Products : PROMJet : LPC Flash Support
PROMJet LPC Support
LPC (Low Pin Count) Flash memory is widely used in PC mother boards as well as in embedded systems. EmuTec got approached by a major customer to support this Flash protocol since the emulator they were using no longer satisfied their needs. PROMJet was the first Flash emulator to offer LPC support without any external adapters. Since LPC Flash memory uses serial data to access Flash contents, it offers the user the ability to upgrade Flash memory size to a higher memory capacity without changing the chip footprint on the board. Unlike parallel Flash memory that uses address and date bus that must be modified when upgrading a Flash chip, LPC Flash memory uses only 4 Data signals for communication. All address and data information is shifted serially 4-bit at a time into or out of the Flash chip using these 4 signals.
PROMJet offers solid LPC Flash support that has been tested and used by major chip manufacturer worldwide. Unlike other emulators that provide a translation adapter to plug into an existing Flash emulator, PROMJet LPC engine is built inside the unit by the optional LPC interface module (OPT-LPC). A single PROMJet device can be set by the end user to run in parallel Flash or LPC Flash mode by simply choosing the appropriate bus format in the host software. Also there is no external adapter needed to translate the LPC signals into parallel Flash mode which provides for better signal integrity and ease of use. The only adapter needed is a footprint or rewiring adapter to go from the 32-pin PLCC or 40-pin TSOP LPC Flash footprint to the 50-pin PROMJet header. This adapter is an external plug-in that can be purchased when needed.
When replacing LPC Flash chip, PROMJet acts like one. It supports commands like, READ, WRITE and CHIP ID. The CHIP ID is set to provide PROMJet emulation memory size when read by the target software. Clock frequency up to 33MHz is supported.
The LPC interface is fully integrated into DebugJet JTAG debug interface. This enables the user to download the firmware to emulate the LPC flash chip and start debugging the code without the need to program the Flash memory.
Here are some highlights of PROMJet LPC support.
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Support for LPC clock speed up to 50MHz.
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LPC support is built-in PROMJet internal circuit and does not require an external adapter that would add signal delays.
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Supports all LPC Flash commands.
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All LPC Flash pin outs are supported.
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Full integration with DebugJet JTAG debug interface so user can debug code in LPC Flash memory before programming software is available.
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Extensive support for the GDB Debugger and the Eclipse IDE.