Low-cost device programmer

August 2003 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

The EMP-11 from ProMicro is a low-cost programmer offering Windows support, with a low voltage capability and the ability to program newer chips. Supporting more than 2100 devices, including EPROMs, Flash, 8051-style micros, Microchip PICs, and hundreds of other specialty devices, the EMP-11 is also a good cost alternative to the EMP-24.

To change device families, the user simply changes or flips any one of the four Family Modules. Relays and discrete DAC-controlled analog drivers provide power and ground connections. The EMP-11 uses the same parallel port I/O scheme as the EMP series programmer for a fast communication.

The programmer does not occupy a bus card in the PC, and with only 37,5 x 25 x 200 mm dimensions and a 50 mm high power transformer, the EMP-11 fits into a briefcase or toolbox with ease. The programmer, parallel cable, transformer, and Family Modules, together weigh in at less than 1,3 kg.

The EMP-11 is static-protected at the ZIF socket, Family Module socket, parallel port, and power connector. There is almost nothing to wear out on the EMP-11 as there is no fan nor power switch. The only moving part on the EMP-11 is the Family Module, and that only moves when device families are switched.

Both the EMP-10 and EMP-20 program at speeds near the theoretical maximums of some devices, therefore the digital signals travelling to the device must be clean, and the power and ground lines must be solid. Slide-in connectors can experience noise problems and higher resistance. The connectors that the EMP-10 and EMP-20 use are the same snap-in SIMM connectors that hold the DRAM in many PCs.

The purpose of Family Modules is to allow the use of a few high quality pin drivers, instead of using a cheaper pin driver on each pin on the ZIF socket. This translates to cleaner, more manageable waveforms, at a reduced total cost.

For more information contact Elton Prytz, ProMicro, 011 706 7913, [email protected], www.promicro.co.za

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