Universal Scan Adds SPI FLASH Programming to JTAG Test Tool Suite; Inexpensive Boundary Scan Test Software Programs Flash Memories Through Boundary Scan Chain without Need for Netlists, Test Vectors or Special Test Fixtures

GAINESVILLE, Ga.--July 28, 2005--Ricreations has announced the release of Version 8 of the popular Universal Scan(TM) Boundary Scan Test Software that adds SPI FLASH device programming through JTAG chains without need for all the test files and development normally associated with boundary scan test and programming operations.

Universal Scan is a low level JTAG board and chip debug tool used by hardware and test engineers to view and manipulate circuit card signal activity via the JTAG port in real time while the circuit is running. In the Version 8.0, Universal Scan includes a utility that programs SPI FLASH Memories from any JTAG chain quickly and easily. Users simply tell Universal Scan how the FLASH pins are connected to the JTAG chain, select a data file to load and hit PROGRAM. Nothing else - no netlists, test executives or special fixturing - is required to program and debug the memories.

"There are other big, fancy tools that can load large data files into chips at manufacturing, but designers and bench technicians have been asking us to develop something that is more scaled to prototype and lab environments," says Rick Folea, CTO and Product Manager of Universal Scan. "With Universal Scan, you now have a flexible, easy-to-use SPI Flash programming tool that lets you load small data files into flash memory and debug your boards without all the hassle or expense of production-level tools."

Price and Availability

Universal Scan Version 8 is available now at only $895 USD, the same affordable price that used to just include the boundary scan test functionality. Included for this price is Universal Scan boundary scan test and flash programming software, multi-vendor demo board with 9Vdc power supply, user manual and online training videos, USB security key, and free software upgrades for the first year.

Universal Scan Version 8 is available as a free upgrade for all Universal Scan customers currently under maintenance.

Interested new users may download a free 14-day evaluation copy of the Universal Scan software from: www.UniversalScan.com. The trial is a fully functional version of the entire JTAG test suite.

About Ricreations, Inc.

Ricreations is the world's first manufacturer and producer of engineering tools that take the high price and long learning curve out of boundary scan technology. Universal Scan requires no test executives, no test vectors and no component libraries to maintain. The tools are so simple to use that users are up and running in minutes with no previous boundary scan experience at all.

Note to Editors: Product photo and data sheet available on request.