Intel® Stratix® 10 Device Design Guidelines

ID 683738
Date 8/24/2022
Public
Document Table of Contents

JTAG Signal Buffering

Table 37.  JTAG Signal Buffering Checklist
Number Done? Checklist Item
1   Buffer JTAG signals per the recommendations, especially for connectors or if the cable drives more than three devices.
2   If your device is in a configuration chain, ensure all devices in the chain are connected properly.

You might have to add buffers to a JTAG chain, depending on the JTAG signal integrity, especially the TCK signal, because it is the JTAG clock and the fastest switching JTAG signal. Intel recommends buffering the signals at the connector because cables and board connectors tend to make bad transmission lines and introduce noise to the signals. After this initial buffer at the connector, add buffers as the chain gets longer or whenever the signals cross a board connector.

If a cable drives three or more devices, buffer the JTAG signal at the cable connector to prevent signal deterioration. This also depends on the board layout, loads, connectors, jumpers, and switches on the board. Anything added to the board that affects the inductance or capacitance of the JTAG signals increases the likelihood that a buffer should be added to the chain.

Each buffer should drive no more than eight loads for the TCK and TMS signals, which drive in parallel. If jumpers or switches are added to the path, decrease the number of loads.