Programmable system programs blank devices in situ

1 March 2000 DSP, Micros & Memory

Waferscale's new EasyFlash PSD (programmable system device) is the first configurable memory system for an MCU to offer in-system programmability (ISP) of blank devices. This is accomplished via a 4-pin ISP port, based on the JTAG standard, which allows code to flow directly into the PSD memory banks bypassing the MCU. As a result, says Waferscale, blank devices can be soldered onto the circuit board and programmed at the end of the assembly line, thus eliminating the need to inventory preprogrammed devices.

EasyFlash PSDs also offer concurrent memory arrays, to support in-application reprogrammability (IAP) which allows execution out of one memory array while the other is being updated, and vice versa.

The EasyFlash PSD9XX family, integrates up to 2 Mb of Flash, 256 Kb of concurrent Flash or EEPROM, up to 64 Kb of SRAM, additional I/O, power management, a security feature and advanced ISP options onto a single chip. They are 100% configurable with PSDsoft Express and programmable via the ISP port, the MCU's serial port or a third party device programmer.

PSDsoft Express software is free

The company's PSDsoft Express allows for complete configuration of the PSD9XX family of PSDs. It has a simple point and click environment that automatically configures the microcontroller interface based on the selected MCU and then proceeds to step the designer through configuration, all the way through to programming the code and firm- ware into the PSD. It is available for download at www.waferscale.com

For further information contact local distributor Components & Systems Design who are also offering the latest product specifications and product CD from Waferscale. For copies contact (011) 391 3062 in Johannesburg or Claude Parnell, (031) 266 9930 in Durban.

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