Device programmers are used to program electrically programmable devices. Such devices contain nonvolatile memory that is actually programmed. PLAs, PLDs,
CPLDs, PALs, GALs, and
microcontrollers are the examples of such devices. Device programmer contains socket and memory buffer.
Memory buffer contains the code that is to be transferred on programmable device. Programmable device s inserted into the socket. Device programmer gives indication of device detection through an interface. Code is transferred to the device from memory buffer.
Device Programmer Specifications
Important specifications of a device programmer include programmable device it supports, programmer types, memory buffer, file format, number of pins, and number of sockets.
Programmable Devices
There are several programmable devices available supported by various device programmers. These include PLDs (programmable logic devices), CPLDs (complex programmable logic devices), PLAs (programmable logic arrays), and PALs (programmable array logics). Different ROM types are available that can be programmed. These include PROM (programmable read only memory), BPROM (bipolar PROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), and
FLASH. Other devices include microcontrollers (ATML, PIC, Motorola, etc.) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide semi conductor).
Device Programmer Types
Physically a device programmer can be standalone workstations, computer controlled, or production unit. Device programmer types depend upon its capabilities. A device programmer may support single socket programming, gang programming, set programming, in-circuit programming, SIMM and DIMM testers, or combination of any of these. Single socket programmer can program one device at a time.
Gang programmer programs more than one device at a time. However program on all the devices is same. Set programmer programs several devices with different data simultaneously. In-circuit programmers can program the
chip installed in an
embedded system or computer system, with no need to unplug the chip.
Device erasers can erase the code programmed on the chip or device. For example EPROM or EEPROM erasers. SIMM and DIMM testers check the functionality of Single Inline
Memory modules and Dual Inline Memory Modules respectively.
Device Programmer Performance
Performance of a device programmer depends upon its number of pins, number of sockets, memory buffer, and file format it supports. Number of pins refers to the number of pins of device or IC that is to be inserted. Number of sockets defines how many devices or ICs can be programmed at a time. Memory buffer stores the code to be programmed. It also limits the amount of code that can be programmed. File formats vary depending upon the device. These may be binary, ASCII, Intel (Hex, 32-bit Hex, Extended Hex), JEDEC, POF, and Motorola S-Record.
Device Programmer Features
Device programmer features vary among devices. These may include interfaces, environmental parameters, and certifications. Interfaces are there to indicate that whether the device is functioning, programmed, or erased. Interfaces may be onscreen indications, LEDs, or
LCDs. Environmental parameters may include operating temperature and pressure. Certification refers to FCC (federal communication commission) and CE (conformity Europe) Certifications.
