JTAG Maps vs. DipTrace

JTAG Maps™, a user-friendly extension for Altium, enables engineers to efficiently evaluate the testing capabilities offered by JTAG devices integrated into their designs. Previously, engineers dedicated significant time to manually marking boundary-scan nets within a design to assess their coverage. The boundary scan device model files, known as BSDLs, play an essential role in the JTAG and boundary scanning process by specifying which pins can be manipulated through JTAG. JTAG Maps supports BSDL models and includes an option to 'assume scanner covered.' While many users may opt for the Altium coverage report provided by JTAG Maps, there is also an option to import a more comprehensive analysis. Additionally, data can be exported to JTAG ProVision for in-depth evaluation, allowing engineers to gain further insights. Subsequently, a straightforward message file that encompasses complete fault-coverage details can be re-imported into JTAG Maps for visualization and highlighting purposes. This streamlined process significantly reduces the time engineers need to spend on testing assessments.

DipTrace is professional electronic design automation software for schematic capture and printed circuit board layout, developed by Novarm Ltd and in continuous development since 2004. More than 30,000 engineers in over 50 countries use it, including teams at companies working in aerospace, defense, medical device, automotive, and industrial electronics. For organizations evaluating EDA tools, the licensing model is the main structural difference from most alternatives. DipTrace is sold under a perpetual license: purchased once, owned permanently, with no subscription, no annual maintenance fee, and no loss of access when a term expires. Five editions range from $75 to $995 per seat depending on pin count and layer requirements, and volume, network, academic, and non-profit pricing is available. Technical support is included for every user at no extra cost, including those on the free edition. The software runs entirely offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with no cloud dependency and no design data leaving the workstation — a requirement for many defense and medical customers. Functionally, DipTrace covers the complete design flow in a single environment: hierarchical schematic capture with electrical rule check and SPICE simulation, board layout with interactive push-and-shove editing, shape-based autorouting, differential pair and length-matched high-speed routing, real-time design rule checking, 3D preview with STEP export, and manufacturing output in Gerber X2, ODB++, IPC-2581, and NC Drill. Version 5.3 introduced a native XML project format that works identically to the binary format, allowing designs to be managed in version control systems alongside firmware and mechanical files. Component sourcing integrates Mouser pricing data and SnapEDA libraries. Migration paths exist from Altium, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD, EasyEDA Pro, Pulsonix, and PADS.