ChipProg™ device programmers for small volume manufacturing

The programmers below provide programming devices “in socket” with almost 600 Phyton programming socket adapters and “in-system” via special cable-adapters:

ChipProg-40 – most economical universal programmer with a 40-pin ZIF socket
ChipProg-48 – universal programmer with a 48-pin ZIF socket
ChipProg-481 – our fastest universal programmer with a 48-pin ZIF socket
ChipProg-G41 – very fast 4-site gang device programmer based on four ChipProg-481 units.

Universal Programmers for Production

Multi-channel CPI2-Gx device programmers belong to the ChipProg-ISP2 series of Phyton production in-system device programmers (ISP). These tools, also known as ICSPs (In-Circuit Serial Programmers), are intended for programming devices installed on multi-PCB panels boards via special cables or test probes connecting certain points on the boards in different types of automated test equipment (ATE). These fast, reliable, production-grade ICSPs are intended for integration in automated handlers, ICTs and other types of ATE. Multiple CPI2-Gx units can be cascaded to form a large-scale programming cluster for mass programming multi-board panels.

The programmers support a wide range of embedded microcontrollers, CPLDs, SPI flash and other memory devices. Check here whether the CPI2-Gx supports your device and, if not yet, send us your inquiry. We will do our best to satisfy it promptly.

Enclosed in a plastic housing, a CPI2-Gx production programmer is implemented as a small motherboard with plugged CPI2-GM1 DIMM modules. Each module has a built-in demultiplexer that can be optionally enabled by a CPI2-DEMUX license. This licensed feature doubles the total number of sequential device programming sites.

The CPI2-Gx basic software enables two control options: an intuitive and friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI), or a command line. The preinstalled CPI2-ACI (dll) license enables the Application Control Interface (ACI), SDK, On-the-Fly control utility and support to the LabVIEW and TestStand by NI™. The programmer can also work in the standalone mode, without the computer control.

The Basic Device Library license which is included in the price is pre-installed. This license enables programming all currently supported flash memory devices and such popular microcontrollers as AVR®, PIC® as well as others. Support of CPLDs and/or more complex MCUs, requires purchasing one or more optional CPI2-D-XXXX target-specific device library licenses. Appropriate device library licenses are required for programming ARM Cortex® MCUs from various manufacturers, TriCore™ AURIX, Power Architecture™, STM8™, PIC32®, C2000™, MSP430™ and other complex devices. Mixes of different devices installed on the same boards can be programmed by different sites of the same gang programmer in parallel.

The CPI2-DEMUX and CPI2-D-XXXX licenses are tied to the programmer’s unique serial number. This enables the licensed features for all CPI2-GM1 modules installed in the programmer. The licenses may be purchased as part of a bundle with a device programmer, or later as necessary. In the latter case Phyton delivers license codes electronically.
CPI2-Gx production device programmers can be optionally equipped with relay modules. These modules enable galvanic disconnection of the device programmer signal lines from the target panel while it is under the functional test control by an ICT.

For more convenient connection Phyton offers several types of the signal splitter boards that allow use of standard 20-pin ribbon cables for target connection.

Customizable ISP Solution for ATE Integrators

In parallel with selling standard CPI2-B1 and CPI2-Gx device programmers, Phyton offers ATE integrators semi-finished, customizable hardware and software kits for building customized device programmers inside of their own fixtures. This approach allows integrators to craft an optimal, cost effective hardware configuration that can be readily adapted to existing fixture mechanical design, and to optimally integrate the Phyton software into the ATE software. This solution is based on the CPI2-GM1 programming modules used in Phyton CPI2-Gx gang device programmer.

The miniature CPI2-GM1 module (67.5 x 42.5 mm) is an almost self-sufficient device programmer that includes all key hardware components required for device programming. Each module has a unique serial number stored in the module firmware. All necessary licenses, including CPI2-D-xxxx device library licenses, CPI2-DEMUX and CPI2-ACI licenses tie to module’s serial numbers. All the commands which control programming operations are also enabled by the modules’ serial numbers. End users may create a custom motherboard for plugging as many CPI2-GM1 modules as needed. The modules communicate to the user’s equipment via internal USB, Ethernet or UART interfaces. The UART is intended for the system setup only; USB and Ethernet – for setup and interfacing to a computer.
The programming modules are very fast. See the timing chart.
Users may choose one of two options for designing and producing such a motherboard: a) Phyton provides with the schematic at no cost – so, the user designs and produces the board or b) the user contracts Phyton for the service including the board design, prototyping and the final system debugging.
Then end-users buys CPI2-GM1 programming modules, target-specific CPI2-D-xxxx device library licenses, CPI2-DEMUX and CPI2-ACI licenses from Phyton in required volumes. Phyton will grant such customers with special volume discounts in accordance to the quantities of purchased items.