diff --git a/case-lib/config.sh b/case-lib/config.sh
index f859f168..9c6ba288 100644
--- a/case-lib/config.sh
+++ b/case-lib/config.sh
@@ -20,9 +20,9 @@ declare -A TPLG_IGNORE_LST
 TPLG_IGNORE_LST['pcm']='HDA Digital'
 
 # Will be set by the lib function, don't need to set
-# Catches the last line of /var/log/kern.log, which will be used by
-#   sof-kernel-log-check.
-# KERNEL_LAST_LINE
+# Catches the timestamp for a test case start used by
+# sof-kernel-log-check with journalctl
+# KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP
 
 # If not set will be automatically set by logging_ctl function
 # Test case log root
diff --git a/case-lib/lib.sh b/case-lib/lib.sh
index de53bc2c..0b780843 100644
--- a/case-lib/lib.sh
+++ b/case-lib/lib.sh
@@ -38,10 +38,10 @@ if [ ! "$SOFCARD" ]; then
     SOFCARD=$(grep 'sof-[a-z]' /proc/asound/cards|awk '{print $1;}')
 fi
 
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line()
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp()
 {
     # shellcheck disable=SC2034 # external script will use it
-    KERNEL_LAST_LINE=$(wc -l /var/log/kern.log|awk '{print $1;}')
+    KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP=$(date +%s)
 }
 
 # This function adds a fake error to dmesg (which is always saved by
diff --git a/test-case/check-capture.sh b/test-case/check-capture.sh
index 2370cb3c..fb719fe3 100755
--- a/test-case/check-capture.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-capture.sh
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ file_prefix=${OPT_VALUE_lst['f']}
 
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 func_lib_check_sudo
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:capture & ${OPT_VALUE_lst['S']}"
 
@@ -106,5 +106,5 @@ do
     done
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP
 exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/check-fw-echo-reference.sh b/test-case/check-fw-echo-reference.sh
index ee9df0fa..d8459e2c 100755
--- a/test-case/check-fw-echo-reference.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-fw-echo-reference.sh
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ frequency=${OPT_VALUE_lst['f']}
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "echo:any"
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 if [ "$PIPELINE_COUNT" != "2" ]; then
     die "Only detect $PIPELINE_COUNT pipeline(s) from topology, but two are needed"
@@ -93,4 +93,4 @@ do
     done
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_LINE"
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP"
diff --git a/test-case/check-ipc-flood.sh b/test-case/check-ipc-flood.sh
index 0a1ec794..515917f7 100755
--- a/test-case/check-ipc-flood.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-ipc-flood.sh
@@ -32,27 +32,27 @@ loop_cnt=${OPT_VALUE_lst['l']}
 
 [[ ! "$(sof-kernel-dump.sh|grep 'sof-audio'|grep 'Firmware debug build')" ]] && dlogw "${BASH_SOURCE[0]} need debug version firmware" && exit 2
 
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 func_lib_check_sudo
 
 dlogi "Check sof debug fs environment"
 [[ "$(sudo file $ipc_flood_dfs|grep 'No such file')" ]] && dlogw "${BASH_SOURCE[0]} need $ipc_flood_dfs to run the test case" && exit 2
 dlogi "Checking ipc flood test!"
 
-# cleanup dmesg buffer before test
-sudo dmesg -c > /dev/null
-
 for i in $(seq 1 $loop_cnt)
 do
+    # cleanup dmesg buffer for each iteration
+    sudo dmesg -c > /dev/null
+    # set up timestamp for each iteration
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     dlogi "===== [$i/$loop_cnt] loop Begin ====="
     dlogc "sudo bash -c 'echo $lpc_loop_cnt > $ipc_flood_dfs'"
     sudo bash -c "'echo $lpc_loop_cnt > $ipc_flood_dfs'"
 
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catched error in dmesg"
+    # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
 
     dlogi "Dumping test logs!"
     dmesg | grep "IPC Flood count" -A 2
-done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
-exit 0
+done
diff --git a/test-case/check-keyword-detection.sh b/test-case/check-keyword-detection.sh
index fecfd6c8..96d79bef 100755
--- a/test-case/check-keyword-detection.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-keyword-detection.sh
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ duration=${OPT_VALUE_lst['d']}
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "kpbm:any"
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 if test "$PIPELINE_COUNT" != "1"; then
     die "detected $PIPELINE_COUNT wov pipeline(s) from topology, but 1 is needed"
@@ -154,4 +154,4 @@ do
     done
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_LINE"
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP"
diff --git a/test-case/check-kmod-load-unload.sh b/test-case/check-kmod-load-unload.sh
index fd3d683a..c006cfbd 100755
--- a/test-case/check-kmod-load-unload.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-kmod-load-unload.sh
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ OPT_OPT_lst['p']='pulseaudio'   OPT_DESC_lst['p']='disable pulseaudio on the tes
 OPT_PARM_lst['p']=0             OPT_VALUE_lst['p']=1
 
 func_opt_parse_option "$@"
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 loop_cnt=${OPT_VALUE_lst['l']}
 
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ for idx in $(seq 1 $loop_cnt)
 do
     dlogi "===== Starting iteration $idx of $loop_cnt ====="
     ## - 1: remove module section
-    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
     # After module removal, it takes about 10s for "aplay -l" to show
     # device list, within this 10s, it shows "no soundcard found". Here
@@ -75,10 +75,10 @@ do
 
     ## - 1a: check for errors after removal
     dlogi "checking for general errors after kmod unload with sof-kernel-log-check tool"
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_LINE" ||
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP" ||
         die "error found after kmod unload is real error, failing"
 
-    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     dlogi "run kmod/sof_insert.sh"
     sudo sof_insert.sh || {
         # FIXME: don't exit the status of dloge(). Use die()
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ do
 
     ## - 2a: check for errors after insertion
     dlogi "checking for general errors after kmod insert with sof-kernel-log-check tool"
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_LINE" ||
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP" ||
         die "Found error(s) in kernel log after module insertion"
 
     dlogi "checking if firmware is loaded successfully"
diff --git a/test-case/check-pause-release-suspend-resume.sh b/test-case/check-pause-release-suspend-resume.sh
index 954301f7..561f5609 100755
--- a/test-case/check-pause-release-suspend-resume.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-pause-release-suspend-resume.sh
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ esac
 
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 dlogi "Entering audio stream expect script with: $cmd -D $pcm -r $rate -c $channel -f $fmt -vv -i $dummy_file -q"
 dlogi "Will enter suspend-resume cycle during paused period of audio stream process"
@@ -180,5 +180,5 @@ if [ $ret -ne 0 ]; then
     [[ $? -ne 0 ]] && dlogw "Kill process catch error"
     exit $ret
 fi
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP
 exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/check-pause-resume.sh b/test-case/check-pause-resume.sh
index 4daca33a..de0ebe92 100755
--- a/test-case/check-pause-resume.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-pause-resume.sh
@@ -75,9 +75,10 @@ esac
 [[ -z $file_name ]] && file_name=$dummy_file
 
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:$test_mode & ${OPT_VALUE_lst['S']}"
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
 for idx in $(seq 0 $(expr $PIPELINE_COUNT - 1))
 do
+    # set up timestamp for each iteration
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     channel=$(func_pipeline_parse_value $idx channel)
     rate=$(func_pipeline_parse_value $idx rate)
     fmt=$(func_pipeline_parse_value $idx fmt)
@@ -122,9 +123,6 @@ END
         [[ $? -ne 0 ]] && dlogw "Kill process catch error"
         exit $ret
     fi
-    # sof-kernel-log-check script parameter number is 0/Non-Number will force check from dmesg
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
+    # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
 done
-
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
-exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/check-playback.sh b/test-case/check-playback.sh
index c05df2e8..9a2c91dc 100755
--- a/test-case/check-playback.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-playback.sh
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ else
     dlogi "using $file as playback source"
 fi
 
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 func_lib_check_sudo
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:playback & ${OPT_VALUE_lst['S']}"
 
@@ -104,4 +104,4 @@ do
     done
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_LINE"
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP"
diff --git a/test-case/check-runtime-pm-double-active.sh b/test-case/check-runtime-pm-double-active.sh
index 7d0f5453..4e2f861b 100755
--- a/test-case/check-runtime-pm-double-active.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-runtime-pm-double-active.sh
@@ -71,7 +71,6 @@ DEV_LST['capture']='/dev/null'
 
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:any"
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
 
 for idx in $(seq 0 $(expr $PIPELINE_COUNT - 1))
 do
@@ -87,10 +86,10 @@ do
     dummy_file="${DEV_LST[$type]}"
     [[ -z $cmd ]] && dloge "$type is not supported, $cmd, $dummy_file" && exit 2
 
-    # clean up dmesg before the test
-    sudo dmesg -C
     for i in $(seq 1 $loop_count)
     do
+        # set up timestamp for each iteration
+        func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
         dlogi "===== Iteration $i of $loop_count for $pcm ====="
         # playback or capture device - check status
         dlogc "$cmd -D $dev -r $rate -c $channel -f $fmt $dummy_file -q"
@@ -136,10 +135,8 @@ do
             func_lib_lsof_error_dump $snd
             die "playback/capture failed on $pcm, $dev at $i/$loop_cnt."
         fi
+        # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+        sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
     done
-
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
-exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/check-runtime-pm-status.sh b/test-case/check-runtime-pm-status.sh
index d959574f..3344dae7 100755
--- a/test-case/check-runtime-pm-status.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-runtime-pm-status.sh
@@ -65,7 +65,6 @@ DEV_LST['capture']='/dev/null'
 
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:any"
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
 
 for idx in $(seq 0 $(expr $PIPELINE_COUNT - 1))
 do
@@ -83,6 +82,8 @@ do
 
     for i in $(seq 1 $loop_count)
     do
+        # set up timestamp for each iteration
+        func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
         dlogi "===== Iteration $i of $loop_count for $pcm ====="
         # playback or capture device - check status
         dlogc "$cmd -D $dev -r $rate -c $channel -f $fmt $dummy_file -q"
@@ -122,10 +123,8 @@ do
             func_lib_lsof_error_dump $snd
             exit 1
         fi
+        # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+        sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
     done
-
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
-exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/check-signal-stop-start.sh b/test-case/check-signal-stop-start.sh
index a81c15a5..c3a0b6a0 100755
--- a/test-case/check-signal-stop-start.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-signal-stop-start.sh
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ case $test_mode in
     ;;
 esac
 
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 func_stop_start_pipeline()
 {
@@ -116,5 +116,5 @@ do
     kill -9 $pid && wait $pid 2>/dev/null
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP
 exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/check-smart-amplifier.sh b/test-case/check-smart-amplifier.sh
index 214a3843..32e80bd2 100755
--- a/test-case/check-smart-amplifier.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-smart-amplifier.sh
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ tplg=${OPT_VALUE_lst['t']}
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "smart_amp:any"
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 [ "$PIPELINE_COUNT" == "2" ] || die "Only detect $PIPELINE_COUNT pipeline(s) from topology, but two are needed"
 
@@ -114,4 +114,4 @@ do
     done
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_LINE"
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP"
diff --git a/test-case/check-suspend-resume-with-audio.sh b/test-case/check-suspend-resume-with-audio.sh
index 5368f884..cc33e76c 100755
--- a/test-case/check-suspend-resume-with-audio.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-suspend-resume-with-audio.sh
@@ -53,7 +53,6 @@ OPT_PARM_lst['f']=1         OPT_VALUE_lst['f']=''
 
 func_opt_parse_option "$@"
 func_lib_check_sudo
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
 
 tplg=${OPT_VALUE_lst['t']}
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
@@ -88,6 +87,8 @@ fi
 
 for idx in $(seq 0 $(expr $PIPELINE_COUNT - 1))
 do
+    # set up timestamp for each iteration
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     channel=$(func_pipeline_parse_value $idx channel)
     rate=$(func_pipeline_parse_value $idx rate)
     fmt=$(func_pipeline_parse_value $idx fmt)
@@ -111,12 +112,13 @@ do
         ps --ppid $$ -f
         exit 1
     fi
-    $(dirname ${BASH_SOURCE[0]})/check-suspend-resume.sh $(echo $opt)
-    ret=$?
-    [[ $ret -ne 0 ]] && dloge "suspend resume failed" && exit $ret
+    $(dirname ${BASH_SOURCE[0]})/check-suspend-resume.sh $(echo $opt) || die "suspend resume failed"
+
+    # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
+
     # check process status is correct
-    sof-process-state.sh $process_id
-    if [ $? -ne 0 ]; then
+    sof-process-state.sh $process_id || {
         func_lib_lsof_error_dump $snd
         dloge "process status is abnormal"
         dlogi "dump ps for aplay & arecord"
@@ -124,11 +126,7 @@ do
         dlogi "dump ps for child process"
         ps --ppid $$ -f
         exit 1
-    fi
+    }
     dlogi "Killing $cmd_args"
-    kill -9 $process_id
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
+    kill -9 $process_id || true
 done
-
-# check full log
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
diff --git a/test-case/check-suspend-resume.sh b/test-case/check-suspend-resume.sh
index d62f6a93..de5a8e15 100755
--- a/test-case/check-suspend-resume.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-suspend-resume.sh
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ OPT_PARM_lst['r']=0         OPT_VALUE_lst['r']=0
 
 func_opt_parse_option "$@"
 func_lib_check_sudo
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 type=${OPT_VALUE_lst['T']}
 # switch type
@@ -74,8 +74,8 @@ fi
 for i in $(seq 1 $loop_count)
 do
     dlogi "===== Round($i/$loop_count) ====="
-    # cleanup dmesg befor run case
-    sudo dmesg --clear
+    # set up timestamp for each iteration
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     sleep_count=$(cat /sys/power/wakeup_count)
     dlogc "Run the command: rtcwake -m mem -s ${sleep_lst[$i]}"
     sudo rtcwake -m mem -s ${sleep_lst[$i]}
@@ -83,13 +83,11 @@ do
     dlogc "sleep for ${wait_lst[$i]}"
     sleep ${wait_lst[$i]}
     dlogi "Check for the kernel log status"
-    wake_count=$(cat /sys/power/wakeup_count)
-    # sof-kernel-log-check script parameter number is 0/Non-Number will force check from dmesg
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
+    # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh "$KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP" || die "Catch error in kernel log"
     # check wakeup count correct
-    [[ $wake_count -le $sleep_count ]] && die "suspend/resume didn't happen, because /sys/power/wakeup_count does not increase"
+    wake_count=$(cat /sys/power/wakeup_count)
+    dlogi "Check for the wakeup_count"
+    [[ $wake_count -gt $sleep_count ]] || die "suspend/resume didn't happen, because /sys/power/wakeup_count does not increase"
 done
 
-# check full log
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
-exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/check-xrun-injection.sh b/test-case/check-xrun-injection.sh
index 803c5670..da05e1d5 100755
--- a/test-case/check-xrun-injection.sh
+++ b/test-case/check-xrun-injection.sh
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ interval=${OPT_VALUE_lst['i']}
 
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 func_lib_check_sudo
 
 case $test_mode in
@@ -122,5 +122,5 @@ do
     kill -9 $pid && wait $pid 2>/dev/null
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP
 exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/multiple-pause-resume.sh b/test-case/multiple-pause-resume.sh
index 80407815..2427a0ee 100755
--- a/test-case/multiple-pause-resume.sh
+++ b/test-case/multiple-pause-resume.sh
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ set -e
 ##    expect sleep for sleep time then mocks spacebar keypresses ' ' to
 ##    cause resume action
 ## Case step:
-##    1. run 1st pipeline 
+##    1. run 1st pipeline
 ##    2. pickup any other pipeline
 ##    3. use expect to fake pause/resume in each pipeline
 ##    4. go through with tplg file
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:any"
 
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
 
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 declare -a pipeline_idx_lst
 declare -a cmd_idx_lst
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ done
 [[ ${#pipeline_idx_lst[*]} -gt ${OPT_VALUE_lst['c']} ]] && max_count=${OPT_VALUE_lst['c']} || max_count=${#pipeline_idx_lst[*]}
 [[ $max_count -eq 1 ]] && dlogw "pipeline count is 1, don't need to run this case" && exit 2
 
-# create combination list 
+# create combination list
 declare -a pipeline_combine_lst
 for i in $(sof-combinatoric.py -n ${#pipeline_idx_lst[*]} -p $max_count)
 do
@@ -145,7 +145,8 @@ max_wait_time=$[ 10 * $repeat_count ]
 for i in $(seq 1 $loop_count)
 do
     dlogi "===== Loop count( $i / $loop_count ) ====="
-    sudo dmesg -c >/dev/null
+    # set up timestamp for each iteration
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     for pipeline_combine_str in "${pipeline_combine_lst[@]}"
     do
         unset pid_lst
@@ -165,7 +166,7 @@ do
             [[ ! "$(pidof expect)" ]] && break
         done
         # fix aplay/arecord last output
-        echo 
+        echo
         if [ "$(pidof expect)" ]; then
             dloge "Still have expect process not finished after wait for $max_wait_time"
             # now dump process
@@ -187,8 +188,7 @@ do
             [[ $? -ne 0 ]] && die "pause resume is exit status error"
         done
     done
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
+    # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
-exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/multiple-pipeline-capture.sh b/test-case/multiple-pipeline-capture.sh
index 6ed9818d..a4ce93a2 100755
--- a/test-case/multiple-pipeline-capture.sh
+++ b/test-case/multiple-pipeline-capture.sh
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ max_count=0
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:any" # this line will help to get $PIPELINE_COUNT
 # get the min value of TPLG:'pipeline count' with Case:'pipeline count'
 [[ $PIPELINE_COUNT -gt ${OPT_VALUE_lst['c']} ]] && max_count=${OPT_VALUE_lst['c']} || max_count=$PIPELINE_COUNT
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 
 # now small function define
 declare -A APP_LST DEV_LST
@@ -102,9 +102,9 @@ func_error_exit()
 
 for i in $(seq 1 $loop_cnt)
 do
+    # set up timestamp for each iteration
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     dlogi "===== Testing: (Loop: $i/$loop_cnt) ====="
-    # clean up dmesg
-    sudo dmesg -C
 
     # start capture:
     func_run_pipeline_with_type "capture"
@@ -146,13 +146,11 @@ do
     sof-process-state.sh aplay >/dev/null
     [[ $? -eq 1 ]] && func_error_exit "Catch the abnormal process status of aplay"
 
-
     # kill all arecord
     pkill -9 arecord
     pkill -9 aplay
 
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
+    # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE >/dev/null
-exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/multiple-pipeline-playback.sh b/test-case/multiple-pipeline-playback.sh
index e0b97d6d..41048e42 100755
--- a/test-case/multiple-pipeline-playback.sh
+++ b/test-case/multiple-pipeline-playback.sh
@@ -51,7 +51,6 @@ max_count=0
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:any" # this line will help to get $PIPELINE_COUNT
 # get the min value of TPLG:'pipeline count' with Case:'pipeline count'
 [[ $PIPELINE_COUNT -gt ${OPT_VALUE_lst['c']} ]] && max_count=${OPT_VALUE_lst['c']} || max_count=$PIPELINE_COUNT
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
 
 # now small function define
 declare -A APP_LST DEV_LST
@@ -102,6 +101,8 @@ func_error_exit()
 
 for i in $(seq 1 $loop_cnt)
 do
+    # set up timestamp for each iteration
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     dlogi "===== Testing: (Loop: $i/$loop_cnt) ====="
     # clean up dmesg
     sudo dmesg -C
@@ -146,13 +147,11 @@ do
     sof-process-state.sh arecord >/dev/null
     [[ $? -eq 1 ]] && func_error_exit "Catch the abnormal process status of arecord"
 
-
     # kill all arecord
     pkill -9 aplay
     pkill -9 arecord
 
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
+    # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE >/dev/null
-exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/simultaneous-playback-capture.sh b/test-case/simultaneous-playback-capture.sh
index e50f515f..d1d3deeb 100755
--- a/test-case/simultaneous-playback-capture.sh
+++ b/test-case/simultaneous-playback-capture.sh
@@ -57,7 +57,6 @@ id_lst_str=${id_lst_str/,/} # remove 1st, which is not used
 [[ ${#id_lst_str} -eq 0 ]] && dlogw "no pipeline with both playback and capture capabilities found in $tplg" && exit 2
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "id:$id_lst_str"
 [[ ${OPT_VALUE_lst['s']} -eq 1 ]] && func_lib_start_log_collect
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
 
 func_error_exit()
 {
@@ -69,6 +68,8 @@ func_error_exit()
 
 for i in $(seq 1 $loop_cnt)
 do
+    # set up timestamp for each iteration
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     dlogi "===== Testing: (Loop: $i/$loop_cnt) ====="
     # clean up dmesg
     sudo dmesg -C
@@ -112,8 +113,7 @@ do
         kill -9 $arecord_pid && wait $arecord_pid 2>/dev/null
 
     done
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh 0 || die "Catch error in dmesg"
+    # check kernel log for each iteration to catch issues
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP || die "Catch error in kernel log"
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE > /dev/null
-exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/test-speaker.sh b/test-case/test-speaker.sh
index 922a6149..e63cb9f6 100755
--- a/test-case/test-speaker.sh
+++ b/test-case/test-speaker.sh
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ tplg=${OPT_VALUE_lst['t']}
 
 func_pipeline_export $tplg "type:playback"
 tcnt=${OPT_VALUE_lst['l']}
-func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
 for idx in $(seq 0 $(expr $PIPELINE_COUNT - 1))
 do
     channel=$(func_pipeline_parse_value $idx channel)
@@ -54,5 +54,5 @@ do
     fi
 done
 
-sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
+sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP
 exit $?
diff --git a/test-case/verify-sof-firmware-load.sh b/test-case/verify-sof-firmware-load.sh
index 428159c1..ee0a8645 100755
--- a/test-case/verify-sof-firmware-load.sh
+++ b/test-case/verify-sof-firmware-load.sh
@@ -20,13 +20,14 @@ source "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")"/../case-lib/lib.sh
 
 func_opt_parse_option "$@"
 
-if ! alias | grep -q 'Sub-Test'; then
-    # hijack DMESG_LOG_START_LINE which refer dump kernel log in exit function
-    DMESG_LOG_START_LINE=$(sof-get-kernel-line.sh|tail -n 1 |awk '{print $1;}')
-    cmd="sof-kernel-dump.sh"
-else
-    cmd="journalctl --dmesg --no-pager"
-fi
+# hijack DMESG_LOG_START_LINE to dump kernel from file start is not Sub-Test
+# TODO: clean up Sub-Test feature
+alias | grep -q 'Sub-Test' || DMESG_LOG_START_LINE=$(sof-get-kernel-line.sh | tail -n 1 | awk '{print $1;}' )
+
+# flush and sync journalctl logs
+sudo journalctl --sync --flush || true
+
+cmd="journalctl -k -q --no-pager --utc --output=short-monotonic --no-hostname"
 
 dlogi "Checking SOF Firmware load info in kernel log"
 if $cmd | grep -q " sof-audio.*Firmware.*version"; then
@@ -36,12 +37,8 @@ if $cmd | grep -q " sof-audio.*Firmware.*version"; then
     $cmd | grep "Firmware debug build" -A3 | head -n 12
     exit 0
 else
-    printf ' ------\n  debuging with /var/log/kern.log  \n ---- \n'
-    ls -alht /var/log/kern.log
-    grep -na "Linux version" /var/log/kern.log || true
-    printf ' ------\n  cmd was %s, DMESG_LOG_START_LINE was %s  \n ---- \n' \
-            "$cmd" "$DMESG_LOG_START_LINE"
-    journalctl --dmesg --lines 50 --no-pager
-    journalctl --dmesg | grep -C 1 " sof-audio.*Firmware.*version" || true
+    journalctl -k -q --no-pager --utc --output=short-monotonic --no-hostname --lines 50 || true
+    printf ' ------\n  debugging with systemd journalctl  \n ---- \n'
+    systemctl status systemd-journald* || true
     die "Cannot find the sof audio version"
 fi
diff --git a/test-case/volume-basic-test.sh b/test-case/volume-basic-test.sh
index c9983ced..f651baa9 100755
--- a/test-case/volume-basic-test.sh
+++ b/test-case/volume-basic-test.sh
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ dlogi "pgalist number = ${#pgalist[@]}"
 
 for i in $(seq 1 $maxloop)
 do
-    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_line
+    func_lib_setup_kernel_last_timestamp
     dlogi "===== Round($i/$maxloop) ====="
     # TODO: need to check command effect
     for i in "${pgalist[@]}"
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ do
     sleep 1
 
     dlogi "check dmesg for error"
-    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_LINE
+    sof-kernel-log-check.sh $KERNEL_LAST_TIMESTAMP
     [[ $? -ne 0 ]] && func_error_exit "dmesg has errors!"
 done
 
diff --git a/tools/sof-get-default-tplg.sh b/tools/sof-get-default-tplg.sh
index 84c3bc2d..0b2e85e9 100755
--- a/tools/sof-get-default-tplg.sh
+++ b/tools/sof-get-default-tplg.sh
@@ -1,14 +1,12 @@
 #!/bin/bash
+#
+# read kernel log to get topology file loaded by SOF driver
+# Example from an apl up2 pcm512x device:
+#
+# sof-audio-pci 0000:00:0e.0: loading topology:intel/sof-tplg/sof-apl-pcm512x.tplg
+#
+# sof-apl-pcm512x.tplg will be returned
+#
 
-# Current: load TPLG file order:
-# dmesg
-# journalctl
-# /var/log/syslog (sof-kernel-dump.sh)
-# Future: possibly be loaded from elsewhere
-# Notice: Only verified on Ubuntu 18.04
-tplg_file=$(dmesg |grep -i topology|awk -F ':' '/tplg/ {print $NF;}'|tail -n 1)
-[[ ! "$tplg_file" ]] && \
-    tplg_file=$(journalctl -k |grep -i topology |awk -F ':' '/tplg/ {print $NF;}'|tail -n 1)
-[[ ! "$tplg_file" ]] && \
-    tplg_file=$(sof-kernel-dump.sh |grep -i topology|awk -F ':' '/tplg/ {print $NF;}'|tail -n 1)
+tplg_file=$(journalctl -k |grep -i topology |awk -F ':' '/tplg/ {print $NF;}'|tail -n 1)
 [[ "$tplg_file" ]] && basename $tplg_file || echo ""
diff --git a/tools/sof-kernel-log-check.sh b/tools/sof-kernel-log-check.sh
index 2fe11ae8..4ab57ee7 100755
--- a/tools/sof-kernel-log-check.sh
+++ b/tools/sof-kernel-log-check.sh
@@ -126,13 +126,10 @@
 # Append some garbage to an ignore pattern to turn it off. Much easier
 # than deleting it.
 
+begin_timestamp=${1:-0}
+declare ignore_str
 
-begin_line=${1:-1}
-declare err_str ignore_str
-
-platform=$(sof-dump-status.py -p)
-
-err_str="error|failed|timed out|panic|oops"
+platform=$($(dirname "$0")/sof-dump-status.py -p)
 
 # TODO explain
 # The first string cannot start by |
@@ -241,32 +238,78 @@ case "$platform" in
         ;;
 esac
 
-[[ ! "$err_str" ]] && echo "Missing error keyword list" && exit 0
-# dmesg KB size buffer size
-#dmesg_config_define=$(awk -F '=' '/CONFIG_LOG_BUF_SHIFT/ {print $2;}' /boot/config-$(uname -r))
-#dmesg_buffer_size=$( echo $(( (1<<$dmesg_config_define) / 1024 )) )
-# kernel file log buffer size
-#kernel_buffer_size=$(du -k /var/log/kern.log |awk '{print $1;}')
-# now decide using which to catch the kernel log
-#[[ $kernel_buffer_size -lt $dmesg ]] && cmd="dmesg" || cmd="tail -n  +${begin_line}  /var/log/kern.log"
-
-# confirm begin_line is number, if it is not the number, direct using dmesg
-[[ "${begin_line//[0-9]/}" ]] && begin_line=0
-[[ "$begin_line" -eq 0 ]] && cmd="dmesg" || cmd="tail -n  +${begin_line}  /var/log/kern.log"
-
-#echo "run $0 with parameter '$*' for check kernel message error"
-
-# declare -p cmd
-if [ "$ignore_str" ]; then
-    err=$(   $cmd | grep 'Call Trace' -A5 -B3)$(     $cmd | grep -E "$err_str"|grep -vE "$ignore_str")
-else
-    err=$(   $cmd | grep 'Call Trace' -A5 -B3)$(     $cmd | grep -E "$err_str")
-fi
-
-if [ "$err" ]; then
-    echo "$(date -u '+%Y-%m-%d %T %Z')" "[ERROR]" "Caught dmesg error"
+# below are new error level kernel logs from journalctl --priority=err
+# that did not influcen system and can be ignored
+
+# systemd issues can be ignored
+# seen on mutiple platforms
+# systemd[1]: Failed to mount Mount unit for core.
+# systemd[1]: Failed to mount Mount unit for gnome-calculator.
+# systemd[1]: Failed to mount Mount unit for [UNIT].
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|systemd\[.\]: Failed to mount Mount unit for'
+
+# initramfs issues can be ignored
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|Initramfs unpacking failed'
+
+# keyboard issues can be ignored
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|atkbd serio0: Failed to deactivate keyboard on isa0060/serio0'
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|atkbd serio0: Failed to enable keyboard on isa0060/serio0'
+
+# smbus issues can be ignored
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|i801_smbus 0000:00:..\..: Transaction timeout'
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|i801_smbus 0000:00:..\..: Failed terminating the transaction'
+ignore_str="$ignore_str""|i801_smbus 0000:00:..\..: SMBus is busy, can't use it!"
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|i801_smbus 0000:00:..\..: Failed to allocate irq .: -16'
+
+# SATA related issue can be ignored is it did not break device
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|ata3: COMRESET failed \(errno=-16\)'
+
+# genirq issues can be ignored
+# origin logs seen on GLK platforms
+# genirq: Flags mismatch irq 0. 00000080 (i801_smbus) vs. 00015a00 (timer)
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|genirq: Flags mismatch irq .'
+
+# DMAR warnings can be ignored
+# origin logs seen on BDW platforms
+# DMAR: [Firmware Bug]: No firmware reserved region can cover this RMRR [0x00000000ad000000-0x00000000af7fffff], contact BIOS vendor for fixes
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|DMAR: \[Firmware Bug\]: No firmware reserved region can cover this RMRR .'
+
+# dw_dmac logs can be ignored
+# origin logs seen on BDW/BYT/CHT platforms
+# dw_dmac INTL9C60:00: Missing DT data
+# dw_dmac INTL9C60:01: Missing DT data
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|dw_dmac INTL9C60:..: Missing DT data'
+
+# proc_thermal logs can be ignored
+# origin logs seen on CHT platforms
+# proc_thermal 0000:00:0b.0: No auxiliary DTSs enabled
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|proc_thermal 0000:00:..\..: No auxiliary DTSs enabled'
+
+# touch pad logs can be ignored
+# origin logs seen on GLK platforms
+# elan_i2c i2c-ELAN0000:00: invalid report id data (ff)
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|elan_i2c i2c-ELAN0000:.*: invalid report id data'
+
+#
+# SDW related logs
+#
+
+# origin logs seen on CML with RT700 platforms
+# rt700 sdw:1:25d:700:0: Bus clash detected
+ignore_str="$ignore_str"'|rt700 sdw:.:.*:700:.: Bus clash detected'
+
+# confirm begin_timestamp is in UNIX timestamp format, otherwise search full log
+journalctlflag="-k -q --no-pager --utc --output=short-monotonic --no-hostname"
+[[ $begin_timestamp =~ ^[0-9]{10} ]] && cmd="journalctl $journalctlflag --since=@$begin_timestamp" || cmd="journalctl $journalctlflag"
+
+declare -p cmd
+# check priority err for error message
+[[ "$ignore_str" ]] && err=$($cmd --priority=err | grep -vE "$ignore_str") || $($cmd --priority=err)
+
+[[ -z "$err" ]] || {
+    echo "$(date -u '+%Y-%m-%d %T %Z')" "[ERROR]" "Caught kernel log error"
     echo "===========================>>"
     echo "$err"
     echo "<<==========================="
     builtin exit 1
-fi
+}