Additional Features of Multi-Site Programmers

Concurrent Architecture

BPM Microsystems patented concurrent architecture allows users to start programming each device immediately upon insertion. A system with up to six programming sites can completely program the first device by the time the operator has inserted the last device, so there’s no need to wait. To optimize flexibility, signal fidelity, throughput, and reliability, each site is a fully independent universal programmer with its own processor, power source, and memory.

Unlike traditional gang programmers, BPM Microsystems programmers do not sacrifice signal integrity to achieve parallel programming. The sites use independent pin drivers for every pin and can provide 100% continuity test, even on Vpp pins. That means you get higher yield and can detect continuity problems such as dirty sockets before they cause problems. One bad device won’t degrade the signal fidelity of the other devices being programmed in parallel.

Because of our concurrent programmers’ higher throughout and efficiency, it has a proven track record of increasing your profitability. The concurrent architecture combined with unsurpassed programming times enables one operator using a BPM Microsystems programmer to outpace several people running conventional gang programmers.

The benefits to you: improved quality, reduced time-to-market, and lowered costs.

Fault Tolerance

BPM Microsystems programmers incorporate fault tolerant design circuitry to ensure that if one of the sites should fail, the system can automatically detect the problem and continue operating without that site. By eliminating the central controller and providing separate power supplies for each site, BPM Micro’s engineers have removed possible sources of problems found on competing programmer models. In addition, if the host PC should fail, another PC may be substituted easily.

Software

BPWin and BPDos software interfaces are informative, reliable, and most importantly, easy to use. Also included as a standard part of our software tools is JobMaster. This is a powerful utility that incorporates the use of “.bp” files. A feature exclusive to BPM Microsystems programmers, “.bp” files provide value for both production and engineering departments by guaranteeing proper job setup and secure data. The JobMaster “.bp” files can be easily transferred, even by e-mail.

This allows our customers to easily send data patterns securely around the world, transfer designs between engineering and manufacturing, and share programming files between customers and programming centers. JobMaster “.bp” files are error checked automatically, and help eliminate human error by only running jobs that have been tested and verified by a supervisor. If the “.bp” files have been changed inadvertently, the software will inform the user of the modification. The JobMaster software reduces setup times to seconds and eliminates chances of setup errors.

Device Support

BPM Microsystems programmers are designed with the incomparable flexibility to meet the needs of today’s most demanding programming centers. We support the most extensive range of devices including the latest FPGAs, MCUs, PLDs, antifuse, and memories including Flash in packages from the smallest µBGAs to the largest QFPs.

The system provides full support for devices up to 240 pins including the ability to continuity test, erase, blank check, program, verify, vector test, program ranges and easily configure special device features such as security options, write protect, operating modes, etc.

Also, our programmers are not subject to restrictions found on competing gang programmers that may lead to improperly programmed devices, especially on today’s advanced CMOS devices.

Socket Modules

Customers have the ability to use any of the over 2500 BPM Microsystems socket modules that are available today. No other manual production programmer supports more devices and packages.

Our Socket modules support various package types, including SOIC, TSOP, TSSOP, QFP, TQFP, PQFP, SSOP, PGA, SIMM, PCMCIA, LGA, CSP, VSOP, PLCC, BGA, FBGA, BGA and DIP.

For example, the SM84UP socket module supports over a thousand devices. And, these regular sockets modules are interchangeable across the full range of BPM Microsystems universal programmers.

Algorithm Update

Software releases are scheduled eight times per year to ensure access to the newest programmable devices. In the event that an important new device is released or an algorithm must be updated to correct a bug or to support revised silicon, interim beta releases are available. Algorithms are released simultaneously to our engineering and production programmers ensuring a rapid transition from prototype to production.