winIDEA Help

In this topic:

•Requirements

•Functionalities

•Use cases

•Configuration

•Pin toggling

•HIL monitoring

•Synchronous observing via Analyzer Profiler Timeline Window

•winIDEA SDK Example

 

 

Introduction

The mDIO port is located on the side of the iC7 BlueBox Debugger family or a specific Active Probe. It provides digital signals, which can interact with the embedded target. Each signal can be configured either for input or output operation. mDIO cable or test clips are used to connect the mDIO port with the signals around the debugged microcontroller, which can then be either read or controlled by the debugger.

 

 

 

Requirements

•iC7max BlueBox, Active Probe with mDIO port

omDIO cable

•iC7mini/iC7pro BlueBox and iC7 Adapter

oTest clips

owinIDEA version 9.21.215 and newer

•iC5700 BlueBox, Active Probe with mDIO port

omDIO cable

owinIDEA version 9.21.118 and newer

 

 

Functionalities

Pin toggling and triggering

mDIO allows you to toggle the pin states using TC triggers. Additionally, the pin state can act as a trigger itself. This means that a trigger event can change a pin's state from one to zero or vice versa. You can also set a pin as an input and use its transition from high to low or low to high as a trigger event.

 

HIL control

mDIO can be conveniently controlled via winIDEA. You can manually toggle pins, observe their states, and configure initial pin states and directions via Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) monitor which facilitates hands-on control and automation for test scenarios.

 

Pattern generation

mDIO includes a pattern generator feature, enabling the generation of arbitrary digital signals with specific patterns. This capability is useful for generating digital frequencies, PWM patterns, and other custom signal patterns required for testing and analysis purposes.

 

Automation

The mDIO port is fully controllable via winIDEA SDK and therefore it can be used for test automation.

 

 

Use cases

Power control

mDIO can be employed for power cycling a target device, especially when it enters an unrecoverable state. By automating the power control process, you can perform tests and analyze code execution during power cut scenarios.

 

 

Check this topic Target power control using BlueBox & ADIO for more information.

 

 

Watchdog handling

It can be utilized to put the watchdog chip into test mode, preventing unwanted chip resets. Its ability to change polarity simplifies compatibility with different chips, eliminating the need for external inverters.

 

 

 

HIL monitoring

With mDIO, you can manually control the target state, including program inputs. Emulating limit switches or push buttons becomes easier by connecting mDIO to the target's pin. This method enables functional testing without the need for physical switches.

 

 

Frequency communication

The mDIO's pattern generation capability allows the transmission of different frequencies to represent distinct signal levels. By controlling the timing and triggers, engineers can communicate with external devices using specific frequencies, facilitating testing and analysis.

 

Configuration

General

 

 

 

•Pin toggling

•HIL monitoring

•Synchronous observing via Analyzer Profiler Timeline (iC5700 BlueBox and Active Probe)

•Pattern generation (iC5700 BlueBox and Active Probe)

 

 

Pin toggling

You can use triggers to toggle the pins.

 

 

 

 

 

HIL monitoring

If you Run, Reset, or Prepare to attach you can use the HIL Monitor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synchronous observing via Analyzer Profiler Timeline Window

 

 

 

 

•Enable Qualifier | Recording is enabled from start.

•Select Enabled Inputs and Outputs in the Record drop-down.

 

 

 

 

winIDEA SDK Example

You can fully automate mDIO port using winIDEA SDK.

 

 

More resources

•Active Probes - Hardware User Manuals

•Network description - mDIO port general configuration

•Recorder Configuration

•mDIO - Pattern Generator

•HIL Monitor