Rapid prototyping of electronic systems

Describes a system for the rapid prototyping, testing and debugging of DSP designs. The DSP algorithm is first coded in a high level algorithmic language. This description is translated by the synthesis software into a structural specification suitable for HDI fabrication. The synthesis process includes the insertion of test capabilities into the hardware to allow for debugging the design. The rapid turnaround of HDI fabrication means that the user can have a prototype HDI module (DSP accelerator) in his hands ready for testing within at most a day or two, and at moderate cost. The DSP accelerator is then placed in a socket on a specially designed board (called the mother-board), connected to a Sun or other workstation, where it may be thoroughly tested and debugged. The debugging capabilities include structural verification, debugging and in-system test. Structural verification is testing the DSP accelerator to see that it is connected together correctly and that all the parts are working. Debugging involves sending test vectors through the chip, stepping, observing internal node values and limited reconfigurability with the purpose of debugging the algorithm. In-system test is done by connecting the DSP accelerator via a cable into the target system. This allows the system to be run at full speed (up to 20 MHz) with the DSP accelerator in place, but still retaining full observability of internal nodes.<
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