2.12 Programming

Device programming is supported through the Silicon Sculptor II, a single-site, robust and compact device programmer for the PC. Up to four Silicon Sculptor IIs can be daisy-chained and controlled from a single PC host. With standalone software for the PC, Silicon Sculptor II is designed to allow concurrent programming of multiple units from the same PC when daisy-chained.

Silicon Sculptor II programs devices independently to achieve the fastest programming times possible. Each fuse is verified by Silicon Sculptor II to ensure correct programming. Furthermore, at the end of programming, there are integrity tests that are run to ensure that programming was completed properly. Not only does it test programmed and nonprogrammed fuses, Silicon Sculptor II also provides a self-test to test its own hardware extensively.

Programming an Axcelerator device using Silicon Sculptor II is similar to programming any other antifuse device. The procedure is as follows:

Load the *.AFM file.

Select the device to be programmed.

Begin programming.

When the design is ready to go to production, Microchip offers device volume-programming services either through distribution partners or via our In-House Programming Center.

In addition, BP Microsystems offers multi-site programmers that provide qualified support for Axcelerator devices.

For more details on programming the Axcelerator devices, see the Silicon Sculptor II User’s Guide.