9.3.4 Parallel Programming with FlashPro®4/3/3X

Parallel programming enables you to program multiple Microchip® devices in parallel with multiple programmers. In parallel programming, all targeted devices are programmed with the same programming file (STAPL). The targeted device or chain configuration that is connected to each programmer must be identical.

The FlashPro® software together with the FlashPro4/3/3X programmers supports parallel programming via a USB port. You can connect up to sixteen FlashPro4/3/3X's to a PC via a USB v1.1 or a USB v2.0 port. FlashPro4/3/3X requires a self-powered hub.

Connecting FlashPro4/3/3X (a USB v2.0 enabled programmer) to USB v1.1 port increases device programming time due to a slow data transfer rate on the USB v1.1 port in comparison to a USB v2.0 port.

Note: FlashPro (USB/LPT1) and FlashPro Lite programmers do not support parallel programming.

The following figure illustrates how you can connect a FlashPro4/3/3X programmer for parallel programming.

Figure 9-14. Connecting a FlashPro4/3/3X Programmer
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During parallel programming, an independent processing thread handles the STAPL file for each programmer. In internal testing, parallel programming can achieve significantly higher throughput compared to programming multiple devices sequentially.

Note: For best performance, ensure that the USB hub and controller drivers used in a parallel‑programming setup are current and compatible with the connected programmers.