In the context of installing firmware onto a device, a programmer, device programmer, chip programmer, device burner, [1]: 364 or PROM writer [2] is a device that writes, a.k.a. burns, firmware to a target device's non-volatile memory. [3]: 3
Typically, the target device memory is one of the following types: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, eMMC, MRAM, FeRAM, NVRAM, PLD, PLA, PAL, GAL, CPLD, FPGA.
Generally, a programmer connects to a device in one of two ways.
In some cases, the target device is inserted into a socket (usually ZIF) on the programmer. [4]: 642, pdf15 If the device is not a standard DIP packaging, a plug-in adapter board, which converts the footprint with another socket, is used. [5]: 58
In some cases, a programmer connects to a device via a cable to a connection port on the device. This is sometimes called on-board programming, in-circuit programming, or in-system programming. [6] [7] [8]
Data is transferred from the programmer to the device as signals via connecting pins.
Some devices have a serial interface [9]: 232, pdf3 for receiving data (including JTAG interface). [4]: 642, pdf15 Other devices communicate on parallel pins, followed by a programming pulse with a higher voltage for programming the data into the device. [10]: 125
Usually, a programmer is controlled via a connected personal computer through a parallel port, [1]: 364 USB port, [11] or LAN interface. [12] A program on the controlling computer interacts with the programmer to perform operations such as configure install parameters and program the device, [1]: 364 [13]: 430 [14] [15]
There are four general types of programmers:
Regarding old PROM programmers, as the many programmable devices have different voltage requirements, every pin driver must be able to apply different voltages in a range of 0–25 Volts. [20]: 651 [21]: 40 But according to the progress of memory device technology, recent flash memory programmers do not need high voltages. [22] [23]
In the early days of computing, booting mechanism was a mechanical devices usually consisted of switches and LEDs. It means the programmer was not an equipment but a human, who entered machine codes one by one, by setting the switches in a series of "on" and "off" positions. These positions of switches corresponded to the machine codes, similar to today's assembly language. [24]: 261–262 [25] [26] Nowadays, EEPROMs are used for bootstrapping mechanism as BIOS, and no need to operate mechanical switches for programming. [27]: 45
For each vendor's web site, refer to "External links" section.
PROM programmer PC transfer.
plug-in adapters DIP packaging.
In the context of installing firmware onto a device, a programmer, device programmer, chip programmer, device burner, [1]: 364 or PROM writer [2] is a device that writes, a.k.a. burns, firmware to a target device's non-volatile memory. [3]: 3
Typically, the target device memory is one of the following types: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, eMMC, MRAM, FeRAM, NVRAM, PLD, PLA, PAL, GAL, CPLD, FPGA.
Generally, a programmer connects to a device in one of two ways.
In some cases, the target device is inserted into a socket (usually ZIF) on the programmer. [4]: 642, pdf15 If the device is not a standard DIP packaging, a plug-in adapter board, which converts the footprint with another socket, is used. [5]: 58
In some cases, a programmer connects to a device via a cable to a connection port on the device. This is sometimes called on-board programming, in-circuit programming, or in-system programming. [6] [7] [8]
Data is transferred from the programmer to the device as signals via connecting pins.
Some devices have a serial interface [9]: 232, pdf3 for receiving data (including JTAG interface). [4]: 642, pdf15 Other devices communicate on parallel pins, followed by a programming pulse with a higher voltage for programming the data into the device. [10]: 125
Usually, a programmer is controlled via a connected personal computer through a parallel port, [1]: 364 USB port, [11] or LAN interface. [12] A program on the controlling computer interacts with the programmer to perform operations such as configure install parameters and program the device, [1]: 364 [13]: 430 [14] [15]
There are four general types of programmers:
Regarding old PROM programmers, as the many programmable devices have different voltage requirements, every pin driver must be able to apply different voltages in a range of 0–25 Volts. [20]: 651 [21]: 40 But according to the progress of memory device technology, recent flash memory programmers do not need high voltages. [22] [23]
In the early days of computing, booting mechanism was a mechanical devices usually consisted of switches and LEDs. It means the programmer was not an equipment but a human, who entered machine codes one by one, by setting the switches in a series of "on" and "off" positions. These positions of switches corresponded to the machine codes, similar to today's assembly language. [24]: 261–262 [25] [26] Nowadays, EEPROMs are used for bootstrapping mechanism as BIOS, and no need to operate mechanical switches for programming. [27]: 45
For each vendor's web site, refer to "External links" section.
PROM programmer PC transfer.
plug-in adapters DIP packaging.