Additional Features of Engineering Programmers

Architecture

Considered to be the ultimate engineering device programmers in terms of speed, device support, ease-of-use and flexibility, BPM Microsystems programmers are ideal for today’s high-density devices and high pin count devices.

Advanced pin drivers incorporate sophisticated high-speed circuitry to deliver unparalleled programming and testing performance for all device technologies. Much like expensive IC testers, our programmers use high-speed bipolar analog pin drivers with microstrip transmission lines to deliver remarkable 800ps rise times at the programming socket without overshoot or ground bounce. Each programmer has 240-pin drivers standard that allows complete continuity and functionality testing available on every pin before programming begins—a feature that saves you time, frustration, and money.

Software

BPWin and BPDos software interfaces are informative, reliable, and most importantly, easy to use. Also included as a standard part of our software tools is JobMaster. This is a powerful utility that incorporates the use of “.bp” files. A feature exclusive to BPM Microsystems programmers, “.bp” files provide value for both production and engineering departments by guaranteeing proper job setup and secure data. The JobMaster “.bp” files can be easily transferred, even by e-mail.

This allows our customers to easily send data patterns securely around the world, transfer designs between engineering and manufacturing, and share programming files between customers and programming centers. JobMaster “.bp” files are error checked automatically, and help eliminate human error by only running jobs that have been tested and verified by a supervisor. If the “.bp” files have been changed inadvertently, the software will inform the user of the modification. The JobMaster software reduces setup times to seconds and eliminates chances of setup errors.

Device Support

BPM Microsystems programmers are designed with the incomparable flexibility to meet the needs of today’s most demanding programming centers. We support the most extensive range of devices including the latest FPGAs, MCUs, PLDs, antifuse, and memories including Flash in packages from the smallest µBGAs to the largest QFPs.

The system provides full support for devices up to 240 pins (except for the 1410/84) with the ability to continuity test, erase, blank check, program, verify, vector test, program ranges and easily configure special device features such as security options, write protect, operating modes, etc.

Also, our programmers are not subject to restrictions found on competing gang programmers that may lead to improperly programmed devices, especially on today’s advanced CMOS devices.

Socket Modules

Customers have the ability to use any of the over 2500 BPM Microsystems socket modules that are available today. No other manual production programmer supports more devices and packages.

Our Socket modules support various package types, including SOIC, TSOP, TSSOP, QFP, TQFP, PQFP, SSOP, PGA, SIMM, PCMCIA, LGA, CSP, VSOP, PLCC, BGA, FBGA, BGA and DIP.

For example, the SM84UP socket module supports over a thousand devices. And, these regular sockets modules are interchangeable across the full range of BPM Microsystems universal programmers.

Algorithm Updates

Software releases are scheduled eight times per year to ensure access to the newest programmable devices. In the event that an important new device is released or an algorithm must be updated to correct a bug or to support revised silicon, interim beta releases are available. Algorithms are released simultaneously to our engineering and production programmers ensuring a rapid transition from prototype to production.