Programmer Classification by Chip Programming Techniques

Programmer Classification by Chip Programming TechniquesAll programmers fall under two classes. It depends on the chip programming techniques they use. There are parallel programmers which program chips in their sockets and in-system programmers where chips are programmed directly in the user's device in a in-system programming mode.When you use a parallel programmer, you should insert a chip to be programmed in its socket. Then choose the required type of supported chips through the programmer's software shell and run the required mode (programming, reading, erasing, protection, etc.).The programmer's socket shall ensure a reliable electric contact between the chip's leads and programmer's hardware drivers. Generally, multi-purpose programmers are equipped sockets fit for DIP-package chips. Specially designed zero insertion force sockets or ZIF sockets are the most reliable and user friendly.When you need to program chips with packages other than DIP, you should use special connector adapters.In-system programming can apply only to chips designed for such a mode. Generally, such chips have in-built circuits which generate voltages required to program. They communicate with an in-system programmer via a bit-serial interface (JTAG, SPI modifications).For in-system programming, a user's device should ensure appropriate switching of chip leads and in-system programmer leads. It should offer required loads and power supply at respective chip leads in the programming mode.The key in-system programming benefit is a combined programming and testing mode. Thus, you can assemble your device skipping a separate chip programming stage. Please, note the distinctive feature of ChipProg programmers. They support both the mode of parallel programming in the programmer's socket and in-system programming modes.