How Do you Program a Circuit Board

Have you been trying to understand the different methods of programming a circuit board? If you have, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to be looking at a number of different methods.

Offline Programming

If you have different chips from packages that have separate adapters, it will be compatible with it all. As such, this chip can be used in combination with the adapter, giving you higher levels of program burning. 

The adapter is used to increase the accuracy of the clamp. Different chips and packaging will need different kinds of adapters. When you are doing a production test, you should detach the chip if you come into contact with any issues. Then, you can reprogram and use the recommended procedure. 

This can take a fair amount of time, and money. You want to try and make sure that when you are programming the circuit board that the temperature is as recommended. A lower temperature may increase the likelihood of emergencies. 

Online Programming

The online programming method uses the usual connector of the chip. It could be either an SWD, a USB, a JTAG or many more. When programming, the number of pins that will need to be connected is only small. 

After the circuit boards are fixed into place, it will burn directly. A lot of companies prefer to do this the automated way now as there has been a large shift towards automation in recent years. However, it can still be done manually.

Dedicated Headers

This is a fairly common technique in which you can program a circuit board. It ensures that you can establish a connection easily through the program, and allows you to have the flexibility to remove and get different software. The connector is generally the most expensive part. 

The connector has got to be keyed, as if this isn’t done, issues can arise with connectors being installed backwards. If this happens, false negatives can occur through the programming and testing processes.

Manufacturing And Test Jigs

This process involves the use of spring loaded contacts. These are called pogo pins, and make electrical contact between circuit boards. They are used to press into contacts on the board that need to be programmed. The jig is then set up to program whole panels at the same time, instead of doing everything individually, speeding up the entire process.

Universal Headers

Universal headers are generally seen to be somewhere between jigs and dedicated headers. Cables are used that have built-in pogo pins for this process. The cable has one end connected to the program, while the other end will be connected to the circuit board contacts.

There is no need to tool a dedicated header or to build a programming jig for this. This means that this is a more effective process. 

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of some of the options when it comes to programming a circuit board. It depends on what you find easiest and most comfortable as to which option you should choose.