Equinox Systems ISPnano IV-ATE Series Instructions for use

ISPnano Series IV-ATE Programmer - User Manual - V1.04 – 21/02/2014
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ISPnano Series IV - ATE
Production ISP Programmer
Hardware User Manual

ISPnano Series IV-ATE Programmer - User Manual – V1.04 – 21/02/2014
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ISPnano Series IV-ATE Programmer - User Manual - V1.04 – 21/02/2014
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Contents
Copyright Information ..........................................................................................................iv
Equinox Warranty Information .............................................................................................v
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance...........................................................vii
Technical Support...............................................................................................................viii
Product Documentation and Software................................................................................ix
Overview............................................................................................................................ ix
Documentation and software for the ISPnano programmer............................................... xi
Device algorithm - Application notes.................................................................................. xi
Programmer related - Application notes ............................................................................xii
1.0 Overview...........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Main Features...............................................................................................................3
1.2 Front panel layout.........................................................................................................4
1.3 Rear Panel IDC Connector Ports and signal routing.....................................................5
2.0 Getting Started Guide......................................................................................................6
2.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................6
2.2 System contents...........................................................................................................6
2.3 Hardware setup ............................................................................................................7
2.3.1 Powering the programmer....................................................................................7
2.3.3 Connecting the programmer to the PC.................................................................8
3.0 Power Supply requirements ...........................................................................................9
3.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................9
3.2 Power Supply connections..........................................................................................10
3.3 Programmer Power Supply recommendations ...........................................................10
4.0 Programmer / ATE Signal routing ................................................................................11
4.1 Inserting the I/O Connector Module............................................................................11
4.2 I/O Connector Module overview..................................................................................13
4.3 Connecting the DUT and ATE to the ‘I/O Connector Module’.....................................14
4.4 DUT routed to External ATE System (default)............................................................15
4.5 DUT routed to External ATE System – Pin routing.....................................................16
4.6 DUT routed to internal programmer (RELAYs ON).....................................................17
5.0 Relay Control Configuration.........................................................................................18
6.0 Programmer mounting arrangements..........................................................................20
6.1 Main programmer mounting........................................................................................20
6.2 Mounting bracket overview.........................................................................................21

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Copyright Information
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of the manufacturer. The software described in this document is furnished
under license agreement or nondisclosure agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance
with the terms of the agreement.
It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license
or nondisclosure agreement.
The purchaser may make one copy of the software for backup purposes. No part of this manual may
be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information retrieval systems, for any purpose other than for the
purchaser’s personal use, without written permission.
© 2000 - 2012 Copyright Equinox Technologies UK Limited. All rights reserved.
AtmelTM and AVRTM are trademarks of the Atmel Corporation
Microsoft, MS-DOS, WindowsTM, Windows 95TM, Windows 98TM, Windows XPTM and Windows NT4TM
are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation
IBM, PC and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation
Intel, MCS 51, ASM-51 and PL/M-51 are registered trademarks of the Intel Corporation
Every effort was made to ensure accuracy in this manual and to give appropriate credit to persons,
companies and trademarks referenced herein.
Equinox guarantees that its products will be free from defects of material and workmanship under
normal use and service, and these products will perform to current specifications in accordance with,
and subject to, the Company’s standard warranty which is detailed in Equinox’s Purchase Order
Acknowledgment.

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Equinox Warranty Information
This product is guaranteed by Equinox Technologies UK Limited for a period of 24 months (2 years)
after the date of purchase against defects due to faulty workmanship or materials. The guarantee
covers both parts and labour. This is a ‘Return to manufacturer’ warranty. The customer is
responsible for all shipping + customs clearance costs for returning the programmer to Equinox and
for Equinox returning the programmer back to the customer. Service under the guarantee is only
provided upon presentation of reasonable evidence that the date of the claim is within the guarantee
period (e.g. completed registration/guarantee card or a purchase receipt).
The guarantee is not valid if the defect is due to accidental damage, misuse or neglect and in the
case of alterations or repair carried out by unauthorised persons. A number of exceptions to the
warranty are listed in the ‘Exceptions to warranty’ section below. Service (during and after
guarantee period) is available in all countries where the product is distributed by Equinox
Technologies UK Limited.
Exceptions to warranty
Over-voltage damage
This warranty does not cover damage to the programmer due to voltages beyond the specified
voltage limits being applied to the ‘DC Power Input’ (CON1) or any of the ISP Headers. The user must
ensure that sufficient care is taken to avoid over-voltage and static conditions on any of the ‘ISP
Header’ I/O pins.
Over-current damage
This warranty does not cover damage to the programmer due to excessive current being drawn from
the programmer power supply. The user must ensure that there is sufficient over-current protection
within the test fixture to protect against short circuit loads.
Short-circuit damage
This warranty does not cover damage to the programmer due to short-circuit loads being placed
across programmer I/O lines.
Programmer ‘Line Driver Circuitry’ damage.
The programmer features ‘Line Driver Circuitry’ which interfaces to the Target system (DUT). This
circuitry is protected via ESD protection diodes. If these diodes become damaged during operation of
the programmer then it is likely that the programmer driver circuitry is also damaged. This warranty
does not cover damage to the programmer ‘Line Driver Circuitry’.
Warning!
Any damage caused to the programmer by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) through inadequate
earthing is not covered under the warranty of the product.

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Disclaimer
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 Equinox’s Company Policy to
endeavour 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. Equinox Technologies UK Ltd. 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 profit’.
Equinox Technologies UK Ltd. cannot be held responsible for any programming problems which are
‘out of our control’. This type of problem is usually listed in the ‘Errata Sheet’ for the particular device
being programmed and is available from the silicon vendor.
Information contained in this manual is for guidance purposes only and is subject to change. E&OE.

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Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Compliance
The ‘ISPnano Programming Module’ is a CE Approved Product. It is designed for use in an ESD
controlled environment i.e. development or production. This means, therefore, that the user must
ensure that there is no possibility of damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Since the devices
and equipment to which this product is likely to be connected may well themselves be susceptible to
ESD, this should not pose any difficulty.
For example, if you are handling microcontrollers and EEPROMS etc. then you will already be used to
appropriate precautions, such as the use of anti-static mats, wrist straps and so on. You should treat
your ‘ISPnano Programming Module’ with the same care as you would these types of devices.
Always ensure that you are not carrying a static charge yourself before handling the product. Wearing
an earthed anti-static wrist strap is recommended.
Equinox has taken great care in designing this product to be compliant with the European EMC
directive. When using the equipment be sure to follow the instructions provided. Although RF
emissions are within prescribed limits, care should be taken if you are using the product near to
sensitive apparatus. If you experience any difficulty please refer to Equinox Technical Support.
ESD Points to remember
•Work in a static-free environment.
•Wear an earthed wrist strap when handling either the programmer and/or
any programmable device.
•Ensure that the PC, programmer and Target system are connected to the
same EARTH (0V) potential.
•Do NOT plug the ISP cable of the programmer into a Target System when
the Target power is ON.
•Ensure than any residual charge stored in capacitors on the Target System
has been discharged BEFORE connecting or disconnecting the
programmer.
Warning!
Any damage caused to the programmer by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) through inadequate
earthing is not covered under the warranty of the product.

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Technical Support
It is often the case that users experience problems when installing or using a product for the first time.
If you have a technical support problem, please consult the following list for help:
►User Manual
►Application Notes
►On-line help
Press <F1> for help at any time when running EQTools or ISP-PRO.
The help system is context-sensitive. Simply press <F1> on any error message and the
possible causes of the error should be listed. This help system is updated on a regular
basis. Please see software update details for information on keeping up-to-date with
software revisions.
►Internet Web Site
The support / download page for the ‘ISPnano programmer range’ can be found at:
http://www.equinox-tech.com/products/details.asp?ID=1440&displ=tl
►E-mail
Please e-mail any technical support questions about this product to:
[e-mail]
►Fax
Please fax any technical support questions about this product to: [phone]
Equinox will try our best to answer your questions about this product as quickly as
possible. However, we cannot promise an immediate reply. Please consult our web site for new
software updates as the problem that you are enquiring about may have already been fixed in a new
version.

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Product Documentation and Software
Overview
This manual provides an overview of the contents of the ‘ISPnano Programming Range’plus
associated hardware and software. References may be made to other hardware and software
products which are not covered in detail in this manual.
Please refer to the table below for a list of sources of documentation and/or browse to
http://www.equinox-tech.com/products/details.asp?ID=1440&displ=tl
Software:
EQTools Script Builder – Manual
This software is used to create and upload ‘Programming Projects’ to
the programmer.
The following sources of documentation are available for this
software:
•Installation and Getting Started Guide
•Help file
ASCII Text Communications Protocol – Application Note
This protocol can be used to control the programmer from an
external controller via RS-232.
The following sources of documentation are available for this
protocol:
•
Application Note – AN110
ISP Pro – Manual
This software is used to control the programmer in a production
environment. It is not supplied as standard with this programmer.
The following sources of documentation are available for this
software:
•Installation and User Manual
•
Help File

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Upload Wizard - Standalone Project Upload Utility
This software utility is used to upload Programming Projects to any
Equinox programmer. These projects can then be used in
Standalone Mode, i.e. without a PC.
•Please follow the on-screen instructions within the Upload Wizard
utility itself.
•
Application Note – AN117
Labview – Remote Application Control – Application Note
This upgrade allows a production facility to control a single
programmer from a ‘Labview for Windows’ application. The
Application note describes how to control the programmer using a
custom Labview (from National Instruments) application.
The following sources of documentation are available for this
software:
•
Application Note – AN109
Remote Application Control – Application Note
Describes how to control the programmer using a custom Remote
Application written in e.g. Visual Basic, C++, C Builder, Delphi etc.
The following sources of documentation are available for this
software:
•Application Note – AN109
ConsoleEDS Pro – Application note
This software utility allows any Equinox programmer to be controlled
via simple Command Line instructions from a Command Window
within Windows.
The following sources of documentation are available for this
software:
•
Application Note - AN111
JTAG In-System (ISP) Upgrade – Application Note
This license upgrade enables the programmer to support high-speed
In-System Programming (ISP) of the Atmel ATmega microcontroller
family using the JTAG algorithm. Support is offered for both single
and multiple JTAG devices in a JTAG Chain.
The following sources of documentation are available for this
software:
•
Application Note – AN105

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Documentation and software for the ISPnano programmer
In line with our policy of continuous improvement, the software and associated documentation for this
product are updated on a regular basis. You can download the latest software, firmware, User
Manuals and application notes for the ISPnano programmer from the following page on the Equinox
website:
http://www.equinox-tech.com/products/details.asp?ID=1440&displ=tl
You may be asked to register / log in to download some of these files.
Device algorithm - Application notes
The table below lists the Application Notes available for helping to create ‘Programming Projects’
for different device families.
Application
Note
Device Family
Programming
Interface
AN100
Atmel - AT89Sxxxx FLASH microcontrollers
SPI
AN101
Atmel - AVR FLASH microcontrollers via the SPI Interface
SPI
AN105
Atmel - AVR FLASH microcontrollers via the JTAG Interface
JTAG
AN118
Generic I2C 24xxx Serial EEPROM memories
I2C
AN122
Atmel - AT91SAM7 ARM7 FLASH microcontrollers
JTAG
AN127 Atmel – XMEGA AVR FLASH microcontrollers via the 2-wire PDI
interface
PDI
AN128
NXP – LPCxxx ARM7 FLASH microcontrollers
JTAG
AN130
Zensys – ZWxxx – Z-WAVE Series
SPI
AN132
Atmel ATtiny AVR microcontrollers via the TPI interface
TPI
AN133
Atmel AT45D Serial DataFlash programming
SPI
AN134 Austriamicrosystems – magnetic encoder programming AMS 1-wire
SPI
I2C
AN135 Xilinx Spartan FPGA – external Serial DataFLASH programming
method
SPI
These application notes can be found in PDF format on the CD-ROM which was supplied with the
programmer. You can also find the very latest versions on the “ISPnano Download Page” on the
Equinox website.

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Programmer related - Application notes
The table below lists the Application Notes available for the ISPnano programmer range which
describe the USB driver installation, the different control methods available, firmware update
procedure and ‘AVR Oscillator Calibration’ procedure.
Application
Note
Description
AN109
Remote Application Control of Equinox ISP Programmers using ISP-PRO Utility
AN110
ASCII Text Control (ATC) Protocol for Remote Control of Equinox Programmers
AN111
ConsoleEDS Protocol for Remote Control of Equinox Programmers
AN112
Firmware Update instructions for Equinox ISP Programmers
AN114
Accurate on-chip Oscillator Calibration for Atmel AVR microcontrollers
AN121
Equinox EQTools – Release Notes
AN123 Controlling an Equinox ISP Programmer from a Remote System via the Remote 4-wire
TTL Port
AN126
USB Driver Installation instructions for PPM4-MK1 and ISPnano programmers
These application notes can be found in PDF format on the CD-ROM which was supplied with the
programmer. You can also find the very latest versions on the “ISPnano Download Page” on the
Equinox website.

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1.0 Overview
The "ISPnano Series IV ATE" is a state-of-the-art ISP Programmer designed for high-speed In-
System Programming (ISP) of FLASH Microcontrollers and Serial Memory devices in a production
environment. It has been specially developed to allow simple integration with Automatic Test
Equipment (ATE) systems and In-Circuit Testers (ICTs) used in high-volume production systems.
The programmer supports automated relay switching of all Target System programming and power
signal lines between external test equipment e.g. an external ATE / ICT system and the programmer.
This allows the programmer to be completely out-of-circuit during normal ATE testing operation.

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A dedicated 'ATE Interface' also allows the ATE / ICT to control the operation of the programmer in
'Standalone Mode' (no PC required).

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1.1 Main Features
Features
•Integrated ‘ISPnano Series IV ATE’programmer (see separate features for this module)
•Compact enclosure featuring integrated programmer and interchangeable ‘I/O Connection
Module’
•All programmer I/O signal lines are isolated from both the Target System (DUT) and external
test equipment e.g. ATE / ICT via relays
•All power lines (Target Vcc, Target Vpp and GROUND) are independently switched via relays.
•The ATE / ICT is routed to the Target System (UUT) by default so the programmer is
completely isolated from the UUT.
•When a programming operation starts, the Target System (DUT) ISP I/O and power signals
are automatically switched to the programmer and the ATE / ICT is then completely isolated
from the programmer.
•At the end of a programming operation, the Target System (DUT) is automatically re-
connected to the ATE / ICT.
•Simple integration with ATE / ICT as the programmer controls the relay switching
•Supports signal routing of an external ‘JTAG Boundary Scan Tester’ via the ATE Port to the
Target System (UUT).

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1.2 Front panel layout
The layout of the front panel of the programmer is shown below.
# Connector Name Description / comment
1
DC Power Input
DC Power Input to power the programmer
•Voltage range: 9.0 – 24.0 V DC (right-hand pin positive)
2
EXTERNAL TARGET VCC
INPUT
EXTERNAL TARGET VCC INPUT
•DC Power Input to power relay coils
3
Programmer STATUS LEDs
Programmer ‘Status’ LEDs
•PASS (GREEN), BUSY (YELLOW), FAIL (RED)
4
RS485 Ports
RS485 Ports (1) + (2) - Serial Communications Ports
•These ports can be used to control the programmer via an
RS485 link from a PC.
•Up to 32 x ISPnano programmers can be connected on the
RS485 bus.
•The connectors are connected in parallel internally so it does
not matter which is used as the RS485 INPUT or OUTPUT.
•The connector is a 5-pin 2.54mm Molex.
5
USB Port
High-speed USB Port
•This port can be used to control the programmer via a USB
link from a PC.
6
RS232 Port
or
Remote Display Keypad
Port
RS232 Port - Serial Communications Port
•This port can be used to control the programmer via an
RS232 link from a PC or other Test Equipment.
•A ‘Remote Display / Keypad Module’ can also be
connected to this port allowing the programmer to be remote
controlled.
•The connector is a 4-pin RJ11 connector.

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1.3 Rear Panel IDC Connector Ports and signal routing
The ‘ISPnano Series IV ATE’ programmer features three ‘IDC Ports’ as detailed in the illustration
below.
The purpose of each connector is described in the table below.
Connector
name
Description
Connector
type
Target ISP Port
This port connects to the Target Device (UUT) on the Target
System. It bypasses any connections to the I/O Connector
Module.
16-way IDC
TTL Control Port
(opto-isolated)
This port is used to remotely control the programmer from an
external ATE / ICT or PLC. All signals are opto-isolated.
10-way IDC
Remote Control Port
This port is used to remotely control the programmer from an
external ATE / ICT or PLC.
14-way IDC
Lid Switch Connector
This connector allows a test fixture lid switch to trigger the
execution of a standalone programming project.
2-way molex

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2.0 Getting Started Guide
2.1 Overview
This section of the manual details how to power the programmer and connect it to the PC.
2.2 System contents
The ‘ISPnano Series 4 ATE’ programmer is available as the ‘ISPnano Series IV ATE’ - Programmer
Module only or as a ‘Programmer Kit’ which includes the Programmer Module along with a power
supply, connector module, cables and software.
The full contents list of the ‘ISPnanoS4-ATE Programmer Kit’ (Order code: ISPnano-S4ATEKIT) is
detailed below.
Hardware
•ISPnano Programming Module
(ISPnano-S4ATE version)
•Mains Power Supply Wall Adaptor (9V DC
regulated @ 1.7A fitted with 2-pin JST
connector)
•ISPnano – CONMOD Connector Module
(ISPnano-CONMOD)
•
ISPnano – EVAL Module (ISPnano-EVAL)
Cables
•DC Power Cable (2-pin JST to bare wires)
•RS232 Serial Cable (RJ11 to 9-way D
connector)
•RS232 Extension Cable (9-way Female to
9-way Male Serial Cable)
•6-way IDC ribbon cable
•10-way IDC ribbon cable
•16-way IDC ribbon cable
•20-way IDC ribbon cable
Software
•EQTools (Project Management Utility for
Equinox Production ISP Programmers)
•Upload Wizard (used to upload
Standalone Projects to the programmer)
Miscellaneous
•4 x Rubber mounting feet (separate
packet)

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2.3 Hardware setup
The hardware setup instructions for the ‘ISPnano Series IV ATE’ programmer are detailed below.
2.3.1 Powering the programmer
Connect a suitable power supply to the ‘DC-IN’ connector of the programmer
This powers the ‘Programmer internal electronics’
You may use the ‘Mains DC power supply’ which comes as part of the kit or you can use your own
external power supply.
Programmer Power Supply
+9.0V to +24.0V @ 150mA
min

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2.3.3 Connecting the programmer to the PC
The programmer can be controlled from a PC using any one of the ‘Communications Ports’ detailed
in the illustration / table below.
Key No
Function
Further description
1
RS-485 Input (& output)
RS-485 - Input/output. Connector: 5-pin 2.5mm Molex
2
USB Port
USB - Input/output Connector: miniUSB connector
3
RS-232 Communications Port
or
Remote Display / Keypad
RS232 + LCD +5V power. Connector: RJ11