is connected to the 1394 test board 100 and is exposed to the outside, so that a test device such as a debugger can be easily connected. can do. Although not shown, the same applies to the monitor connectors 131 and 132.

【0042】

Next, the signal line between each connector in such a state will be described. FIG. 5 is a signal connection diagram between connectors at the time of mounting the test apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The connection connector 141 of the 1394 test board 100 is connected to the 1394 function module 200, and the connection connector 142 is connected to the host board 300. The debug signal line 510 is a signal line connected to the CPU 211 of the 1394 function module 100, and is connected to the debug connector 110 via the connection connector 141. The TSin531 and TSout532 to which the stream signals (TSin signal and TSout signal) are connected are connected between the 1394 function module 200 and the host board 300, and are taken out to the TSin monitor connector 131 and the TSout monitor connector 132. Further, the communication line 520 that connects the CPU 211 of the 1394 function module 200 and the CPU 311 of the host board 300 is directly connected between the 1394 function module 200 and the host board 300. In this way, the signal lines connected between the 1394 function module 200 and the host board 300 are connected in the same manner even if the 1394 test board 100 is mounted between them.

【0043】

The operation of the 1394 functional module 200 during the test using the 1394 test board 100 having such a configuration will be described. The commercialized product is in a state in which the connection connector 340 of the host board 300 and the connection connector 240 of the 1394 function module 200 are connected, and the 1394 function module 200 is stacked on the host board 300.

【0044】

When debugging the 1394 function module 200 is required, such as during product development, the 1394 test board 100 is mounted between the host board 300 and the 1394 function module 200. When debugging, connect the 1394 function module 200 and the 1394 test board 100 directly with the connection connectors 141 and 240, and connect, for example, the JTAG debugger to the debug connector 110 of the 1394 test board 100 to supply power. By turning on the supply, S / W debugging of the control unit of the 1394 function module 200 becomes possible. At this time, a program that inputs a stream signal to the monitor connectors 131 and 132 of the 1394 test board 100 with a stream generator and outputs the stream to the 1394 bus in real time using the signal is operated. Allows you to debug real-time stream output. In addition, if the stream obtained from the monitor connectors 131 and 132 is connected to an external stream decoder and decoded in real time, the real-time stream input can be debugged by operating the program that receives the stream from the 1394 bus. become. This indicates that it is possible to debug the 1394 functional module 200 without using the host board 300. In this way, the 1394 functional module 200 can be developed independently of the development of the host board 300, and the efficiency of development can be improved.

【0045】

In addition, the 1394 function module 200 and the 1394 test board 100 are directly connected, the JTAG debugger is connected to the debug connector 110 of the 1394 test board 100, for example, the power supply is turned off, and then the 1394 test board 100 and the host are connected. By connecting the board 300 directly with a connector, streams can be input and output between the debugger 322 of the host board 300 and the LINK device 232 of the 1394 function module 200. As a result, it is possible to confirm whether the control unit of the host board 300 operates correctly and the stream is input / output correctly between the demultiplexer 322 and the LINK device 232 of the 1394 function module 200. Further, if communication to the control unit on the 1394 function module 200 is performed correctly, in the program of the control unit of the 1394 function module 200, the output of the stream to the 1394 bus, the input of the stream from the 1394 bus, and the 1394 function module 200 It is possible to debug each of the operations for control from the control unit of the host board 300 with respect to the control unit of the above using real-time signals. In this way, using the host board 300 and the 1394 function module 200, which are premised on commercialization, the board can be mounted in a form close to the final form of the product, and the operation can be confirmed using the actual actual signal. , Highly accurate system evaluation can be performed and development efficiency can be improved.

【0046】

Furthermore, even if a defect occurs after the commercialization is completed, the defect can be easily analyzed by using the 1394 test board 100 for the commercialized host board 300 and the 1394 function module 200. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of failure analysis after commercialization.

【0047】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, in the test apparatus of the present invention, at the time of the communication test, the circuit of the communication processing unit and the main body is connected by connecting the main body with the first connector and the communication processing unit with the second connector. At the same time, the own device is also connected to the circuit of the communication processing unit and the main body unit. The third connector takes out the desired signal line of the circuit connected via the first connector or the second connector and connects it to a predetermined test device.

【0048】

As described above, since the test apparatus according to the present invention is connected to the apparatus to be tested via the connector provided in the original apparatus, it is not necessary to attach the connector for the test to the apparatus to be tested. As a result, the module board of the communication processing unit, which is the first problem, can be miniaturized. In addition, it will be possible to test with commercialized products, which is the second issue. The third problem, real-time signal monitoring, can be achieved, for example, by providing a monitor connector in the test apparatus. Further, the test without using the host substrate, which is the fourth problem, can be performed by mounting a power supply on the test device, for example.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram of the test apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a block diagram of the 1394 function module to which the test apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention is connected.

[Fig. 3]

It is a block diagram of the host board to which the test apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention is connected.

[Fig. 4]

It is a figure which looked at the state at the time of mounting the test apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention from the side.

[Fig. 5]

It is a signal connection diagram between connectors at the time of mounting the test apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 6]

It is a block diagram of the conventional test 1394 function module.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... 1394 test board, 110 ... debug connector, 121 ... power supply, 122 ... power switch, 131 ... TSin monitor connector, 132 ... TSout monitor connector, 1401, 142 Connector for connection, 150 1394 function module Projection area, 200 1394 function module, 300 Host board, 510 Debug signal line, 531 TSin, 532 TSout