USB has been very useful in many applications. A programmer can be described as a portable device that works with different memory chips. New users will find its interface very easy to work with as well as carry out several functions.
To ensure this topic is well understood, we have taken some time to do some research. During our research, we were able to gather very useful information concerning how the USB programmer works and how to use one. Before we go into details, let us understand what a USB programmer is.
What Does a USB Programmer Offer?
USB programmers allow users to read and write data in ROM which is read only memory. Furthermore, it allows exchange of data between computers and their circuit boards using its interface. In addition, the USB programmer offers support to different interfaces involved in the exchange of data.
We have said that new users will find this programmer easy to use because it supports different chips. Also, its flexible nature is what makes it a good option for developers and engineers. Also, this programming device offers all power requirements through the USB port. You don’t need batteries or power adapters. This is because a voltage generator internally supplies all programming voltages within the range of 3 and 25 volts.
With a USB programmer, you can easily recover any corrupt EEPROM program. One of the great features of this hardware device is that it comes with a user-friendly interface which has intuitive controls that enables users to manage and correct any issues related to EEPROM. Since the USB programmer is such a powerful device, it is advisable not to alter your USB devices without any compelling reason to do such.
The USB host is responsible for initiating all USB traffic. This host will usually ask for the device-descriptor whenever you plug in a device. The device-descriptor has two sets of data which tells the host what the device is capable of doing. It is possible to program all supported chips when you use the USB programmer.
How Does the USB Work?
You have some terms that pertain to the USB in order to have a good understanding of how the USB works. The universal serial bus (USB) works by separating the host from the device. Usually, we have a host that connects to many devices. This host causes traffic and schedules it on the bus.
The device passes a configuration descriptor and a device descriptor in order to identify itself to the host. There can be multiple interfaces in a device. For instance, there will be an interface for keys and another interface for playing audio for a USB device with a built-in speaker and a keyboard.
You should note that every interface has several endpoints. These endpoints functions like links whereby a device and its host can communicate. Furthermore, the endpoints can be divided into IN endpoints and OUT endpoints. These IN endpoints have the ability to move data to the hosts, while OUT endpoints will move the data into the device.
The subclass and class can be used in defining devices having generic features. Devices having a speaker and keyboard are examples of composite devices. There are cases whereby the device will fail to work effectively for a specific class. For this case, such a device class has to be vendor-specific.
What are the Features of the USB Programmer?
A USB programmer has many features. Its simple interface is one of the most important of all. Even first timers and professionals find the interface very easy to use. There are many other features of this programming device aside from its user-friendly interface. These features are explained below:
Fast programming speed
This device uses fast speed during programming. Fast programming speed is ideal where there is a need for large data processing. Also, users benefit from this feature.
No need for external power
A USB port can be used in powering this hardware device. You don’t need any external power to make it function as it should.
Compatible with various file formats
One of the greatest features of this device is that it is very compatible with many file formats. Also, it offers supports to many IC packages. Furthermore, IC families like Parallel NOR/NAND flash, EEPROM, FPGA get support from the USB programmer.
Automatic programming
With this feature, the USB programmer can start programming on its own.
What are the Benefits of a USB Programmer?
The USB programmer has lots of benefits. Some of the features already discussed above are also benefits. Other benefits include the following.
- Users find its interface very easy to understand and use
- It offers programmable microcircuits which are supplied from the internal source of the programmer.
- There is a reliable software which works closely with each interface
- It allows the adaptation of the hardware of the USB programmer
- Very easy operation
Programming the USB Devices
Designing and developing a programming model that works perfectly for your USB devices is easy. You can easily achieve this if you understand the way USB works.
USB softwares can handle different endpoints. At times, there is only one transaction and you can easily develop a version that has fewer threads. For instance, if users need to use a synchronous protocol whereby data will be transmitted over the OUT endpoint before it is received on the IN endpoint, the protocol only needs to use one thread.
However, make sure you take note of the risks. This is because a single thread for each endpoint can only focus wherever the host program stops and starts. Therefore, one thread could easily work on all the bulk traffic found on the interfaces. What this means is that users must optimize multiple endpoints making use of one thread.
What are Exchange Interfaces of the USB Programmer?
USB programmer provides support for different exchange interfaces. These include the SPI interface. With the SPI interface, users can perform the different functions of an SPI programmer. These include performing the exchange of data on the interface.
Also, 1-wire interfaces have the ability to exchange data records with the memory chips of EEPROM. In addition, 12C interface helps in programming different EEPROM chips and makes use of the interface to perform data exchange. Also, rs-485, RS-232, as well as RS-422 interfaces are for the exchange of data when debugging the electronic processor module.
Controls and Commands in the USB Programmer Interface
The interface of the USB programmer is very simple to use. With the right controls and commands, users will be able to navigate their way through this interface.
Menu commands
There is a menu bar in the interface which comprises the commands below:
File menu: This menu consists of the Exit options and the Unlock Features. The Exit option helps you close the programmer. With the Unlock Features, you can discover some hidden features for your equipment. To do this, you need to enter the correct code in the dialog box that appears.
Help menu: There is only one option in this menu and that is the About USB programmer. This option displays a dialog box which offers details on the already installed version of the program.
Command Buttons
There are several command buttons on the USB programmer interface. Each of these buttons executes different functions.
Save all values: This command button enables users to save any changes made to data in the USB programmer’s right pane to the EEPROM of the device you selected.
Refresh Tree: Sometimes users need to update connected USB device’ status and carry out a system scan for new USB device. The Refresh Tree helps you carry out this function. Once you update this status, the USB devices are showcased in the interface’s left pane.
Program: The Program button helps to display the EEPROM update file dialog box. It simply commits the changes you made in the interface to EEPROM of the USB device selected.
Get all Values: This button helps you refresh the data displayed in the interface’s right pane. Users can easily edit some particular entries for the device selected. Double-click the entry in the right pane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use the USB Programmer for recovering corrupted EEPROMs?
While programming, your EEPROM could get corrupted. This usually happens whenever the process is interrupted. However, this will not stop your USB devoice from working effectively. Basically, any device having a corrupted EEPROM has an exclamation icon stating “unknown device.”You can get your EEPROM back by using the USB programmer.
Can the USB Programmer provide support for the different IC packages?
The USB programmer will provide support for different IC packages such as BGA, PLCC, QFN, BGA, LFQP, and DIP.
Conclusion
By now, you should understand why the USB programmer is important. They have lots of great functions. These include their capability to customize as well as modify electronic equipment. They can also write and read a user’s information in a computer’s ROM.
