In-System Programming for microcontrollers | FlashFOX

Are you looking for a stand-alone programming solution, but can do without overhead testing?

FlashFOX is a standalone production programmer that enables the fast and secure in system programming (ISP) of microcontrollers, flash memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) from a wide range of manufacturers. Designed for industrial use in electronics production, the flash programmer is an easy-to-use tool for development, debugging and programming of microcontrollers.

Thanks to its robust hardware, intuitive user interface, and extensive functions, the standalone programmer can be seamlessly integrated into existing production processes. Its flexible interfaces and wide range of supported programmable devices enable versatile use — from the laboratory bench to the production line.

Despite its compact design, FlashFOX® achieves the highest programming speeds. Both in the laboratory and production, the FlashFOX® works time and cost-efficiently because up to eight different DUTs can be programmed and validated simultaneously.

The system design consists of a compact master unit and extremely small remote PODs that ensure maximum signal integrity despite of high distances. Control is via hardware commands (stand-alone via ATE interface) or a host system. FlashFOX® serves different debug interfaces (such as JTAG, SWD or DAP) or communication interfaces (SPI, I²C or UART) on the DUT side. Dedicated programming drivers ensure the shortest possible programming times.

Integration of FlashFOX in existing systems via DLL

	FlashFOX 8	FlashFOX 8/X4
Operating voltage	5 V via power supply
Control interfaces	Gbit LAN, WLAN, USB 3.0, Serial interface (R232), ATE interface
Bus Frequency	100 MHz
Number of POD Slots	8	4
POD Modules	POD02/S(R) POD022/S(R) POD122/S(R) POD422/S(R)
Integrated Technologies / Formats	VarioTAP, X-BUS, SCANFLEX, SVF, JAM/STAPL

support of many programmable devices, e.g. eMMC, NOR and NAND, CPLDs, FPGAs
programming interfaces e.g. SPI, SWD, I2C, JTAG, UART, DAP
support of data streaming for flexible programming data handling
real parallel high-speed programming
FlashFOX® master unit with up to 8 high-speed programming channels to the POD
very compact POD unit for easy integration into ATE systems
simple adaptation to existing systems on the hardware side
API available for easy software integration in existing systems
suitable for industrial use in 24/7 operation
anti-piracy protection (security)

JavaScript Support
Implementation of highly flexible and customised programming sequences using JavaScript
Programming procedures can be just as flexible and complex as the PCBA itself. Multiple actions often need to be carried out in succession and in dependence on each other.
The FlashFOX is the first production programmer to support the execution of JavaScript, which also forms the basis for internal procedure processing. With the help of a graphical user interface and generators, the JavaScript is automatically generated.
This allows users to select, parameterise and sequence predefined actions, such as a chip erase, program or verify. But the use of JavaScript offers even more advantages. Scripts can be adapted, added to or programmed manually from scratch at any time. All the possibilities of JavaScript are available to the user. With the help of variables, loops and control structures, such as IF commands, complex and very flexible processes can be created. Even the manipulation of programming data is possible at runtime.
JavaScript also allows the integration of your own libraries to expand the possibilities. Thus, the execution of JavaScript allows the FlashFOX to implement very flexible and customised programming sequences.
Embedded In-System-Programmierung (ISP)
As an alternative to on-socket programming or pre-programmed microcontrollers/parallel memories, with embedded ISP the device is programmed in the already installed state (in the system). This means that no mechanical stress is placed on the circuit and firmware updates are simplified.
Securing the PCBA prior to programming
Often, numerous constraints must be met before memory chips and UUTs can even be successfully addressed. This starts with extensive power-up sequences. With the help of a microcontroller, CPLDs or FPGAs, different voltage domains must be switched on and monitored one after the other. Without observing the correct switching sequence, timings or safety mechanisms, the desired functions could be compromised or even damage the DUT.
Memory devices are often protected by complicated security circuits. This is to prevent the wrong data from being written or content from being read in the first place. This is a major challenge for programmers, because successful programming is not possible without direct control over all the signals necessary to switch on the PCBA correctly.
The FlashFOX solves this problem by implementing a SVF execution. Boundary Scan Shift Vectors are stored in an SVF file. This allows Boundary Scan operations to be performed and signals to be set, read and verified.
In this way, design-specific and complex power-up sequences and security mechanisms can be implemented. SVF files are standardised and can be generated from a variety of development environments (including GÖPEL electronic's SYSTEM CASCON).

award poster image — Finalist of ElectroTEC Pioneer Award

ATE integration of FlashFOX

The expertise from GÖPEL electronic

We at GÖPEL electronic have years of experience in the field of JTAG/Boundary Scan. We have developed numerous test and programming solutions for electronics development and production with the advanced SCANFLEX II architecture.

FlashFOX® represents a native, logical extension of our embedded programming product portfolio. In the field of Embedded JTAG Solutions, this is particularly suitable for the more demanding professional and expert level applications.

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promotional reference: EP200916

This Project is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) on the basis of a decision by the German Bundestag.