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Review: BeeProg Universal Programmer By PETER SMITH In the market for a professional all-inone programmer? The new BeeProg Universal Programmer from Elnec is worth a look. E STABLISHED IN SLOVAKIA in 1991, Elnec specialises in professional development tools, including emulators, simulators, logic analysers and of course, device programmers. The BeeProg Universal Programmer is a recent addition to their product line-up, differentiated from previous models primarily by its USB support. It also supports higher programming speeds. The BeeProg operates in conjunction with a PC and Windows-based control software. It can be connected via either the USB or a free ECP/EPP parallel port. As of writing, it can program 12,080 unique devices, including EPROM, EEPROM, PROM, FLASH memory, NVRAM, serial EEPROM, PLDs and microcontrollers. Updates Elnec updates their control software on about a monthly basis, adding support for new devices before or soon after they’re released. You can download the updates free from their web site or opt for a paid subscription service to receive them monthly or quarterly via the post. Alternatively, you can register on-line to receive a free yearly update. In the unlikely event that you need to program a device not supported by BeeProg, Elnec will add it to the list, resources permitting. This is their “Algorithms on Request” service and it’s provided free of charge. Programming overview Fig.1: BeeProg’s control software is easy to drive. Common functions are grouped along the main toolbar for one-click access, with all the important details displayed “up front”. siliconchip.com.au True “pin driver” technology means that all DIP devices can be programmed in the 48-way ZIF socket without the need for additional adapters. Elnec also offers a range of adapters for other package styles, including PLCC, SOIC, PSOP, TQFP and TSOP. According to Elnec, only manufacturer-specified programming algorithms are used to ensure long-term reliability and maximum yield. Programming voltage (VPP) slew rate conJuly 2004  93 the side of the case and a short length of ribbon cable. The programmer can supply target system power (selectable from 2-6V), as well as perform VCC margin testing (assuming an appropriate on-board ISP interface). In addition to device programming, the unit can also perform TTL/CMOS logic and static RAM testing. Test vectors are loaded from easy-to-interpret ASCII-formatted files, which also means you can generate your own vectors for PLD testing, etc. The box Fig.2: device operations are userconfigurable via the Options menu. For microcontroller programming, you can also gain access to the fuse bits and ID locations from this menu. trol and minimum/maximum supply voltage (VCC) margin testing are all part of the package. In addition, reversed or “mis-socketed” parts are automatically detected at the start of each operation, with programmable current limiting included to protect the programmer as well as the device in the socket. A useful inclusion is the ability to program Atmel, Microchip and EM Microelectronic microcontrollers incircuit. Connection to the target system is made via a 10-way DIL header on 94  Silicon Chip The unit is supplied in a bulletproof steel case measuring 160 x 190 x 42 mm. A single button labelled “Yes!” next to the 48-way ZIF socket is a handy addition that speeds up multiple device programming and/or verification. Once the software has been set up to program or verify the first device, subsequent devices can be inserted in turn, followed by a press of the button to repeat the operation. A row of LEDs indicate system status, so you can immediately see when the operation completes and whether it passed or failed without referring to the on-screen display. Control software As mentioned above, the BeeProg programmer is controlled over a USB or parallel port link from your PC. The necessary software runs under Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000 & XP. Fig.3: selecting a “generic” type EPROM rather than a specific manufacturer’s type gives access to programming voltages, currents and several timing parameters. All operations are performed from the main window, with often-used functions such as device read, blank check, program, verify and erase selectable via toolbar buttons and hot keys. Drop-down menus provide access to other less frequently used functions. Device type can be selected from the huge list of supported devices according to class or manufacturer, or by simply typing in all or part of the type number. For EPROM and FLASH devices, you can also use the ID byte read function for automatic type detection. siliconchip.com.au Fig.4: you can edit and massage the buffer contents in a variety of ways. If the function you want isn’t included (unlikely), Elnec are eager to please and welcome suggestions for future versions of the software. Virtually all aspects of the programming cycle can be customised to suit your particular needs. For example, you can choose to perform verifications at ±5% or ±10% of VCC, or both. You can also decide whether an insertion test and device ID check are performed at the start of each cycle. All known file formats are supported, with automatic format recognition on file open. Once loaded, a host of operations can be performed on the buffer contents; we don’t have space to describe them all here. Essentially, the contents can be edited, moved, copied, swapped, erased and split odd/even as well as four ways. In addition, you can checksum a defined area of the buffer in a variety of ways, including MD5 hashsum. The results can be automatically inserted at a defined buffer location or saved to a “project” file along with other settings. Also of note is the auto-increment function, which enables you to assign individual serial numbers to each programmed device. Programmed numbers can be saved and retrieved from a file for consistency and documentation purposes. Summary The only minor point noted during our short review is that a number of supported devices can’t be programmed over a USB link; they specifically require a parallel port connection. However, USB support is improving with each software update. siliconchip.com.au Silicon Chip Binders REAL VALUE AT Fig.5: checksum calculation and insertion couldn’t be simpler. The BeeProg comes with a 3-year parts & labour warranty, with a limited (25,000 cycle) warranty on the ZIF socket. The software includes a diagnostics menu that allows quick and easy self-testing to be performed with the aid of the supplied diagnostic “pod”. Elnec programmers are available in Australia from Grantronics. They are on the web at www.grantronics.com. au or phone (02) 9896 7150. Technical information is also available from the Elnec web site at www.elnec.com. As of writing, the BeeProg universal programmer was priced at $1300 plus GST, subject to exchange rate SC variations. $12.95 PLUS P & P H SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover H Buy five and get them postage free! Price: $A12.95 plus $A5.50 p&p. Available only in Australia. Just fill in the handy order form in this issue; or fax (02) 9979 6503; or ring (02) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card number. July 2004  95