ic programmer|chip test|automated programmer system|Automated Device Programmers

Acroview Technology, a leader in chip programming, has announced a significant expansion of its compatible chip model library with the release of its latest software version. The company's core product, the universal programming platform AP8000, has now achieved full compatibility with Nuvoton's 32-bit low-power microcontroller, the M2L31SIDA.

The M2L31SIDA is a new-generation 32-bit low-power microcontroller based on the Arm® Cortex®-M23 core, supporting the Armv8-M instruction set architecture. It operates at speeds up to 72 MHz and features 512KB of ReRAM with a dual-bank architecture supporting OTA (Over-The-Air) firmware updates, along with 168KB of SRAM. It offers an operating voltage range of 1.71V to 3.6V, an operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C, and excellent high-noise immunity with characteristics of 4kV ESD HBM and 4.4kV EFT.

The M2L31SIDA delivers ultra-low power consumption, as low as 60μA/MHz in normal operating mode, and supports three low-power modes: Normal Power Down, Standby Power Down, and Deep Power Down. The Normal Power Down mode offers three selectable clock sources (MIRC, LIRC, LXT) to shorten stabilization time for high-precision sensors. Additionally, it features an autonomous operation mode in the low-power domain, allowing data transfer via low-power serial interfaces to the low-power SRAM area without CPU intervention. Packaged in an LQFP64 form factor with pin compatibility, it provides users with flexibility to optimize product specifications and performance.

Key Features

• Operating Characteristics
  -- Operating Voltage: 1.71V~3.6V
  -- Operating Temperature: -40°C~105°C

• Core
  -- Arm® Cortex®-M23 microcontroller, Armv8-M instruction set architecture
  -- Operating Frequency: 72 MHz
  -- 32-bit hardware multiplier/divider

• Memory
  -- 512KB ReRAM (Resistive Random-Access Memory) with no page erase required
  -- 168KB SRAM with 40KB parity check
  -- 8KB Low-power SRAM
  -- 8KB LDROM
  -- Supports 4 regions of XOM (Execute-Only-Memory)
  -- Supports 4 regions of Memory Protection Unit (MPU)

• Supported Programming Update Methods
  -- ISP (In-System Programming)
  -- ICP (In-Circuit Programming)
  -- IAP (In-Application Programming)

• Clock Control
  -- External high-speed crystal (4~32MHz) or clock input
  -- External low-speed crystal (32.768kHz) or clock input
  -- Internal 12MHz high-precision RC oscillator (HIRC), ±2.0% accuracy over full temperature range
  -- Internal 48MHz high-precision RC oscillator (HIRC), ±2.0% accuracy over full temperature range
  -- Internal 1~8MHz mid-precision RC oscillator (MIRC), ±10.0% accuracy over full temperature range
  -- Internal 32kHz low-speed RC oscillator (LIRC)
  -- Internal PLL

• Low Operating Current
  -- Run Mode: 60μA/MHz
  -- Idle Mode: 33μA/MHz @ 25°C/3.0V
  -- Normal Power Down (NPD): 55μA @ 25°C/3.0V
  -- Normal Power Down (NPD), only low-power domain active: 9μA @ 25°C/3.0V
  -- Standby Power Down (SPD): 1.7μA (with 40KB RAM retention)
  -- Deep Power Down: 0.5μA (RTC off, RAM data off)

• Timers & PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
  -- 4 sets of 32-bit Timers
  -- 1 set of 24-bit SysTick Timer
  -- 12 channels Enhanced PWM with 12x 16-bit Timers
  -- 12 channels Basic PWM with 6x 16-bit Timers
  -- 2 sets of 24-bit Low-power Timers
  -- 2 sets of Tick Timers
  -- 1 set of 24-bit Down-counting SysTick Timer
  -- 1 Watchdog Timer (WDT)
  -- 1 Window Watchdog Timer (WWDT)
  -- Real-Time Clock (RTC) with independent VBAT pin

• Direct Memory Access (PDMA)
  -- Supports 16-channel PDMA

• Advanced Control Interfaces
  -- Supports Voltage Adjustable Interface (VAI)
  -- 2 sets of Enhanced Quadrature Encoder Interface (EQEI)
  -- 2 sets of 24-bit Enhanced Input Capture (ECAP)

• Hardware Cryptographic Accelerator
  -- Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Calculation Unit
  -- AES encryption with 128/192/256-bit keys
  -- True Random Number Generator (TRNG)
  -- Pseudo Random Number Generator (PRNG)
  -- 3 Tamper pins

• Analog
  -- 20-channel 12-bit 3.42MSPS Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)
  -- Internal Voltage Reference
  -- Internal Temperature Sensor
  -- 2 sets of 12-bit, 1MSPS Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC)
  -- 3 sets of Rail-to-Rail Analog Comparators
  -- 3 sets of Programmable Gain Amplifiers (PGA)
  -- Supports up to 17-channel Capacitive Touch Sensing

• Communication Interfaces
  -- 8 sets of UART interfaces
  -- 1 set of LPUART interface
  -- 2 sets of USCI (configurable as UART, SPI, or I²C)
  -- 4 sets of I²C interfaces
  -- 1 set of Low-power I²C interface (400kbps)
  -- 4 sets of SPI / I²S interfaces (36/18MHz)
  -- 1 set of Low-power SPI interface (12/6MHz)
  -- 1 set of Quad-SPI interface
  -- 2 sets of CAN FD interfaces
  -- External Bus Interface (EBI), supporting i80 mode
  -- USB 2.0 Full-Speed OTG with integrated PHY, and 1 controller compliant with USB Type-C Rev. 2.1 and USB Power Delivery Rev. 3.0 specifications

• Compliant with IEC-60730 Class B

Internal Block Diagram

Acroview's independently developed AP8000 universal programmer has become a benchmark professional programming solution in the industry. This device supports flexible and adjustable one-to-one and one-to-eight configurations, and offers both online and offline operating modes. It features dedicated programming solutions developed specifically for memory chips like eMMC and UFS, fully covering the offline bare chip and on-board programming needs for Nuvoton's entire chip series. The AP8000 adopts an innovative modular design comprising three core modules: Host, Baseboard, and Adapter Socket, giving the device outstanding compatibility and expandability. As a universal programming platform, it is not only compatible with various programmable chips on the market but also serves as a core component of Acroview's automated mass production programming system, the IPS5800S, thanks to its stable and high-performance capabilities. It efficiently handles large-scale chip programming tasks to meet production demands.

The AP8000 Host offers flexible connectivity with both USB and NET interfaces, enabling easy networking of multiple programmers. This networking function allows users to achieve synchronized control across multiple units for highly efficient parallel programming operations. In terms of safety, the host features a built-in intelligent protection circuit that monitors chip placement status and circuit connections in real-time. If anomalies such as reverse chip insertion or short circuits are detected, it immediately triggers a power-off protection mechanism, comprehensively safeguarding both the chip and the programmer. The host is equipped with a high-speed FPGA chip internally, significantly enhancing data transmission and processing efficiency to ensure a smooth and fast programming process. To improve user convenience, the host has an SD card slot on its back. Users can simply save project files generated on a PC to an SD card, insert it into the slot, and then use the programmer's physical buttons to complete file selection, loading, and programming operations, enabling standalone operation without a PC. This design reduces dependency on computer hardware configurations, simplifies workspace setup, and significantly enhances operational flexibility.

Regarding expandability and compatibility, the AP8000 utilizes a modular combination of baseboards and adapter boards, effectively extending the host's functional boundaries. Currently, the device supports products from all major semiconductor manufacturers, covering renowned brands like SK hynix, Micron, SANDISK, ASR, and Kingston. It supports a wide range of device types, including NAND, NOR, MCU, CPLD, FPGA, eMMC, and is fully compatible with various industry-standard file formats such as Intel Hex, Motorola S, Binary, and POF, providing users with a one-stop, full-scenario chip programming solution.

Company Introduction

About Nuvoton Technology: Nuvoton Technology Corp. was founded in 2008, commencing operations in July of the same year after acquiring the Logic IC business unit from Winbond Electronics. It was officially listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 2010. Nuvoton focuses on developing ICs for microcontroller/microprocessor, smart home, cloud security applications, battery monitoring ICs, image sensor ICs, IoT application ICs, semiconductor components, and more. Its related products hold leading positions in industrial, automotive, communication, consumer electronics, and computer markets. Furthermore, Nuvoton owns a 6-inch wafer fab with diverse process technology capabilities, providing specialized foundry services.

About Acroview Technology: Acroview Technology is a national-level "Little Giant" enterprise specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of semiconductor chip testing and programming equipment. The company is dedicated to empowering customers across the entire industry chain, including Fabless, IDM, OSAT, wafer Fabs, and end-device manufacturers, through innovative semiconductor testing technologies and solutions. Acroview's pioneering ABI (Auto Burn-In) system significantly enhances chip aging test efficiency and reduces per-DUT testing costs for customers. It also provides equipment products and solutions for various stages from PSV, CP, FT, ABI, SLT, to programming. Acroview perfectly integrates product technology leadership, system-level expertise, and a globally distributed R&D and sales service network to create value for customers in gaining a competitive edge in the market.