Gang Programming System Specific for EPROM, EEPROM and FLASH-Based Microcontrollers
Single, Universal and Upgradable Base Unit and Device-Specific Programming Heads
Up to Eight Devices Programmable at Once
Blank Checking, Reading, Erasing, Programming, Verifying and Auto Operations
Programming Algorithms Approved by Silicon Manufacturers
Windows 9x/Me/2000/NT/XP User Interface
Parallel Port Connection
Overview
The MP8011A Gang Programming System, in combination with a standard
personal computer, is a full featured, high-performance multiple (gang)
programming system specific for EPROM-, EEPROM- and FLASH-based
microcontrollers. MP8011A supports the concurrent programming of up to
eight devices; different device packages can be accommodated through
DIP, SDIP, SOIC, PLCC and QFP adapters. MP8011A is a PC-hosted
programmer: it communicates with the host PC through the LPT parallel
port. The MP8011A hardware has two separate sections: a single,
universal and upgradable base unit, ready to support current and future
devices, and a number of device-specific programming heads. Blank
checking, reading, erasing, programming and verifying operations are
supported. MP8011A is ready to support future devices. The upgrade
operation for the support of new devices is as simple as downloading
new releases of the PC software, always available from SofTec
Microsystems' web site, and eventually changing the device-specific
programming heads. The modular approach (a general-purpose base unit
and dedicated programming heads) represents the best tradeoff between
cost and reliability, since it allows users to replace damaged heads at
a minimum cost. MP8011A can be operated with a single push-button, the
PC being only used to preset essential parameters like device, input
file, device options. The MP8011A standard delivery package consists in
the main gang programmer unit, external power supply adapter, parallel
cable and user's guide. Programming heads can be chosen among the many
possible packages to fit user's requirements.
Programming Heads
Programming heads are small printed circuit boards which connect to the
programming sites on the base unit. Each programming head includes the
appropriate socket (DIP, SDIP, SOIC, PLCC or QFP)--and the appropriate
electrical connections--for programming a specific device. Each
programming head includes a "Good" LED which, at the end of an
operation on the device, turns on indicating the operation has been
successful.
The User Interface
The MP8011A user interface has two separate windows for editing the
code and data memory (if present) of the device to be programmed. An
Info panel always displays information about the device to be
programmed. Additionally, the status of the programming sites is shown
together with the statistics about programmed device. The editing of
the Option Byte(s) is simplified through a special dialog box--the
Option Bytes dialog box is specific for each device and allows you to
edit each single bit (exception made for reserved bits) of the option
bytes of the device you are working with. The MP8011A can perform blank
checking, erasing, reading, programming and verifying operations. A
special operation, the Auto operation, groups the blank checking,
erasing, programming and verifying operations in a single operation,
speeding up the programming process. All of the operations share a
common, simple, easy-to-use dialog box.
Protected Mode
Protected Mode simplifies the programming process by means of an
easy, guided procedure that requires no special knowledge. Protected
Mode is suitable for the programming of a large amount of devices.
Entering and exiting the Protected Mode is password protected.
Software Upgrades
SofTec Microsystems is continuously adding the support for new
devices to the MP8011A Gang Programming System. The support for a new
device consists typically in the development of a specific programming
head and in the release of a new version of the MP8011A user interface.
The latest version of the user interface is always available for free
at our download page.
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