CheckSum debuts gang programming at APEX
-- Test & Measurement World, 4/10/2008 9:58:00 AM
CheckSum at APEX demonstrated what it called the world's first on-board gang programming system, the CheckSum MultiWriter pps, which uses the company’s patent-pending Concurrent Programming technology to simultaneously program up to 24 parts each of up to 16 different types simultaneously—up to 384 chips at one time—typically in seconds instead of the minutes required by conventional programmers.
"MultiWriter technology has proven so productive compared to conventional device programmers and particularly in-circuit tester-based programmers that numerous existing and potential customers have asked for a stand-alone system to deploy in their production lines," stated John VanNewkirk, president of CheckSum.
MultiWriter pps (production programming system) is a stand-alone, on-board programming system that at once simplifies and speeds the programming process of parts such as microcontrollers and flash memories already mounted on boards. The system also enables manufacturers to program unique data such as serial numbers and date codes in the main programming sequence, a capability that conventional device programmers lack.
"Our customers now have a choice," VanNewkirk said. "MultiWriter technology featuring Concurrent Programming is available on both CheckSum's Analyst in-circuit tester and on MultiWriter pps, the world's first production programming system for on-board gang programming. MultiWriter pps enables electronics manufacturers to take advantage of the speed and cost improvements offered by MultiWriter technology without purchasing a CheckSum in-circuit tester."
The MultiWriter pps system hardware includes an integrated PC, system console, a Lambda 0- to 60-V, 12.5-A programmable power supply, the MultiWriter controller, and the GenRad 227X fixture interface. The MultiWriter controller cards are housed in the system console. Product software includes the Windows XP-based operating system and MultiWriter control software.
The primary connection between the MultiWriter pps system and the part to be programmed is via a bed-of-nails (BON) fixture that connects to appropriate points on the board in order to power up the device and execute programming and verification of the chips on a board or multiple boards. Each board type or multi-board panel has a dedicated fixture and associated programming algorithm. Unlike a typical in-circuit fixture, the BON fixture used on the MultiWriter pps contains only those probes necessary for powering the board and contacting the circuit nodes required for programming and verification. The MultiWriter pps fixture interconnection interface is compatible with GenRad 227x ICT BON fixtures, a well-known industry standard.
A MultiWriter pps system equipped to program up to 24 each of four device family types (96 parts) simultaneously has a US list price of $25,000. Application package prices-consisting of test fixture, part programming software and documentation-vary depending on the number of parts, size of fixture, etc. For example, the price in the US for a program and fixture for eight devices on a panel of eight boards (one device per board) would be approximately $5000. CheckSum is taking orders for MultiWriter pps now with shipment 90 days ARO.
www.checksum.com
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