In-System Programming

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The ChipProg programmers generate all the signals necessary for programming devices installed in the user's equipment (in-system). In order to program devices in-system the programmers connect to the target via special adapters. When a device to be programmed is chosen, the ChipProgUSB software displays a part number of the appropriate cable-adapter in the Device Information window. The adapters.chm file includes wiring diagrams for all cable-adapters, that allows use of the adapters made by customers themselves.

General requirements for connecting ChipProg programmers to the target system

Connections

1.Connections must be done in accordance to the adapter's wiring diagram published in the adapters.chm file.

2.The target system should not shunt or overload the logical signals generated by the programmer.

3.Some IPS algorithms require generating logical signals with the voltage levels of 10 to 15V exceeding normal voltages used in electronic systems (3 to 5V). The target system should be tolerant to applying such "high voltages".

Powering

There are two alternative options for powering the targets:

1.The target gets power from the ChipProg. This is possible only if the target does not consume too much energy. The current supplied from the programmer may not exceed 80 mA, a capacity of the target power circuitry should not exceed 50 uF.

2.The target gets power from a built-in or external power supply. In this case the power output from the ChipProg should not be connected with the target. The target system should be tolerant to applying logical signals with the voltage levels exceeding the voltages on the target.

NOTE! It is strictly prohibited to power the target from both the programmer and built-in or external power supply simultaneously.

Electrical characteristics of the ChipProg signals

Max current load for the logical signals - 5 mA.

Max current load for the Vcc line - 80 mA.

Max current load for the Vpp line - 80 mA.

 

NOTE! Always carefully check connecting your ChipProg programmer to the target. Wrong connecting may, and probably will cause destruction of the programmer's and/or the target system's hardware.

Most embedded microcontrollers have different algorithms for the ISP procedure. See the following topics regarding the ISP for popular microcontrollers:

Specifics of the in-system programming of the Microchip PICmicro
 
Specifics of the in-system programming of the Atmel AVR microcontrollers
 
Specifics of the in-system programming of the Atmel 8051 microcontrollers