Frequency detection-based boundary-scan testing of AC coupled nets

The use of AC coupling capacitors on high-speed interconnects prevents the use of traditional DC-based boundary-scan techniques to test for board manufacturing defects. A solution is provided by a novel scheme that makes use of frequency discrimination using simple digital circuits that are easily integrated with the 1149.1 boundary-scan standard. Simulation results are presented which show the effectiveness of this method, and its robustness and scalability are compared with alternative solutions.