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A universal programmer that operates independant of operating system, can program any device via "daughter boards"(DBs) which are adaptor boards that will plug into the main board. The Main Board (MB) will have various circuits designed to provide compatability with almost any device. There will be a power supply board that is seperate, due to the large amount of argument surrounding that subject. There will also be a one time programming board to get the firmware onto the MCU on the MB. And, there will be a board for communication interfacing so that the programmer will not be resricted to any specific protocol.

Firmware:

• Consists of control algorithms for all of the built-in devices, and a byte code interpreter for allowing easy writing of programming algorithms.

Hardware:

MB

The Main Board will have:

• A PIC16F877 to handle control
• An 8-pin ICSP compatible header
• A 40-pin or 37-pin header to connect to DB's
• A 10-pin header to connect to the Power supply
• An 10-pin communication header
• An optional I2C hub
• Optional I2C expansion ports
• An optional onboard MAX232 for onboard RS232 communication
• Additional required components for the operation of the MCU
• Several DIP switches for signal switching and configuration

(Note: the choice of controller is currently under "discussion" on the CUMP list. I have posted a comparison table of available MCUs that could fit the bill.)

• A ZIF socket physically mounted to the main unit or to a daughter board with a large pin header where each pin of the ZIF can be connected to any pin of the DB Header. This will allow the programming of most devices with just a low cost female header to connect the signals to the correct target pins for each type of device.

DB

The DBs will have:

• An optional (Recomended) onboard EEPROM to store the bytecode instructions for the MB processor.
• A 40-pin/37-pin header for connection to the MB and supply voltages.
• All additional required hardware for the target device.

Comm Board

The Comm Board will have:

• All required communications hardware for conversion from SPI,   I2C or USART serial to the target protocol
• A 10-pin header encompasing all the previously mentioned protocols

PSupply

The supply board wil have:

• The required hardware for a 25V source
• The required hardware for a 5V source
• The required hardware for 2 programable sources and any of the following desired to make said sources
  • 2 PWM inputs for voltage control (optional)
  • 2 analog feedback returns (optional)
  • An I2C port (optional)
  • 2 buffered full scale analog outputs