Programming external memory via FPGA using JTAG

I see basically two ways:

- Programing the serial memory by programming logic included in your design, sending the data through any of the availiable virtual JTAG functions. I have a similar application, where the programming interface to a serial EEPROM controller is provided by a Source&Probe instance. Together with other test and debug functions, it's operated from a PC application.

- Another option, that is often used for initial programming of flash memory through JTAG capable uP, is by generic boundary scan functions, that can control any FPGA pin. All you need is the FPGAs BSDL file and an universal JTAG tool. There are some projects on the internet and commercial tools as well. The method is rather slow, cause the full scan chain has to be shifted for a single bit toggle action.