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

As a leader in chip programming, Acroview, while releasing a new version of its programming software, officially announced further expansion of its compatible chip model coverage. The company’s core product, the AP8000 universal programming platform, is now fully compatible with Microchip Technology’s 8-bit flash microcontroller PIC12F510.

The PIC12F510 is a low-cost, high-performance, 8-bit fully static flash-based CMOS microcontroller using a RISC architecture with only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions. Except for program branch instructions that require two cycles, all instructions are single-cycle. The PIC12F510 delivers much higher performance than other products in the same price range. The 12-bit-wide instructions are highly symmetrical, and code size is compressed by two times compared with similar 8-bit microcontrollers. The easy-to-use and easy-to-remember instruction set greatly shortens development time.

The PIC12F510 includes special features that reduce system cost and power consumption. Power-on Reset (POR) and Device Reset Timer (DRT) eliminate the need for an external reset circuit. Four oscillator configurations are available (the PIC16F506 offers six), including INTOSC internal oscillator mode and power-saving LP (low-power) oscillator mode. Power-saving Sleep mode, Watchdog Timer and code protection reduce system cost and power consumption and improve system reliability.

The PIC12F510 enables users to take full advantage of Microchip’s price advantages in the programmable flash microcontroller market while gaining flexibly programmable flash products.

Features

High-Performance RISC CPU

• Only 33 single-word instructions to learn

• All instructions are single-cycle except program branch instructions, which are two-cycle

• 12-bit instruction width

• Two-level deep hardware stack

• Direct, indirect and relative addressing modes for data and instructions

• 8-bit data bus width

• 10 special function hardware registers (PIC12F510)

• 13 special function hardware registers (PIC16F506)

• Operating speed

• Crystal frequency: DC–8 MHz (PIC12F510)

• Instruction cycle: DC–500 ns (PIC12F510)

Special Features

• Selectable 4 or 8 MHz high-precision internal oscillator

• Factory calibrated to ±1%

• In-Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP™)

• Supports In-Circuit Debugging (ICD)

• Power-on Reset (POR)

• Device Reset Timer (DRT)

• Provides a short DRT delay in INTOSC, EXTRC and EC modes (1.125 ms, typical)

• Provides a DRT delay in HS, XT and LP modes (18 ms, typical)

• Watchdog Timer (WDT) with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation

• Programmable code protection

• Multiplexed MCLR input pin

• I/O pins have optional internal weak pull-ups

• Low-power Sleep mode

• Wake-up from Sleep on pin change

• Wake-up from Sleep on comparator level change

• Oscillator options

• INTOSC: 4/8 MHz high-precision internal oscillator

• EXTRC: external low-cost RC oscillator

• XT: standard crystal/resonator

• LP: low-power low-frequency crystal

• Analog-to-Digital (A/D) Converter

• 8-bit resolution

• Four input channels (one channel dedicated to converting the internal 0.6 V absolute reference voltage)

• High sink/source current for directly driving LEDs

• 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit programmable prescaler

Low-Power Features/CMOS Technology

• Operating current

• <350 µA at 4 MHz, 2 V

• Standby current

• 100 nA typical at 2 V

• Low-power, high-speed flash technology

• 100,000 erase/write cycles

• Data retention >40 years

• Fully static design

• Wide operating voltage range: 2.0 V to 5.5 V

• Wide temperature range:

• Industrial: -40°C to +85°C

• Extended: -40°C to +125°C

Peripheral Features

• 6 I/O pins

• 5 I/O pins with independent direction control

• 1 input-only pin

• One analog comparator with absolute reference voltage

Overall Block Diagram

The AP8000 universal programmer independently developed by Acroview has become an industry benchmark professional programming solution. The device supports flexible one-to-one and one-to-eight configuration modes and provides both online and offline working modes. It has specially developed dedicated programming solutions for memory chips such as eMMC and UFS, fully covering die offline programming and on-board programming requirements for Microchip Technology’s full range of chips. The AP8000 adopts an innovative modular design with three core modules: host, baseboard and adapter socket, giving the device excellent compatibility and expandability. As a universal programming platform, it can not only adapt to various programmable chips on the market, but also, with its stable and efficient performance, serves as a core component of Acroview’s IPS5800S automated batch programming equipment, efficiently handling large-scale chip programming tasks and meeting mass production requirements.

The AP8000 host offers flexible connectivity with both USB and NET interfaces, enabling convenient networking of multiple programmers. Through the networking function, users can easily achieve synchronous control of multiple programmers and efficiently carry out parallel programming operations. In terms of safety, the host has a built-in intelligent safety protection circuit that monitors chip placement status and circuit connections in real time. Once abnormalities such as reversed chip insertion or short circuits are detected, it immediately triggers a power-off protection mechanism, safeguarding the safe operation of chips and the programmer in all aspects. The host is equipped with a high-speed FPGA chip, greatly improving data transmission and processing efficiency and ensuring a smooth and efficient programming process. To enhance ease of use, an SD card slot is provided on the back of the host. Users only need to store PC-generated project files on an SD card and insert it into the slot, then use the physical buttons on the programmer to complete file selection, loading and programming, enabling standalone operation without a PC. This design not only reduces dependence on computer hardware configuration but also simplifies the work environment setup process and significantly improves operational flexibility.

In terms of expandability and compatibility, the AP8000 adopts a modular combination design of baseboard and adapter board, effectively expanding the functional boundaries of the host. At present, the device supports products from all mainstream semiconductor manufacturers, covering well-known brands such as SK hynix, Micron, SANDISK, ASR and Kingston. Its supported device types are extensive, covering NAND, NOR, MCU, CPLD, FPGA, EMMC and more, and it is fully compatible with various industry-standard file formats such as Intel Hex, Motorola S, Binary and POF, providing users with one-stop, full-scenario chip programming solutions.

Company Introduction

About Microchip Technology: Microchip Technology (Microchip) was founded in 1989 and is a leading global supplier of microcontrollers and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development and lower total system cost for thousands of consumer products worldwide. The company develops and manufactures specialized semiconductor products used by customers in a wide variety of embedded control applications, serving multiple customers in industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace, defense, communications and computing markets. In 2016, U.S. chipmaker Microchip Technology announced the acquisition of Atmel for $3.6 billion.

About Acroview: Acroview is a national-level specialized and innovative “Little Giant” enterprise engaged in the R&D, production and sales of semiconductor chip test and programming equipment. The company is committed to empowering customers across the entire industry chain—including Fabless, IDM, OSAT, wafer Fab and end-device enterprises—through innovative semiconductor test technologies and solutions. Acroview’s pioneering fully automated Auto Burn-In (ABI) system greatly improves customers’ chip burn-in test efficiency and reduces per-DUT test cost. It also provides customers with equipment products and solutions covering PSV, CP, FT, ABI, SLT and programming stages. We perfectly integrate product technology leadership, system-level expertise, and a globally deployed R&D and sales service network to create value for customers to gain a leading position in market competition.