Programming in a Flash
24 March 2009
Flash memory programming speeds up with new module.
A module to speed boundary scan Flash memory programming claims to achieve close to theoretical programming times and up to 50-fold improvements for certain flash/FPGA configurations. XJFlash, developed by XJTAG, uses the internal circuitry of an onboard FPGA to create a flash programmer.
This relieves the bandwidth restricted JTAG scan chain of repetitive tasks such as shifting in control, address and data bits. By removing traffic from the scan chain, the XJTAG system is able to achieve close to theoretical programming times for a given flash memory device.
"Using the XJFlash module, we have seen up to a 50-fold improvement in flash programming speeds with certain flash/FPGA configurations," said Simon Payne, XJTAG's CEO. "This is great news for product developers as they need convenient and effective methods for programming and reprogramming flash at very high speeds without removing memories from the board."
Used in conjunction with the XJTAG boundary scan debug, test and programming system, XJFlash can be used to erase, program and verify any flash memory provided there is an FPGA on the target board and this is connected up to the JTAG chain correctly.
"With this enhancement to the XJTAG system, we have overcome the traditional speed limitation of JTAG programming flash memories," added Simon Payne. "This means that engineers designing complex boards containing BGA, FPGA and flash devices can do away with a separate flash programmer and utilise the full power of the XJTAG system to debug, test and program their designs throughout the product lifecycle. "
The XJTAG development system is a cost-effective solution for debugging, testing and programming electronic printed circuit boards and systems throughout the product lifecycle. It is used by design engineers, developers, OEMs and contract manufacturers for producing complex BGA-populated printed circuit boards and systems.
XJTAG reduces the time and cost of board development by allowing early development of reconfigurable test scripts that can be used from design validation through prototype debugging and on into manufacturing.
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