9.5.1 Multiple Device Chain Programming

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to program multiple Actel devices in a chain. You should already be familiar with the basic features of the FlashPro® software.

Note: This tutorial does not provide software installation instructions. Please have FlashPro already installed before you begin.

In the figure below, there are three devices in a chain (two A3P250 and one A3PE600). In this section, we will program these three devices in the chain.
Figure 9-58. APA Device Tutorial Example
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To create a new project:

  1. Click the New Project button in FlashPro.
  2. From the New Project dialog box, type “Tutorial” in the Project Name field.
  3. Check the Chain box.
    Figure 9-59. New Project Dialog Box
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  4. If necessary, change the default location of your project in the Project Location field.
  5. Click OK. The FlashPro main window appears.
    Note: The Programmer List window updates with your programmers information.
  6. From the Programmers menu, choose Scan Chain (or select the programmer in the Programmer List window, right-click, then choose Scan Chain).
    Figure 9-60. Select Programmer Window
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    Scan Chain shows how the devices are ordered in the chain in the log window. In this case, A3P250 is the first device that will be programmed in the chain since it is connected directly to TDO.

    Figure 9-61. Scan Chain Order in the Log Window
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  7. Click the Configure Chain button. The Chain Configuration window displays.
    Figure 9-62. Chain Configuration Window
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  8. In the Chain Configuration window, click the Add Device button to add devices to the chain. The Add Actel Device dialog box appears.
    Figure 9-63. Add Actel Device Dialog Box
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  9. Choose the "A3P250" device from the Device drop-down.
  10. In the STAPL file field, use the Browse button to locate the A3P250.stp file.
  11. In the Name field, leave A3P250 as default. The A3P250 device is added into the Chain Configuration window.
    Figure 9-64. Device One Chain Configuration Window
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  12. Repeat the same process for A3PE600 and the other A3P250 respectively.
  13. After you have finished adding all of the devices in the chain, the Chain Configuration window updates.
    Figure 9-65. Chain Configuration Window: All Devices in the Chain
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  14. Once all the devices have been added to the chain in the correct order, click the Run button to program the chain.
  15. When Programming is complete, the Programmer List window displays.
  16. Figure 9-66. Programmer List Window Done
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Congratulations! You have just completed the FlashPro Multiple Actel Device Chain Programming tutorial.