Software architecture enables simultaneous programming
MultiWriter’s ability to program ISP devices simultaneously rests on its patent-pending architecture that allows it to program up to 384 serial ISP devices per board or multi-up panel at high speed.

The total programming time is identical for a single chip on a single board, one chip per board on a multiple panel assembly, or any combination in between. Device-specific code is programmed following the simuktaneous programming step. Since the amount of device-specific code is small compared to the code common to all chips, total programming time is affected very little, if at all.

For example, benchmark results conducted by CheckSum show that MultiWriter can program one or five Freescale 9S12H128 microcontrollers in the same amount of time using the BDM (Background Debug Mode) bus. Programming speed is limited by the chip, while the memory size for this microcontroller is 128k, but only 64k was programmed. With MultiWriter, the software overhead, programming, and verification took a total of 12.21 seconds (0.61 seconds software overhead, 6.13 seconds programming, and 5.47 seconds verification) for one device or for five devices, or more.

MultiWriter hardware is designed for low cost and high signal speeds
MultiWriter hardware consists of two elements:

• MultiWriter Controller
• Buffer board(s)--one for each ISP device to be programmed.
  

The controller and as many buffer bards as required are mounted inside test bed-of-nails test fixture. This cost-effective design eliminates the requirement to modify the test system or install costly special-purpose channel cards.

Any MultiWriter-equipped fixture can be used on any CheckSum Analyst test system equipped with MultiWriter software on its PC or on the MultiWriter pps On-board Gang Programming System.

Short wire lengths between the buffer boards and the device being programmed/verified is ideal for dealing with increasing programming speeds.

MultiWriter ISP System Computer Interface

• USB 2.0 or USB 1.1, USB 2.0 is recommended for maximum programming speed and throughput.
• Requires CheckSum Analyst ems Test System Executive running in a Windows XP or Windows 2000 environment.

Controller Board

• Maximum device Bus Speed: 6 MHz
• Controller Board is connected to computer via USB 2.0, which also powers the controller board. Requires “high power” USB 2.0 rated hub.
• Board draws approximately 150mA unloaded.
• Board dimensions: approximately 3 x 5.5 inches (8 cm x 14 cm), typically mounted inside the bed-of-nails test fixture.

Buffer Board

• Driver Voltage: 3.3V or resistor programmable for lower voltages
• Nominal output impedance: 200 Ohms (Buffer to Device)
• Nominal sensor voltage range: resistor programmable to 3.3V
• Nominal sensor input impedance: >100K Ohms (Device to Buffer)
• Twisted pair wiring recommended between buffer driver/sensor and device.
• Buffer Board nominal power supply requirement: +12V, +5V (usually taken from switched PWR-2 module of Analyst system.)
• Single IC drivers/sensors per Buffer Board; full complement of N devices will require N single Buffer Boards (4-up Buffer Boards are available).
• Single Buffer Board dimensions: 2.1 x 1.8 inches (5.3 cm x 4.6 cm)
• 4-up Buffer Board dimensions: 2.1 x 7.2 inches (5.3 cm x 18.3 cm)
• Buffer Boards are mounted inside the bed-of-nails test fixture.

Download the MultiWriter Datasheet Datasheet

Note: The MultiWriter ISP System is appropriate for circuit boards and multi-board panel assemblies requiring on-board code programming and verification of serial bus ISP devices. MultiWriter is available only as an integrated element of a CheckSum-developed application package that includes a bed-of-nails fixture and associated test program operating on an Analyst in-circuit test system or on the MultiWriter pps On-board Gang Programming System.