Serializer/de-serializer bus and controller for a ASIC with a method for testing the ASIC

摘要

An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) uses a dedicated interface between core logic and an independent Serializer/De-serializer bus (SBus) to provide SBus capabilities to the core logic. In addition to the dedicated interface, the ASIC includes a controller responsive to a set of signals and a plurality of receivers distributed about the SBus. Each of the receivers is responsive to a set of commands that can be reused to test logic and support functions across each revision of the ASIC as well as to test separate ASICs with similar arrangements of support functions without requiring the generation of a distinct scan vector to test the ASIC. Additional interfaces, such as an I.E.E.E. 1149.1 interface, further extend SBus capabilities to external test equipment.