NT5000 ROM Emulation Test System
Discontinued Product

NT5000-PXI 3U and 6U

The NT5000-PXI was designed to fit a single 3U/6U or 2 slot and can be installed in any PXI Chassis. The PC must be capable of running any version of Windows XP/7/8 or 10. An include Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides the programming environment for the NT5000-PXI using a dynamic link library provided with the product. The NT5000-PXI CPU Commander is comprised of several functional areas. The principle of ROM emulation is based on replacing the UUT boot ROM with RAM that is accessible not only by the UUT, but also by the PC through the PCI bus interface. This access allows the programmer, or the graphical user interface program, to place any code at the reset vector location of the CPU. The NT5000-PXI CPU Commander expands on this basic concept by adding User RAM for user provided code execution and command RAM, which is used to hold higher level commands such as reads and writes. A special CPU specific Monitor program is loaded in the Boot RAM and provides the essential feedback from the UUT ROM socket back to the NT5000-PXI CPU Commander using the Status RAM area as a pass-through. The only interface required to the UUT is the RESET line, which is used to force a reset when required, and connection to the UUT ROM signals. The primary characteristic that distinguishes the NT5000-PXI CPU Commander from traditional ROM emulators is its ability to provide two-way communication between the ROM emulator and the UUT. While most ROM emulators only provide read data to the UUT, the NT5000-PXI CPU Commander can read back data through the UUT boot ROM socket, which is essential for troubleshooting defective boards. This means the NT5000-PXI CPU Commander can be used on boards that don’t even boot up due to kernel faults.

NT5000-PCI & PCIe

The latest addition to the NT5000 family is the NT5000-PCIe, it requires a PC with one PCIe connector. The NT5000-PCIe have the same features and capabilities as the NT5000-PCI (or the NT5000-PXI) and the software is backward compatible. The NT5000-PCI was designed for the PCI bus and can be installed in any PC with an available PCI slot.

What is ROM Emulation?

ROM Emulation is a powerful and versatile method of microprocessor testing. Introduced in 1985, ROM emulation has emerged as the technique of choice for microprocessor test and diagnostic applications. The board is tested by replacing the boot ROMs on the Unit Under Test (UUT) with memory emulation pods. Each pod handles 8 bits of the data bus, so processors from 8 to 32 bits can be controlled with 1 to 4 pods (even the most advanced CPUs such as the Intel Pentium generally use only an 8-bit boot path). The emulator takes control of the UUT by resetting the processor and, under the test program’s control (monitor program), it can then exercise all functions on the board. Synchronization with the UUT is automatic and requires no additional hardware or connections.

There are several advantages to this testing approach:
♦ The board runs unmodified and at full speed;
♦ No special fixturing is required;
♦ Only a few generic header cables are required;
♦ New processors can be added with just a software update;
♦ The user needs to know ONLY one high level language set of commands;
♦ No assembly language is required to use the basic functions,
♦ Basic functions includes Memory & I/O Read, Write, RAM test, ROM Checksum, Fill, Copy, Move etc; and,  basic diagnostics are available to troubleshoot dead kernels.

From the user’s point of view, it appears that he controls the microprocessor since the controlling link software is transparent to the user. As mentioned above, the ROM Emulation card uses a high level language that enables the user to focus on development of the test procedure (rather than on learning new opcodes of the tested CPU) and move from one test program development to another with minimum learning time.

The CPU Commander™ represents the third generation of memory emulation technology, providing the most powerful and flexible functional test solutions for microprocessor-based boards. The CPU Commander Family includes the NT5000 8 bits or 16 bits ROM Emulation board. The NT5100 Expander board adds support of up to 32 bits boot path. The NT5700 and the NT6000 adds a probe and expand the diagnostics capabilities of the system.

NT5000 ROM Emulation advantage
The NT5000 is the functional test solution for microprocessor based boards. Some of the highlighted capabilities are:
♦ At speed testing with no wait states;
♦ No need to program microprocessor timing;
♦ No special fixturing is required;
♦ New processors can be added with just a software update;
♦ Powerful, processor-independent emulation language;
♦ Provides a functional test with real microprocessor stimulus.
♦ Exercises data, address and control buses.
♦ Multiple Processor Support;
♦ PC Plug-in card which fits in any ISA slot;
♦ Headers to support DIP or PLCC style packages;
♦ Microsoft Windows GUI; and
♦ DLLs to support Visual Basic, LabView, C++, etc;
♦ Can be fully integrated with other PC or VXI cards.

NT5000 Applications
The NT5000 is designed for a variety of test and diagnostic applications:
♦ Go/No go Testing is simple, using the NT5000 plugged in to a PC and connected to the UUT directly through a bench pod.
♦ Mixed Signal Testing. The powerful Emulation Functions (accessed through DLLs) let you write a fully automated functional test and diagnostic program using third party programming languages such as Visual Basic, LabView, C++ and others.
♦ Interactive Troubleshooting. The NT5000 software tools include a front panel macro facility. Using these macros, you can create a menu of troubleshooting commands.
♦ Boot Diagnostics. The NT5000 has boot diagnostics hardware, which helps to locate common kernel faults such as a stuck address or data lines or missing enable signals.
♦ Fixture pods are available for ATE type application.

Wide Range of Applications
The NT5000 can tests an extremely wide range of UUTs and processors, from the 8 bits Z80 to the 64 bits Intel Pentium. Emulates all standard ROMs from 64 Kbits (2764) to 8 Mbits (27080), and down to 55ns ROM access time.

A Broad Range of Support Processors
The NT5000 can emulate most industry standard microprocessors, from 8 bits to 64 bits, including the Motorola 680×0 and the Intel 80×86 families (including the Pentium chip) and RISC or DSP architecture processors. Add new processors with just a software update, adding a new processor is easy with the NT5000, requiring only a software update. This means you won’t have the cost or delays of getting a new pod every time you test a new processor. And for custom processors, you can write your own emulator software using the Emulator Development Tool Kit.

An Integral Part of Your Test System
The NT5000, part of a PC plug-in-card test system, is designed to cut the total life cycle cost of functional testing. The NT5000 is a single-board designed to be plugged in to an ISA slot. It integrates seamlessly into your functional test system, witch means you can concentrate on solving your test problems without having to focus on system integration.

Integration with Other Modules
Synchronization and handshaking with other modules in your test system are provided by the Triggering Bus. The NT5000 can trigger other modules and be triggered by them. The UUT processor can also use the Trigger Bus to synchronize directly with external events.

High-Throughput Testing
The NT5000 advanced design gives you 100% functional testing, high throughput and flexible, universal hardware. Your board runs unmodified and at full speed, exactly as it was designed while your test program gives you full control.

NT5000 Processor Support

The NT5000 CPU Commander™ controls a wide range of microprocessors; from 8 to 64 bits and beyond. At the present time, the following Processor families are supported:

Motorola 680×0 Family
68010,20,30,40,60
Motorola 68HC11 / 12 / 16
Motorola 683xx / 6830x
DSP 56xxx series
Intel 8051 Family
Intel i960 Family
Intel 8088/86/286/386/486 & Pentium
Intel 80c196 / 80196Kx
Zilog Z80 / Z180
TI DSP TMS32C2xx / 3xx / 5xx
Dallas
Maxim
80c310 / 320 and other that are based on the 8051
FreeScale CPU16 / CPU32 / ColdFire

New processor support package are developed on a continuous basis so if you do not see the processor or processor’s you need, call Navatek Eng. Corp. (949)-888-2222 or e-mail to put in your request. Changing processor support does not involve any hardware changes. New processors can be added with a processor support software package. This eliminates the delay and cost associated with hardware emulation pods and protects the investment in your existing hardware. For custom processors, you can write your own emulation software using the Emulator Software Tool Kit. (Some assembly required – no pun intended).

NT5000 Accessories

ROM Cables
NT5300 28 Pin DIP cable
NT5310 32 Pin DIP cable
NT5320 40 Pin DIP cable (16bit)
NT5330 32 Pin PLCC cable < 1Mbit
NT5340 32 Pin PLCC cable > 1Mbit
NT5350 44 Pin PLCC cable (16bit)
In addition all the above cables can be order with reverse pins or as a clip over.

NT5000 Pods
NT5200 8 bit Bench Pod
NT5210 16 Bit Bench Pod
NT5220 8 bit Fixture Pod

Pod ZIF Socket – use to check UUT ROM checksum
NT5300-SCKT ZIF Socket for 28 Pin DIP ROM
NT5310-SCKT ZIF Socket for 32 Pin DIP ROM
NT5330-SCKT ZIF Socket for 32 Pin PLCC ROM < 1Mbit
NT5340-SCKT ZIF Socket for 32 Pin PLCC ROM > 1Mbit
NT5342-SCKT ZIF Socket for 32 Pin PLCC Flash ROM
NT5343-SCKT ZIF Socket for 40 Pin DIP
NT5350-SCKT ZIF Socket for 44 Pin PLCC ROM

Cables
NT5420 Cable kit for I/O ports and cross trigger bus
NT5430 80 Pin high density cable
NT5400 170 Pin receiver wiring cable kit
NT5410 170 Pin Test-head wiring cable kit
Note: The above parts are compatible with the GR2270/71 receiver.

Memory upgrade
NT5510 USER RAM upgrade from 128K to 256Kbyte
NT5520 USER RAM upgrade from 128K to 512Kbyte
NT5530 USER RAM upgrade from 128K to 1024Kbyte

NT5220 Test Fixture Pods

ROM Types Supported: Size: 64 Kbits to 8 Mbits (2764 up to 27080 ROM Types).
Package Size: 28 or 32 pin DIP or 32 pin PLCC. Support for Flash ROM’s and 16 bit wide ROM’s are available.
Other styles available by special request.
Pod Signal Loading: 100Kohm
Pod Cable Lengths: PC to Pod: 6 feet.
Pod to ROM Socket: upto 10″ wirewarp or NT53XXR (cable with reveres pins)

In addition to the fixture pod, Navatek Eng. Corp. offer a wiring kit for the GR2270/71 receiver.
NT5430 80 Pin high density cable
NT5400 170 Pin receiver wiring cable kit
NT5410 170 Pin Test-head wiring cable kit