Network based diagnostic system and method for programmable hardware
First Claim
1. A diagnostic device for diagnosing a programmable logic device that is embedded within an electronic system, the diagnostic device comprising:
- an access controller configured to be embedded within an electronic system and for communicating to a programmable logic device embedded therein;
a diagnostic control module configured to be embedded within an electronic system and transmitting diagnostic signals via the access controller to the programmable logic device where the diagnostic signals are received from a network in response to a diagnostic request, the diagnostic control module including logic for collecting output signals generated by the programmable logic device in response to the diagnostic signals, and the output signals serving to diagnose the programmable logic device; and
a reconfiguration control module coupled to the access controller for reconfiguring the programmable logic device based on output signals generated by the programmable logic device.
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Abstract
A system and method for diagnosing an electronic device remotely using a network is provided. The electronic device includes one or more programmable logic devices that are configurable. A diagnostic microcontroller functions to communicate to the programmable logic devices and to communicate to the network. To diagnose the electronic device, communication is established to the network and to a diagnostic/repair center. The diagnostic/repair center selects diagnostic commands and transmits them to the electronic device. The diagnostic microcontroller initiates the diagnostic commands on the one or more programmable logic devices to test their configuration and/or functionality. Test results are collected and transmitted back to the diagnostic/repair center for analysis. Based on the analysis, if appropriate, reconfiguration commands are sent to reconfigure the programmable logic device to correct identified errors.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A diagnostic device for diagnosing a programmable logic device that is embedded within an electronic system, the diagnostic device comprising:
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an access controller configured to be embedded within an electronic system and for communicating to a programmable logic device embedded therein; a diagnostic control module configured to be embedded within an electronic system and transmitting diagnostic signals via the access controller to the programmable logic device where the diagnostic signals are received from a network in response to a diagnostic request, the diagnostic control module including logic for collecting output signals generated by the programmable logic device in response to the diagnostic signals, and the output signals serving to diagnose the programmable logic device; and a reconfiguration control module coupled to the access controller for reconfiguring the programmable logic device based on output signals generated by the programmable logic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A self-contained electronic device comprising:
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a plurality of components selectively connected to each other to perform selected functions, the plurality of components including a programmable logic device; a network communication interface for communicating to a network; logic for receiving diagnostic commands from a remote diagnostic device in communication with the network communication interface; and a diagnostic controller embedded within the electronic device and in communication with the programmable logic device, the diagnostic controller including; a diagnostic control module for performing a diagnostic test on the programmable logic device in accordance with the diagnostic commands; and a reconfiguration controller in communication with the programmable logic device, the reconfiguration controller including logic for reconfiguring the programmable logic device based on the diagnostic output signals. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of diagnosing an electronic system comprising the steps of:
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communicating over a communications network to a remote electronic system that includes an embedded diagnostic/reconfiguration controller for performing diagnostic tests within the electronic system, the electronic system further including a programmable logic device that is configurable; transmitting diagnostic commands to the remote electronic system that cause the diagnostic/reconfiguration controller to perform diagnostic tests on the programmable logic device where the programmable logic device generates output signals in response thereto; receiving the output signals from the remote electronic system over the communications network; analyzing the output signals to determine if errors exist in a functionality of the programmable logic device; and transmitting reconfiguration commands to the remote electronic system causing the diagnostic/reconfiguration controller to reconfigure the programmable logic device based on the output signals analyzed. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. An electronic system, comprising:
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an electronic device; at least one programmable logic device (PLD) embedded in the device and including programmable memory cells with values that defined a logic function implemented by the PLD; a first memory embedded in the device and configured with configuration data of the programmable memory cells; a second memory embedded in the device; and a microcontroller embedded in the device and coupled to the at least one PLD and to the first and second memories, the microcontroller including a first interface adapted for communication via a network external to the device, and a second interface coupled to the at least one PLD and adapted for boundary scan input and output to and from the PLD, wherein the microcontroller is configured to execute first and second software modules, the first software module adapted to apply input signals to the at least one PLD responsive to diagnostic control received via the network and transmit output signals from the at least one PLD via the network, and the second software module adapted to store, responsive to reconfiguration control received via the network, configuration data received via the network in the second memory and reconfigure the PLD with the configuration data received via the network. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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29. A method for testing an electronic device, comprising:
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receiving diagnostic commands and reconfiguration commands via a network connection at a microcontroller embedded in the device; executing a first software module in response to receipt of the diagnostic commands, and in executing the first software module applying input signals to at least one PLD embedded in the device and transmitting output signals from the at least one PLD via the network; storing in a first memory embedded in the device a current configuration data set consistent with states of programmable memory cells that define a logic function implemented by the at least one PLD; and executing a second software module in response to receipt of a reconfiguration command, and in executing the second software module storing configuration data received via the network in a second memory embedded in the device and reconfiguring the PLD with the configuration data received via the network. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32)
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Specification