universal ic programmer kit|flash ic programmer|Automated Device Programmers-System General

Acroview, a leader in chip programming, has announced the expansion of its compatible chip model coverage with the release of a new version of its programming software. The company's core product, the universal programming platform AP8000, has now achieved full adaptation with Nuvoton Technology's low-power microcontroller M484KIDA.

The M484KIDA is powered by an Arm® Cortex®-M4F core with DSP instruction set, delivering high performance and low power consumption. Its system can run up to 192MHz, with dynamic power consumption of only 175µA/MHz. It features 512/256KB dual-bank Flash memory supporting OTA (Over-The-Air) firmware updates, and includes 160/96KB SRAM with 32KB cache to accelerate external SPI Flash eXecute-In-Place (XIP). A bootloader is pre-programmed at the factory, providing Secure Boot functionality that performs integrity checks on code stored in the internal Flash memory. It also integrates a Secure Protection ROM (SPROM) to create a secure space for storing confidential programs or data. An embedded One-Time Programmable (OTP) ROM block can be used for product lifecycle management.

The M484KIDA supports an operating voltage from 1.8V to 3.6V and an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +105°C. It provides two USB 2.0 interfaces with built-in Full-Speed and High-Speed OTG PHYs. Package types include LQFP64 and LQFP128.

Key Features

• Core

-- Up to 192MHz Arm® Cortex®-M4F core

-- DSP instruction set

-- Memory Protection Unit

• Memory

-- 512/256KB Flash memory

-- 160/96KB RAM, including 32KB external SPI Flash cache

-- 4KB Secure Protection ROM (SPROM)

-- 2KB One-Time Programmable (OTP) ROM

• CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) unit

• 16-channel peripheral DMA controller

• External bus interface

-- LCD parallel interface, i80 mode

• Clocks

-- 4 to 24MHz crystal oscillator

-- 32kHz oscillator for RTC

-- Internal 12MHz RC oscillator

-- Internal 10kHz RC oscillator

-- Internal PLL up to 480MHz

• RTC

-- 80-byte backup register

• Timers and PWM

-- 4 x 32-bit timers

-- 12 x enhanced PWM with 12 x 16-bit timers

-- 12 x basic PWM with 2 x 16-bit timers

-- 1 x 24-bit count-down SysTick timer

-- 1 x watchdog timer

-- 1 x window watchdog timer

• Analog peripherals

-- 1 x 12-bit, up to 16-channel 5 MSPS SAR ADC

-- 2 x 12-bit 1 MSPS DAC

-- 2 x rail-to-rail comparators

-- 3 x operational amplifiers

• Communication interfaces

-- Up to 6 low-power UART interfaces (17Mbps), including 2 LIN interfaces

-- Up to 3 ISO-7816 interfaces (3.4MHz), supporting full-duplex UART mode

-- 3 x I²C interfaces (up to 3.4Mbps)

-- 1 x SPI Flash interface (up to 96MHz) supporting Quad mode

-- 1 x Quad SPI interface (up to 96MHz)

-- Up to 4 x SPI/I²S interfaces (SPI up to 96MHz, I²S up to 192kHz/16-bit)

-- 1 x I²S interface (192kHz/32-bit)

-- 2 x USCI interfaces, supporting configurable UART/SPI/I²C

-- 2 x SD card controllers (50MHz)

• Control interfaces

-- 2 x Quadrature encoder interfaces

-- 2 x 24-bit 3-channel input capture counter units

• Advanced connectivity

-- USB 2.0 High-Speed device/host/OTG controller with built-in PHY

-- USB 2.0 Full-Speed device/host/OTG controller with built-in PHY

• Operating characteristics

-- Voltage range: 1.8V to 3.6V

-- Temperature range: -40°C to +105°C

Applications

USB converters, USB sensor hubs, etc.

Internal Block Diagram

Acroview's self-developed AP8000 universal programmer has become a benchmark professional programming solution in the industry. The device supports flexible configurable modes: single-site and one-to-eight sites, and offers both online and offline operation. It features dedicated programming solutions for memory chips such as eMMC and UFS, and fully supports offline (bare-chip) and on-board programming for Nuvoton's full range of chips. The AP8000 adopts an innovative modular design consisting of three core modules: main unit, baseboard, and adapter, giving the device excellent compatibility and expandability. As a universal programming platform, it not only adapts to various programmable chips on the market but also, with its stable and efficient performance, serves as the core component of Acroview's automated high-volume programmer IPS5800S, efficiently handling large-scale chip programming tasks to meet mass production requirements.

The AP8000 main unit offers flexible connectivity with both USB and NET interfaces, enabling convenient networking of multiple programmers. Through networking, users can easily achieve synchronized control of multiple programmers and carry out parallel programming efficiently. In terms of safety, the main unit features intelligent safety protection circuitry that monitors chip placement and circuit connections in real time. If abnormalities such as reverse insertion or short circuits are detected, it immediately triggers a power-off protection mechanism, ensuring the safe operation of both the chip and the programmer. The main unit is equipped with a high-speed FPGA chip, significantly improving data transmission and processing efficiency, ensuring a smooth and efficient programming process. To enhance ease of use, an SD card slot is provided on the back of the main unit. Users can 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 select, load, and execute programming operations, enabling standalone operation without a PC. This design not only reduces dependence on computer hardware but also simplifies the working environment setup, significantly improving operational flexibility.

In terms of expandability and compatibility, the AP8000 adopts a modular combination of baseboard and adapter boards, effectively expanding the host's capabilities. Currently, the device supports products from all major semiconductor manufacturers, covering well-known brands such as SK hynix, Micron, SANDISK, ASR, and Kingston. It supports a wide range of device types, including NAND, NOR, MCU, CPLD, FPGA, and 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 Information

About Nuvoton Technology: Nuvoton Technology was founded in 2008. In July of the same year, it acquired the logic IC business unit of Winbond Electronics and officially commenced operations. It was listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 2010. Nuvoton focuses on developing ICs for microcontrollers/microprocessors, smart home and cloud security applications, battery monitoring ICs, image sensing ICs, IoT application ICs, semiconductor components, and more. Its products hold leading positions in industrial, automotive, communication, consumer electronics, and computer markets. In addition, Nuvoton owns a 6-inch wafer fab with diverse process capabilities, providing specialized wafer foundry services.

About Acroview: Acroview is a national-level "Little Giant" specialized and sophisticated enterprise engaged in the R&D, production, and sales of semiconductor chip testing and programming equipment. The company is committed to empowering the entire industry chain, including Fabless, IDM, OSAT, wafer fabs, and end-device manufacturers, through innovative semiconductor testing technologies and solutions. Acroview's pioneering Auto Burn-In (ABI) system greatly improves chip burn-in testing efficiency and reduces per-DUT testing costs. The company also provides equipment and solutions for various stages including PSV, CP, FT, ABI, SLT, and programming. Acroview perfectly combines its leading product technology, system-level expertise, and globally distributed R&D and sales service networks to create value for customers seeking a competitive edge in the market.