.BSD File Extension

BSDL File

Developer	IEEE
Popularity	Average rating 3 / 5. Vote count: 3
Category	Data Files
Format	.BSD
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an BSD file?

The .BSD file extension primarily denotes files associated with Boundary Scan Description Language (BSDL). BSDL is a language used in the field of electronics and integrated circuit design, specifically for boundary scan testing.

These files contain crucial information necessary for testing and debugging digital integrated circuits (ICs) during the manufacturing process.

More Information.

The adoption of boundary scan testing brought about the need for a standardized language to describe the boundary scan architecture of ICs.

This led to the creation of the Boundary Scan Description Language (BSDL). BSDL files, denoted by the .BSD extension, serve as the blueprint for boundary scan testing, providing detailed information about the IC’s structure, pin connections, and test features.

Origin Of This File.

The origin of the .BSD file extension can be traced back to the development of the boundary scan test methodology in the late 1980s by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Boundary scan testing emerged as a standardized approach to test digital ICs, enabling the examination of internal logic states without the need for physical access to the device’s pins.

File Structure Technical Specification.

BSDL files are typically text-based files written in a specific syntax defined by the IEEE Std 1149.1 standard.

These files consist of declarations that describe the boundary scan registers (BSRs), instruction register (IR), and other essential components of the boundary scan architecture. Key elements of a BSDL file include:

Entity Declaration: Defines the name of the device and its architecture.
Boundary Register Description: Describes the boundary scan cells and their connections to device pins.
Instruction Register Description: Specifies the instructions supported by the device for testing and configuration.
Optional Statements: Additional information such as electrical characteristics and timing parameters.

How to Convert the File?

Converting BSDL files to other formats or adapting them for use with different boundary scan test systems or simulation tools can be achieved through various methods. While direct conversion tools specifically for BSDL files might not be widely available, here are some approaches to convert or adapt BSDL files:

Manual Editing: BSDL files are typically text-based, so you can open them in any text editor and manually edit the content. You can then save the edited file in the desired format. This method is suitable for simple modifications or adaptations.
Scripting: Use scripting languages like Python, Perl, or Bash to automate the conversion process. Write scripts to parse the BSDL file, make necessary modifications, and output the converted file in the desired format. This approach is useful for batch processing or complex conversions.
Custom Tools: Develop custom software or tools tailored to the specific conversion requirements. This may involve creating a graphical user interface (GUI) application or command-line tool that can read BSDL files, perform transformations, and output the converted files.
Third-Party Utilities: Explore third-party software or utilities designed for converting or working with BSDL files. While dedicated BSDL conversion tools might be rare, general-purpose file conversion tools or electronics design software may offer functionality to import and export BSDL files in different formats.
Simulation or Test Tools: Many boundary scan test systems or simulation tools support importing BSDL files directly or in specific formats. Check the documentation of the target tool to see if it supports BSDL files and which formats are compatible. You may need to adapt the BSDL file or use intermediary formats supported by the tool.
Vendor Support: If you’re working with proprietary devices or specialized test equipment, reach out to the vendor for assistance. They may provide tools, guidance, or services for converting BSDL files to formats compatible with their systems.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantage:

Standardization: BSDL files adhere to the IEEE Std 1149.1 standard, ensuring compatibility and interoperability among different boundary scan test systems.
Comprehensive Description: BSDL files provide detailed information about the internal structure of ICs, facilitating thorough testing and diagnosis.
Automation: Automated test equipment can interpret BSDL files to generate test vectors, reducing the need for manual intervention in the testing process.

Disadvantage:

Complexity: Understanding and creating BSDL files require a deep understanding of the IEEE Std 1149.1 standard and the target device’s architecture, which can be challenging for novice users.
Limited Support: Some older or proprietary devices may lack BSDL files, making boundary scan testing impractical or impossible for those devices.
Maintenance Overhead: Updating BSDL files to accommodate changes in device architecture or testing requirements can be time-consuming and may require significant resources.

               How to Open BSD?
                  Open In Windows
                  Text Editors: Use popular text editors like Notepad, Notepad++, or Visual Studio Code, which are available for Windows. Simply double-click on the BSDL file to open it in the text editor of your choice.
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): IDEs such as Visual Studio or Eclipse may also support opening and editing BSDL files, providing additional features for code editing and management.

                  Open In Linux
                  Text Editors: Linux distributions come with a variety of text editors like Vim, Emacs, Nano, and Gedit. You can open BSDL files in any of these editors by navigating to the file location and opening it with the desired editor.
Command Line: Use command-line text editors like Vim or Nano if you prefer working in the terminal environment. Simply navigate to the directory containing the BSDL file and use the command-line text editor to open and edit the file.

                  Open In MAC
                  Text Editors: macOS offers built-in text editing software like TextEdit. You can open BSDL files in TextEdit by double-clicking on the file or using the “Open With” option to select TextEdit.
Third-Party Editors: Additionally, you can use third-party text editors like Atom, Sublime Text, or Visual Studio Code, which are available for macOS and offer more advanced features for code editing.

                  Open In Android
                  Mobile Text Editors: While there might not be specific apps designed for opening BSDL files on mobile devices, you can use text editing apps available on the Google Play Store (for Android) to open and view BSDL files. Apps like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Simple Text Editor for Android, and Pages, Notes, or Textastic for iOS may be suitable options.
Cloud Storage: Store your BSDL files in cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, and access them from mobile devices using corresponding mobile apps. Some cloud storage apps may offer basic text editing capabilities.

                  Open In IOS
                  Mobile Text Editors: Utilize apps like Pages or Notes from the App Store. These apps allow you to view and edit text-based files like BSDL. Download the desired app, navigate to the file, and open it within the app.
Third-Party File Management Apps: Use apps like Documents by Readdle or FileExplorer. These apps offer text editing capabilities and file browsing functionalities. Import the BSDL file into the app and open it for viewing or editing.

                  Open in Others
                  Web-Based Text Editors: Utilize web-based text editors like GitHub’s online editor or online IDEs such as Repl.it or CodeSandbox. Upload your BSDL files to these platforms and edit them directly in the browser.
Remote Desktop: Access a remote desktop environment using tools like TeamViewer or Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) clients, where you can open and edit BSDL files using software installed on the remote machine.
Virtual Machines: Set up a virtual machine running a compatible operating system and install text editors or development tools within the virtual environment to open and work with BSDL files.