Data processing system, circuit arrangement and program product including multi-path scan interface and methods thereof

摘要

A data processing system, circuit arrangement, program product, and method thereof utilize a multi-path scan interface that is capable of providing multiple scan paths into a plurality of scan ring segments in an integrated circuit device. The multi-path scan interface utilizes one or more multiplexers coupled between scan in and scan out ports and at least one scan ring segment to provide alternate scan paths depending upon select signals supplied to each multiplexer. With such a configuration, a standardized scan interface may developed for interfacing with a wide variety of scan ring segments, and optionally, for multiple purposes. As a result, the amount of custom circuitry necessary to provide access to scan ring segments is significantly reduced.