BSDL
Boundary Scan Description Language (BSDL) is a subset of VHDL that is used to describe how JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) is implemented in a particular device. For a device to be JTAG compliant, it must have an associated BSDL file. These files are often available for download from manufacturers' websites.
JTAG systems use the information contained in a BSDL file to work out how to access a device in the JTAG chain.
BSDL files contain the following elements:
- Entity Description: Statements naming the device or a section of its functionality.
- Generic Parameter: A value such as a package type. The value may come from outside the current entity.
- Port Description: Describes the nature of the pins on the device (input, output, bidirectional, linkage).
- Use Statements: References external definitions (such as IEEE 1149.1).
- Pin Mapping(s): Maps logical signals in the device to physical pins.
- Scan Port Identification: Defines the pins used on the device to access the JTAG capabilities (TDI, TDO, etc - the Test Access Port).
- Instruction Register Description: The signals used for accessing JTAG device modes.
- Register Access Description: Which register is placed between TDI and TDO for each JTAG instruction.
- Boundary Register Description: List of the boundary scan cells and their functionality.