Networking & Communications

Universal Programmer

Gao Tek Inc. Rolls Out Upgrades for Vp28b+ and Vp38b+ Universal Programmer – Vp280 and Vp380

GAO Tek Inc. Rolls Out Upgrades for VP28B+ and VP38B+ Universal Programmer – VP280 and VP380

GAO Tek Inc. is introducing upgrades to its VP28B+ and VP38B+ Universal Programmers. The newly developed models, VP280 and VP380, support more than 6000 and 8000 devices respectively – up to 2000 more devices than before. The new VP280 and VP380 models are capable of handling different devices such as various Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Programmable Logic Device (PLD), flash microcontrollers, serial and parallel memory. They are also designed for IC testing, including TTL 74 series, CMOS Logic IC, DRAM and SRAM memory devices.

These programmers include a 48-pin ZIF socket & support 8-pin to 48-pin DIP package device. With an adapter, they are able to support from 6 pin to 208 pin device packages like PLCC, SOIC, TSOP, PSOP, BGA, and QFP. VP280 and VP380 provide IC card socket and parallel or USB ports that are dependent on the programmer. In addition, the systems can be updated through software. GAO’s USB Universal Programmer series support from 4000+ to 22000+ devices to meet your different needs for device programming or IC testing. Please visit www.gaotek.com for the lists of supporting devices for our universal programmers to find the one that best matches the chip you want and the adapter you need.

VP280 and VP380 Features:

 Dimensions: 140×172×30mm

 Weight: 300g

 48 Pin ZIF socket with universal pin-drivers

 Supports more than 8000 devices (VP380)

 Supports more than 6000 devices (VP280)

 Interfaces with any laptop, PC, PS/2 or compatibles through USB port

 Accepts standard file format: JEDEC, INTEL (Extended) HEX, Motorola S record

 Manages 16 and 32-bit word split (Set Programming)

 Supports most compiler in JEDEC format including ABEL, CUPL, PALASM, TANGO PLD, OrCAD PLD, PLD Designer and ISDATA

 Features Test Vector capability and multi-array fuse map editor

 Test TTL/CMOS logic ICs and Dynamic/Static Random Access Memory devices

 Optimum programming for each individual device

 Automatically Identifies the manufacturer and type of E(E)PROMs, Auto identifies TTL/CMOS logic IC

 Device insertion and poor-pin-contact check

 Supports 1.5V low voltage devices

 External adapter not required for most devices

 Universal DIP, PLCC, QFP, TSOP, PSOP, SOIC, SSOP, SDIP adapters

 Auto-run mode starts programming automatically upon detection of chip insertion

 Superior programming speed, programs 89C55 in less than 8 seconds

 Supports Windows2000/NT/9x/ME/XP

About the Author

GAO Tek Inc., a member of GAO Group, is an international leading provider of embedded development tools, telecommunication testers, electronic measurement instruments, video surveillance & alarm and other electronic products that serve the needs of electronic professionals in the world.

How do I build a PIC programmer?

I am an electronics hobbyist, and I am planning to take my hobby to the next step - using PIC microcontrollers to build robots and such. I do not, however, own a PIC programmer (I'm speaking of the physical programmer, not the software), nor can I find any instructions to build one. Basically, I'm asking this. Can anyone give me the links to any websites (or books?) that explain, in detail, how to build a universal* PIC programmer?
*by "universal," I simply mean one that can program many different types of PICs, i.e. those with 8, 14, 18, 28, 40, etc. pins*

The easy way is to buy the PicKit 2. It is $50, but if you email them and ask nicely for a discount, they may do it. See link for advice, including supported devices. Only modern ones work, but that is not a problem if you only use a few. For high production, develop application on nice supported chip, then port to el cheapo one when it is running. Kit works with the assembly, compiling, and debugging software, though it doesn't have quite as much capability as some of the more expensive devices. It does a really nifty thing called in-circuit debugging.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ag_YH9sZMgwHbvH9A6JW5ebty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080716132630AA1u326

If you look on the internet, there are many programmers from serial and parallel ports you can build, but they only support certain chips. You could build circuits with a supported PIC chip to program the others, using the PIC software for the PicKit 2, which is online. You'd have to be a glutton for punishment, but could do what you ask with minimal cash.

PIC site a little difficult to find what you want, but spend some time. They have a series of excellent apnotes and other docs, all downloadable free.

Good luck!

uniJTAG - The Universal JTAG Programmer