Algocraft WriteNow! Series User manual

WriteNow! Series
Single and Parallel In-System Programmers
Hardware Manual
Rev. 2.00
UM00010200EN

Copyright Information
Copyright © 2010-2022 Algocraft Srl.
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Algocraft.
Disclaimer
The material contained in this document is provided “as is”, and is subject to being change, without notice, in
future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Algocraft disclaims all warranties,
either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Algocraft shall not be
liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or
performance of this document or of any information contained herein. Should Algocraft and the user have a
separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document that conflict with these
terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that programming algorithms are correct at the time of their
release, it is always possible that programming problems may be encountered, especially when new devices
and their associated algorithms are initially released. It is Algocraft’s policy to endeavor to rectify any
programming issues as quickly as possible after a validated fault report is received.
It is recommended that high-volume users always validate that a sample of a devices has been programmed
correctly, before programming a large batch. Algocraft can not be held responsible for any third party claims
which arise out of the use of this programmer including ‘consequential loss’ and ‘loss of profits’.
Algocraft Warranty Information
Algocraft warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
(1) year from the date of shipment. If any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Algocraft,
at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a
replacement in exchange for the defective product. Parts, modules and replacement products used by
Algocraft for warranty work may be new or reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts,
modules and products become the property of Algocraft. In order to obtain service under this warranty,
Customer must notify Algocraft of the defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable
arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the
defective product to the service center designated by Algocraft, with shipping charges prepaid. Algocraft shall
pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the
Algocraft service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes,
and any other charges for products returned to any other locations. This warranty shall not apply to any
defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate maintenance and care.
Algocraft shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from
attempts by personnel other than Algocraft representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any damage or
malfunction caused by the use of non-Algocraft supplies; or d) to service a product that has been modified or
integrated with other products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or
difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY ALGOCRAFT WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. ALGOCRAFT AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ALGOCRAFT’RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR
OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER
FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. ALGOCRAFT AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER ALGOCRAFT
OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Technical Support
Please e-mail any technical support questions about this product to: [email protected].

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Table of Contents
1. WriteNow! - At a Glance....................................................................................................4
Overview..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Features ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Model Comparison.................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Package Checklist .....................................................................................................................................................................................7
Connectors Overview ..............................................................................................................................................................................7
LEDs ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Additional Documentation.................................................................................................................................................................... 8
2. System Setup ......................................................................................................................9
Software setup.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Hardware setup........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Power Supply ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Project setup ............................................................................................................................................................................................10
Connect to Target Device ....................................................................................................................................................................10
Hardware Test..........................................................................................................................................................................................10
Programming Drivers and Licenses...................................................................................................................................................10
3. Standalone Mode ............................................................................................................ 11
Overview.....................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Signals .........................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Project Assignment.................................................................................................................................................................................12
4. Accessories ....................................................................................................................... 13
Relay Barrier Modules............................................................................................................................................................................13
Demultiplexer Modules .........................................................................................................................................................................15
5. Connectors ....................................................................................................................... 17
ISP Connectors ........................................................................................................................................................................................17
Low-Level Interface Connector...........................................................................................................................................................18
Ground Domains....................................................................................................................................................................................20
6. Specifications................................................................................................................... 21

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Electrical Specifications..........................................................................................................................................................................21
ISP Connectors and cables.................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Mechanical Specifications....................................................................................................................................................................22
1. WriteNow! - At a Glance
Overview
Congratulations for purchasing a WriteNow! In-System Programmer. Based on the
proprietary WriteNow! Technology, the WriteNow! Series of In-System Programmers are
a breakthrough in the Programming industry. The programmers support a large
number of devices (microcontrollers, memories and other programmable devices) from
various manufacturers and have a compact size for easy ATE/fixture integration. They
work in standalone or connected to a host PC (RS-232, USB, LAN connections are built-
in), and are provided with easy-to-use software utilities.
The WriteNow! Lineup
Features
▪Support of microcontrollers, serial and parallel memories and other programmable
devices
▪High-speed, parallel programming
▪Compact size (fixture friendly)
▪Standalone operations or host controlled
▪Designed for easy ATE interfacing
▪Robust and reliable
▪Support of several programming interfaces (JTAG, BDM, SPI/QSPI, I2C, UART, SWD, C2,
ICSP, FINE, SBW, SWIM, DAP, MDI, MUST/MICE, etc.)

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▪Large built-in internal memory for projects, images, etc.
▪Programmable power supply output (1.5-13V)
▪Programmable I/O voltage (1.6-5.5V)
▪High-speed I/O
▪LAN (isolated), RS-232 (isolated), USB 2.0 full-speed, and low-level interface (isolated)
▪ISP I/O relay barrier (only available on the single-site model)
▪I/O protection
▪Wide range power supply (15-25V)
The shortest possible programming times are guaranteed due to a combination of
highly optimized programming algorithms, local storage of programming data and high
slew rate line driver circuitry.
Model Comparison
The following table summarizes the main features of the various WriteNow! family
models.
WriteNow! Model Comparison
Feature
WN-PRG01A
WN-PRG02A
WN-PRG04A
WN-PRG08A
General Features
Programming Sites
1
2
4
8
Power Supply
15-25V
15-25V
15-25V
15-25V
Device Type Support
Microcontrollers,
Serial Memories
Microcontrollers,
Serial Memories
Microcontrollers,
Serial Memories
Microcontrollers,
Serial Memories,
Parallel Memories
Programming Protocols
UART, SPI, JTAG, I2C,
BDM, SWD, etc.
UART, SPI, JTAG, I2C,
BDM, SWD, etc.
UART, SPI, JTAG, I2C,
BDM, SWD, etc.
UART, SPI, JTAG, I2C,
BDM, SWD, etc.
Relay Barrier
Yes
No
No
No
ISP Lines
Adj. Voltage Range
1.6-5.5V
1.6-5.5V
1.6-5.5V
1.6-5.5V
Adj. Voltage Resolution
100mV
100mV
100mV
100mV
Bidirectional Lines
6
12
24
48
Prog. Clock Out Lines
1
2
4
8
Programmable Power Supply (PPS)
Range
1.5-15V
1.5-15V
1.5-15V
1.5-15V
Resolution
100mV
100mV
100mV
100mV
Channels
1
2
4
8
Host Interface

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RS-232 (Isolated)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
LAN (Isolated)
Yes, 100Mbit/s
Yes, 100Mbit/s
Yes, 100Mbit/s
Yes, 100Mbit/s
USB
Yes, full-speed
Yes, full-speed
Yes, full-speed
Yes, full-speed
Low-Level Interface
(Isolated)
START, OK/ERR,
BUSY, PRJ_SEL[0..5]
START,
START_ENA[1..2],
OK/ERR[1..2], BUSY,
PRJ_SEL[0..5]
START,
START_ENA[1..4],
OK/ERR[1..4], BUSY,
PRJ_SEL[0..5]
START,
START_ENA[1..8],
OK/ERR[1..8], BUSY,
PRJ_SEL[0..5]

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Package Checklist
The WriteNow! package includes the following items:
1. WriteNow! unit.
2. 15V power supply.
3. Serial, USB and Ethernet cables.
4. WriteNow! test board.
5. 48-ways, female wire-wrap DIN41612 connector.
6. First user guide
Connectors Overview
WriteNow! has several connectors for interfacing to a host PC, to an Automatic Test
Equipment (ATE), and to the target system(s) to be programmed. The following pictures
show where, depending on the model, the various connectors are located.
1. The POWER connector accepts a DC voltage between 15V and 25V.
2. The LAN, USB and RS-232 connectors are used to interface the instrument to a PC.
3. The LAN RESET push button is used for factory settings.
4. The ISP connector(s) are used to interface to the target system(s) to be programmed.
5. The LOW-LEVEL INTERFACE connector (which is merged with the ISP connector in the
WN-PRG01A model) is used to interface the instrument to an ATE or other systems.
For details and pinout of the various connectors, see the “Connectors” chapter.
1 1 1
2 2 2
3 3 35 5
4/5 4 4
WN-PRG01A WN-PRG02A/WN-PRG04A WN-PRG08A

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LEDs
The LEDs on the top cover of the instrument, from top to bottom, indicate:
1. POWER: the instrument is turned on.
2. STATUS: indicates system warnings. Normally off, blinks if the system needs user action.
3. BUSY: turns on when programming (when a programming project is being executed).
4. OK/ERR: result of the programming. Each programming site has an OK/ERR LED, which
turns green if the programming on that site has been successful, red otherwise.
WN-PRG01A LEDs
WN-PRG02A LEDs
WN-PRG04A LEDs
WN-PRG08A LEDs
Additional Documentation
This hardware manual provides information about how to set up WriteNow! and
its hardware characteristics.
For any information about WriteNow! commands and their syntax, please refer to
the WriteNow! Programmer’s Manual, included (in PDF format) in the WriteNow! setup.

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2. System Setup
Software setup
Install the last software version of WriteNow! Setup available on our web site
www.algocraft.com under downloads > software menu.
To install the WriteNow! system software you must log in as Administrator.
The WriteNow! system software setup installs all of the required components to your
hard drive. These components include:
•The WriteNow! Project Generator utility;
•Command-line utilities and Interface Library;
•Documentation in PDF format
Launch the Project Generator application, that is located under Programs > Algocraft >
WriteNow! Software > Project Generator.
Configure your WriteNow! Instrument. Choose Settings > Select Hardware Model, and
specify your WriteNow! model and communication settings with the PC. WriteNow! can
be connected through USB, LAN and serial port (RS232).
Hardware setup
To setup WriteNow! you must follow the steps below:
•Connect WriteNow! to your PC through the provided Ethernet, USB or serial
cables.
•Power up WriteNow! using the provided power supply.
•Set up LAN, USB or serial settings.
•Check WriteNow! communication sending commands via WriteNow! Project
Generator utility.
Power Supply
WriteNow! can be powered in two ways:
•With the provided power supply (which supplies 15V DC);
•By providing a power supply to the PWR pin of the Low-Level Interference
connector (see “Low-Level Interface Connector”).
WriteNow! accepts a DC power voltage between 15V and 25V. Please note,
however, that the SxPPS line on each programming site, if used, can provide
a maximum output voltage of the power voltage minus about 2V.

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Project setup
Projects are sequences of commands collected in a text file. The project file contains all
the target device information and user settings. Use the WriteNow! Project Generator
utility to create or edit a project file and then follow the Project Creation Wizard steps.
Connect to Target Device
Connect WriteNow! to your target system through the ISP connector(s). To view the
connections for your selected target device, select Project > Show ISP Connections.
Interfacing with your Test/Programming
Equipment
WriteNow! can be controlled in three other ways:
•By manually sending commands and receiving answers, using the Project
Generator Terminal or any other terminal application;
•By configuring the instrument so that it can work in standalone, thus without a
connection to a PC;
•By building your own PC software that interfaces to the instrument (for more
information, see “WriteNow! API” on Programmer’s Manual).
Hardware Test
The diagnostic procedure is a very easy way to verify if any hardware faults occur. Use
the provided test-board to check the programmer hardware functionality.
Programming Drivers and Licenses
WriteNow! comes with preinstalled programming drivers (algorithms) that support
common microcontrollers and memories. When you purchase a new programming
driver, you are supplied with a new driver file (.wnd) and an updated license file (.wnl).
The license file enables the use of all of your purchased drivers on your specific
WriteNow! unit.
You must copy these files to the unit’s internal memory: the driver file must be copied to
the unit’s \drivers folder, and the license file to the unit’s \sys folder. Please refer to
WriteNow! Programmer’s Manual for more information.

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3. Standalone Mode
Overview
WriteNow! can work with no connection to a PC (standalone mode). In standalone
mode, the instrument is controlled through a low-level connection interface.
Signals
Signals needed to control the instrument in standalone mode are located in the “Low-
Level Interface” connector (see”Connectors”on for the connector pinout on the various
WriteNow! models) and are explained below.
PRJ_SELx lines (input): Define which project to execute.
START_ENAx lines (input): Select which programming site(s) to enable. Active low.
START line (input): Executes the project specified by PRJ_SELx lines on the
programming site(s) enabled by START_ENAx lines.
Active low.
BUSY line (output): Indicates that a project is being executed. Active high.
OK/ERRx lines (output): Valid at the end of project execution (when BUSY is low).
Indicate, for each programming site(s), the success state
of the programming project. (OK = high, ERR = low).
The following diagram illustrates the timing for the Low-Level Interface signals.
Signal level is 0-5V. All lines are isolated (referenced to GNDI).

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Low-Level Interface Signals Timing
Project Assignment
Before working in standalone mode, you must associate PRJ_SELx lines to a Project
filename to execute.
To do so, in the WriteNow! Project Generator application select Settings > Hardware
Settings. In the window that will appear, associate PRJ_SEL values to project names by
clicking the “Set Project” button for each PRJ_SEL configuration you wish to setup.
Previousstate New state
PRJ_SELxand START_ENAxlinesare sampled at theSTARTfalling edge,
and must remainstableuntil BUSY rising edge
OK/ERRxlinesbecomevalid at the
BUSYfalling edge
PRJ_SELx
START_ENAx
START
BUSY
OK/ERRx

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4. Accessories
Algocraft supplies a series of accessories that have been designed to ease the
integration to customers as well as saving on engineering time and costs.
Relay Barrier Modules
On the single-site WriteNow! model (WN-PRG01A), a relay barrier is provided on the ISP
signals. On the others WriteNow! models (WN-PRG02A, WN-PRG04A and WN-
PRG08A) is possible to connect externally a dedicated relay barrier module to ensures
true galvanic isolation and reliability.
When you create a programming project using the Project Generator application, relays
are by default closed at the beginning of the project (with the #relay -o close
command) and opened at the end (with the #relay –o open command).
On all WriteNow! models, a special signal (SxRLY) is present (on the “ISP” connector), on
every programming site. If the programming site is enabled, this signal is driven to 0V
when a #relay –o close command is executed, and driven to 5.5V when a the
#relay –o open command is executed). This is useful for driving an external relay
barrier.
For more information, please see the AN001_relaybarrier.pdf in the \doc folder.

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Demultiplexer Modules
The demultiplexer module is designed to increase the number of ISP lines to be
managed. A stack of up to 4 boards could be mounted to each ISP connector. It is built
as a tower in order to save space. The Reed relay technology ensures true galvanic
isolation and reliability.
For the power supply: a special plug to plug power cable is provided with demultiplexer
in order to power both the products through the WriteNow!’s 15V adapter.
No external lines are needed in order to control the multiplexer since the lines are
provided by WriteNow! ISP connector A and B (available for external expansion module
purpose).
Models
Number of boards in
parallel
Demux model
Number of board in demultiplexer
WN-PRG01A
1
-
-
-
WN-PRG02A
2
WN-DM2X2A
4
WN-DM2X3A
6
WN-DM2X4A
8
WN-PRG04A
4
WN-DM4X2A
8
WN-DM4X3A
12
WN-DM4X4A
16
WN-PRG08A
8
WN-DM8X2A
16
WN-DM8X3A
24
WN-DM8X4A
32

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5. Connectors
ISP Connectors
WriteNow! WN-PRG01A, WN-PRG02A and WN-PRG04A models have one ISP
connector; the WN-PRG08A model has two ISP connectors. Furthermore, in the WN-
PRG01A model, the ISP connector also includes low-level interface signals.
WN-PRG01A ISP Connector
WN-PRG02A ISP Connector
WN-PRG04A ISP Connector
WN-PRG08A ISP Connectors
Low-level interface Site1
1
23
4
56
7
8910111213
14
1516
C
B
A
WN-PRG01AISPConnector
Site2 Site1
WN-PRG02AISPConnector
1
23
4
56
7
8910111213
14
1516
C
B
A
Site4 Site3 Site2 Site1
WN-PRG04AISPConnector
12345678910111213141516
C
B
A
Site4 Site3 Site2 Site1
ISPAConnector
12345678910111213141516
C
B
A
Site8 Site7 Site6 Site5
ISPBConnector
12345678910111213141516
C
B
A

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ISP Signal Definitions
Color
Signal
Description
SxL01
Site x line 1
SxL02
Site x line 2
SxL03
Site x line 3
SxL04
Site x line 4
SxL05
Site x line 5
SxL06
Site x line 6
SxL07
Site x line 7
SxPPS
Site x programmable power supply
SxRLY
Site x relay output
SxGND
Site x GND
Low-Level Interface Connector
Low-Level Interface Connector
Low-Level InterfaceConnector
1
23
4
56
7
8910111213
14
1516
C
B
A
One of the most important parameters to take into account for ISP wiring is
the connection length.
For this reason, the programmer should be placed as near as possible to the
DUP (Device Under Programming) keeping the ISP wiring length as short as
possible.
In the WN-PRG01A model, low-level interface signals are included in the ISP
connector, which is called “ISP & LOW-LEVEL INTERFACE” connector.

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Low-Level Interface Signals
Signal
Description
WN-PRG01A
Pin
WN-PRG02A Pin
WN-PRG04A Pin
WN-PRG08A Pin
PWR
Input Power Supply (12-25V)
A5/B5
A5/B5
A5/B5
A5/B5
GND
Power Supply Ground
C5
C5
C5
C5
GNDI
Low-Level Interface Ground
A10/B12/C15/
C16
A10/B12/C15/C16
A10/B12/C15/C16
A10/B12/C15/C16
TX_RS232
RS-232 TX (Output)
A16
A16
A16
A16
RX_RS232
RS-232 RX (Input)
B16
B16
B16
B16
PRJ_SEL0
Project Selector 0 (Input, internal pull-up)
B10
B10
B10
B10
PRJ_SEL1
Project Selector 1 (Input, internal pull-up)
C10
C10
C10
C10
PRJ_SEL2
Project Selector 2 (Input, internal pull-up)
A11
A11
A11
A11
PRJ_SEL3
Project Selector 3 (Input, internal pull-up)
B11
B11
B11
B11
PRJ_SEL4
Project Selector 4 (Input, internal pull-up)
C11
C11
C11
C11
PRJ_SEL5
Project Selector 5 (Input, internal pull-up)
A12
A12
A12
A12
START
Project Start (Input, internal pull-up)
A7
A7
A7
A7
START_ENA1
Site 1 Project Start Enable (Input, internal pull-up)
-
B7
B7
B7
START_ENA2
Site 2 Project Start Enable (Input, internal pull-up)
-
C7
C7
C7
START_ENA3
Site 3 Project Start Enable (Input, internal pull-up)
-
-
A8
A8
START_ENA4
Site 4 Project Start Enable (Input, internal pull-up)
-
-
B8
B8
START_ENA5
Site 5 Project Start Enable (Input, internal pull-up)
-
-
-
C8
START_ENA6
Site 6 Project Start Enable (Input, internal pull-up)
-
-
-
A9
START_ENA7
Site 7 Project Start Enable (Input, internal pull-up)
-
-
-
B9
START_ENA8
Site 8 Project Start Enable (Input, internal pull-up)
-
-
-
C9
BUSY
Busy (Output, push-pull)
C12
C12
C12
C12
OK/ERR1
Site 1 OK/ERR (Output, push-pull)
A13
A13
A13
A13
OK/ERR2
Site 2 OK/ERR (Output, push-pull)
-
B13
B13
B13
OK/ERR3
Site 3 OK/ERR (Output, push-pull)
-
-
C13
C13
OK/ERR4
Site 4 OK/ERR (Output, push-pull)
-
-
A14
A14
OK/ERR5
Site 5 OK/ERR (Output, push-pull)
-
-
-
B14
OK/ERR6
Site 6 OK/ERR (Output, push-pull)
-
-
-
C14
OK/ERR7
Site 7 OK/ERR (Output, push-pull)
-
-
-
A15
OK/ERR8
Site 8 OK/ERR (Output, push-pull)
-
-
-
B15
All low-level interface lines are isolated from system GND (and are referenced
to GNDI), except for the PWR line, which is referenced to GND.

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Ground Domains
The following diagram illustrates the two ground domains of the programmer.
ATE and Target Ground Domains
ATE
System Low-Level Interface ISP Target Board
ATEGND GNDI GND TARGETGND
In order to avoid undesired current paths between the programmer and the
target board, we suggest to use a power supply with a floating output (ground
not referenced to the Earth potential).