System and apparatus for in-system programming

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to machines that perform in-system programming of programmable devices that are attached to assembled printed circuit boards. In accordance with one aspect, multiple nonvolatile devices may be programmed in a single session at their normal maximum programming speeds. Different nonvolatile devices on a board can receive different data. Data variables can be inserted so that not all boards receive identical .data. A master controller sends image files and algorithm information to a subsidiary controller. The subsidiary controller executes a device algorithm, and an FPGA executes a bus algorithm. Embodiments of the present invention can be designed as stand-alone systems or to operate cooperatively with an automatic tester, so that testing and device programming can take place in a single operation using a single fixture to hold the circuit board.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to in-system programming of programmable devices, and more particularly to systems and apparatus for in-system programming of programmable devices at full hardware speed. Background technique [0002] A "programmable device" is an integrated circuit that includes non-volatile memory ("NVM"). There are many types in use today, and it is believed that more new types will be introduced in the future. Non-volatile memory is used for many purposes and appears in many forms in many different kinds of programmable devices. Examples of programmable devices include, but are not limited to: [0003] 1. "PROM" (Programmable Read Only Memory) is an example of a programmable non-volatile device. [0004] 2. "PAL" and "GAL" (Programmable Array Logic and General Array Logic) have also been used for many years to implement simple logic functions and to produce replacements for ICs that have become obsolete. [0005] 3. "EEPR...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The benefits of ISP have been known for some time, but the growth in its applications, especially the combination of ISP with test equipment such as MDA or ICT, has not matched the growth of the ISP IC market as a whole

The slow growth of ISPs and ISPs with tests is due to shortcomings in existing systems

For example, the time required to program through today's test equipment is unacceptable

Additionally, existing test equipment is not capable of managing and / or implementing the ISP routines required to fully test ISP equipment

Additionally, existing ISP devices do not provide the ability to program multiple ISP devices of various types, each of which may simultaneously require different bus protocols

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