Manual Flash programmer first to offer network control.

A persistent challenge for electronics manufacturers is how to manage production when the firmware is always changing, In the race for product features, design engineers make frequent changes to the product firmware, and, to cut costs, manufacturing engineers substitute parts, requiring new programming algorithms. Miscommunication between these departments can result in costly rework if the wrong program or programming algorithm is used. Moreover, because of differences between manual and automated programming systems, each department or supplier has to reset equipment whenever a firmware or device change occurs.

To solve these problems, Data I/O has created the first tabletop programming system using network-based process control software to communicate firmware changes instantly across the organization, even to distant facilities. The FlashPAK system uses the same programming language and engine as other advanced programming systems, so users can benefit from a consistent architecture--from design through manufacturing--to lower development costs and speed time to market. The user does not have to reprogram the equipment to set up each stage of the manufacturing process.

The programming solution includes technology usually reserved for high-end applications and network software that provides centralized control of firmware changes. For example, four leading edge 64 M-bit devices can be programmed in approximately 0.375 seconds/M-bit. Now, low-volume, Flash programming applications can have the benefits of network control and advanced programming architecture, assuring that programming is current, secure, traceable and failsafe.

The product is a tabletop programming system featuring four sites for simultaneous programming of up to four fine-pitch, Flash memory devices. Based on the architecture of RoadRunner, an advanced in-line programming system, the system programs leading Flash memory devices at near theoretical minimum times.

TaskLink, for Windows[TM] Supervisor Software, provides near real-time remote monitoring of the entire system work cell, keeping statistical updates on job status, operator performance, device yield and all relevant programming data. Statistical information flows from the programming system to the user's manufacturing software, enabling the operation to become visible to senior managers and supply chain partners.

Software communication is HTML- or XML-based, with security issues easily handled using standard Web-based security and virtual private networks. The hardware protocol is Ethernet 100 Base-T, which enables connection to all standard corporate networks.

The network approach also allows the system to be cost-effectively expanded as business needs grow. The user can start with one unit and add additional units to increase the number of programming sites. The sites connect via the provided Ethernet cable to make an 8-, 12-, or 16-site system.

The system is a more cost-effective Flash programming solution compared to systems that also program logic and micro devices, The product avoids the need for adapters that slow output and add cost because the system was designed to specialize in Flash device programming. The programming system supports all major Flash devices and packaging types, including thin small outline packages (TSOPs), chip-scale packages (CSPs), plastic leaded chip carriers (PLCCs), small outline integrated circuits (SOICs), ball grid arrays (BGAs) and micro BGAs (microBGAs). Devices down to 1.5 volts are supported.

The system is the newest component in the Connected Programming Strategy and creates a unified programming solution--connecting engineering to manufacturing, business processes to business systems and the programming supply chain to users. Integrated with high-volume programmers, the product becomes part of an end-to-end, networked programming solution that ensures the correct, most current programming algorithm is used at each step of product development and production.

For more information, contact Data I/O Corp., Redmond, WA; [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail].

Want to feature your company's product in a Tech Watch? Contact Holly Collins at [e-mail].