In-system programming supports more devices

JTAG Technologies has broadened its in-system programming support to include a large number of popular types of serial programmable devices using various serial protocols.

JTAG Technologies has broadened its in-system programming (ISP) support to include a large number of popular types of serial programmable devices using various serial protocols.

As a result, designers and (test) engineers will benefit from a larger variety of important printed circuit board-level applications, all based on the same standard hardware and software toolset and boundary-scan infrastructure.

In addition to rapid, precise PCB testing along with high-throughput onboard programming of flash memories and PLDs, users of JTAG Technologies tools can now also perform ISP of EEPROMs, serial Flash and FPGA configuration devices via the standard boundary-scan interface using serial protocols such as I2C (Inter-integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) and Microwire formats.

These device types are frequently used in consumer electronics and other applications.

The serial programmable device families supported are provided by such companies as Altera, Atmel, Dallas Semiconductor, Fairchild, Microchip, STMicroelectronics, Xicor and others.

The applications are realised by use of JTAG Technologies' standard FDS software package.

Existing users of the FDS package get the additional support for free (which can be downloaded from JTAG Technologies website).

A principal application of serial device programming is prototype testing and debug.

Other important uses are in production where high throughput is required and costs must be kept low, as well as in upgrading systems in the field.

The big advantage for the users is avoiding the need for specific hardware modules to be integrated into ICT fixtures, which reduces the operational costs drastically.

Further, the capability is included free-of-charge for users of the standard flash development software package and is supported by the algorithms in software, rather than by means of multiple hardware cards.

Flexibility of the JTAG Technologies solution is very beneficial in setting up production lines.

The applications can be operated stand-alone or can easily be integrated with other testers and test methods such as in-circuit testing, functional test or flying probe testers.

The execution is performed by using standard JTAG Technologies hardware, which enables also the execution in a sequence with other manufacturing events such as testing, PLD ISP or Flash ISP (one stop operation) lowering further the operational costs.

The new programming capabilities are available free of charge with the FDS software packages.

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