Chen Xiao Fan wrote:

>I have several questions regarding K185. This looks quite
>attractive: USB powered, variable Vpp and Vdd, firmware
>upgradeable through Web, built-in SMPS, design for production,
>ICSP+ZIF socket.
>
>1) How about the chip support? Can it program dsPICs?
>  
>
The unit will operate on Protocol 19, a different approach to PIC
programming. P19 is a high-speed scripting language; the programmer
itself has no self-knowledge of the device itself. The user can program a
script to perform a series of actions to, say, execute a bulk erase, 
etc, write
the memory array, read the memory array, etc. What is unique is that
P19 allows the user to write a special script that only writes the bootblock
panel, or panel 6 only, or all EXCEPT panel 6, etc . DIY decided on this
approach after becoming convinced that Microchip programming methods
will be unpredictable. It has been a tough  firmware job, because the
method must be backward-hardware-compatible with a large worldwide
installed base.

While I plan for it to handle DsPICs, I have not tried to write a script
for them yet. It might be possible that there are special hardware issues
that I have not addressed closely.

Chip support is a tough task. The problem is that somehow, somewhere,
somebody must maintain every revision of every PIC MicroChip makes.
It's possible to do so, but only at an incredible expense. Small companies
cannot afford to do so. Instead, P19 has a script format that will include
a field for the person who developed the script and tested it to enter their
name/handle or email address after having sucessfully tested it ON THE
ACTUAL device. This sorta indicates that testing was done by someone
willing to write his name in the field. DIY would then accumulate these
entries into a "CHIPINFO.DIY" that can be downloaded. Of course, I will
create a lot of scripts myself. 

>2) Am I right to assume Vpp and Vdd are automatically controlled 
>once the right chip is selected?
>
The default values are automatically controlled, yes. But a script can cause
the unit to write at 5V but verify at 2V, for example. The application 
allows
for the obvious

> What is the range of Vpp
>(9V to 15V or even wider)? 
>
Presently it is 9V to 14.5V. I could change the range some by adjusting the
raw-VCC to raw-VPP switcher.

>What is the range of Vdd
>(1.8V to 5.5V or even wider)?
>  
>
2V to 6V; lower limit is set by the drive of the PGD/PGC driving devices 
(LVXX).

>Does it have alternative supply input other than USB?
>  
>
Not at the moment. I could not find a reason. It can deliver 50mA+ on VPP
and VDD.

>3) Any information regarding the target retail price (<=US$100?
>without the long USB extension cable)?
>  
>
DIY is trying to decide. It is somewhat more sophisticated than the simple
devices being sold presently. My guess is somwhere around $125 USD.

Size is 3.25" x 3.25", all SMT.

It also has a chip handler port, which can be reprogrammed to handle special
programmer needs, such as certain switching needs while programming.

Our delay is the time needed to test P19 thoroughly before including P19 in
the firmware of the K185.

--Bob

>Regards,
>Xiaofan
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Bob Axtell [mailto:engineer@cotse.net]
>Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2005 2:00 PM
>To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
>Subject: Re: [PIC] PIC programmer performance comparison, etc
>
>I designed one for Peter C (DIY electronics), the K185. Both
>VPP and VDD are in 0.25V increments, and it operates from the
>USB port, with a stepup/stepdown switcher set, allowing USB V-level as
>low as 4V. It is intended for production useage, with a throwaway
>socket, etc. Uses PIC16F88, and the firmware is upgradeable
>via the web. I plan it to be operable with those long USB extension
>cables (100ft+) so it can be dragged over the production floor. Of
>course, it drops its power when unused.
>
>It is waiting for me to release a new programmer protocol before it can
>be firmed up and released. I think it can go out in Feb 2006 if not before.
> 
>--Bob
>  
>


-- 
Note: To protect our network,
attachments must be sent to
attach@engineer.cotse.net .
1-866-263-5745 USA/Canada
http://beam.to/azengineer

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist