Some companies are advertising that they provide “lifetime” device support. This sounds very good, but what does it really mean?

Users reading this will think that they will be able to get requested device support on their programmer as long as they own the programmer.

Manufacturers, on the other hand, have following constraints:

1. Hardware limitation: Not all devices will be programmable on all types of programmers. Obviously, more expensive programmers are designed to support more devices. If you are concerned with future device support, choose from high-end programmers.
2. Time constraint: Semiconductor devices advance in technology so that a new chip may not be programmable on an old programmer. For example, a 1.2 volt device will not be programmable on a 5 volt programmer.
3. Warranty period: Service period for most products are bound by the manufacturer warranty period.
4. Manufacturer resource: Device update is a time consuming task and the number of devices supported and supportable in the future are directly related to ompany’s ability to allocate such a resource. Larger company can provide more resource and vice versa.

Most companies are bound by all 4 constraints mentioned above. So, what does it mean by “lifetime device support.” All of above constraints, which is a “limited support”. Don’t be fooled by the word.

If you are interested in getting future device support, please check the following factors:

1. How many devices are currently supported? SuperPro 5000 supports 58,000+ devices, the largest in the industry.
2. How many new devices has the manufacturer added yearly? Xeltek has added 10,000+ devices yearly, again the largest in the industry.
3. Trade-in policy: In the event that the user requested device is not updatable on the user programmer, is there an easy way to trade up? Yes, Xeltek offers between 30% – 75% trade-in value for trading up to one of Xeltek models.

In summary, Xeltek SuperPro 5000 programmer offers most current and future benefits of all the programmers in the market today.

As of third week of Feb. 2010, Superpro5000/5004GP device support reached 58,149. This is the largest number in the industry today. So, what does this number mean and how is Xeltek able to support such a large number of devices?

First, Xeltek has 25 years history in the programming business with vast accumulation of technical expertise in which originally found in 1985 under another name until its name had been changed to Xeltek in 1991. Xeltek has a large team of development engineers with experience lasting for more than 15 years in one company. This is a feature, which few other companies can claim.

Second, we make it our goal to support any and all programmable devices available in the market. Our dedicated staffs scour IC manufacturer industry in order to find new devices to support. We do not wait until customers contact us for support.

Third, Xeltek upgrades programmer hardware continuously in order to be able to support new devices. Circuit development has migrated by following the sequence from a simple FPGA based >> 8bit MCU +FPGA >> ARM7 MCU+ FPGA + Linux >> ARM9 MCU + Linux+ FPGA and now toward ARM11 MCU+ FPGA + Linux. Such a dedication is aimed at providing full support for all programmable devices available in the industry.

Xeltek aims to provide high quality and performance products at a reasonable cost. Xeltek China has been set up and in operation since 1992. It has been growing steadily over the years expanding in engineering, manufacturing, sales, and support. As a result, we are proud to provide high performance products at very reasonable cost to customers in the world market today.

Xeltek adds more than 1,000 new devices each month. Users download updated list free from Xeltek website. Users of SuperPro 3000U have seen their device count doubling in the last several years just like SuperPro 5000/5004GP showed the similar success last year. Their programmer value have increased substantially over time! Many companies talk about providing free device updates, but only Xeltek delivers true high value to users each and every year.

Xeltek SuperPro 5000/5004GP currently supports 58K+ devices and 60K device support maybe already passed while you are reading this article. This is a true milestone and a new standard of the industry unmatched by any other company.

Stand-alone and PC mode programming technology was perfected and made practical by Xeltek and has been in use for the last 6 years. As a result, Xeltek programmers are well adapted for both Engineering development and volume manufacturing. Currently, Xeltek programmers occupy more than 70% of the very large Chinese Engineering and Manufacturing market. Expensive automated programmers have been largely driven out from the Chinese market and replaced by Xeltek SuperPro Stand-alone programmers. Both Data I/O and BPM System has limited presence in the country today. One will often find that a large electronic manufacturer will use 100’s of Xeltek programmers in their manufacturing line.

We are proud of where we are right now, and our parabolic-ally increasing success will continue…

Here is a quick evaluation of BeeProg+/2 programmers:

1. Max 48pindrivers: Economized hardware design, which is a socket adapter nightmare for large pin-count devices. For example, there are 50 versions of QFP64 socket adapters. SuperPro 5000/500E/5004/5004E models come with 144pindrivers enabling easy support for today’s complex devices.

2. No Stand-alone programming capability: Stand-alone mode allows programmers to be used also in manufacturing. A person can easily operate 10 or more units for production programming without being attached to a PC. SuperPro 501S stand-alone operation allows 10 or more units to be operated simultaneously by a user without being attached to a PC. Multi-programming supported by BeeProg requires a PC with USB Hub. This requires an additional investment of a PC, a trained operator, desktop space, etc.

3. FPGA controlled hardware design: In this outmoded hardware design, programming operation becomes pc speed and operating system dependent, which causes unreliable operation for many sensitive devices. SuperPro 5000 family is ARM7/9 MCU based for high performance and precision operation. Xeltek dropped FPGA based design 10 years ago.

4. 1.8 volts min. device support: Will not be able to support today’s high performance devices. Cannot be used in most new design. SuperPro 5000 family support 1.2 volts devices.

Xeltek has been serving the market with special designed 100-pin expandable module, SuperPro 3000U programmers since 2004. And since early 2008, SuperPro 5000 and SuperPro 5004GP programmers are on the market with 144 pins support by default. So, why are we developing larger pin count device programmers? The answer is obvious, to support recent large pin devices with the least required accessories not to create any extra costs for our invaluable customers.

Becoming the industry’s larger device supported brand, and following the recent technology at the same time doesn’t happen so easily. So called many European and Far East Asian Manufacturers are still in-capable of improving their products for many years and still serving the market with their old technology by finding temporary solutions to support large pin devices. For example, a European Manufacturer offers only 48-pin socket programmers while they are obsessed with reaching Xeltek’s device support count. However, having only 48-pin programmers will cause problems when a device has more than 48 pins. In order to fit larger than 48-pin device onto 48-pin socket you will need to select certain pins from the device and channel down to the socket. But, since each device uses different pin configurations, you will need to find a different set of pins to channel down to the programmer socket for each device type. This means you have to create a unique socket adapter for each device type for the same package type. Recall our example, same European Manufacturer has almost 50 different QFP64 socket adapters because of creating different pin channels for different QFP64 devices just to bring it down to work with their 48-pin device programmer!!!

This is why we created SuperPro 3000U-100 and SuperPro 5000 with 144 pins. On either model, you need only one QFP64 socket adapter. SuperPro 5000 family with 144pin drivers support 3 times as many pin-drivers as any 48pin socket programmer can support.

There are many pin-driver PCBs installed inside Superpro5000 family of programmers.  This makes the programmer larger and also more expensive. But this also makes the programmer more convenient to support large size devices and requires only one universal socket adapter instead of many specialized adapters.

In addition to the pin-driver advantage, Superpro5000 family programmers come with a host of new technological advances such as, Stand-alone & PC mode operation instead of PC mode only, ARM7/9 32bit MCU with Linux control instead of  FPGA control only, low 1.2 volts device programming instead of 1.8volts, Win7 support, etc… All combined, Xeltek product technology is about 10 years ahead of other competing products in the market.

Those 48-pin socket programmers usually sell between $800 to $1200 while SuperPro 5000 144-pin programmers sell between $1495 to $1995. However, considering the frequent socket adapter needs for different device types, maintaining a 48-pin programmer cost a fortune eventually, while it seems cheaper than SuperPro 5000 programmers. For this obvious reason, we would like invite you to spend your money wisely, and get the best programmer by choosing SuperPro; because WE KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, AND THAT’S WHY WE ARE HERE!!!

By November 2009, Xeltek has launched scaled down versions of its best seller programmers. We would like to introduce SuperPro 5000 Economy model as the single socket universal programmer, and SuperPro 5004 Economy Gang Programmer as for production environments. Those two models are targeted for customers who want to benefit of high performance and at the same paying less by omitting the support of NAND Flash devices which they will never use. Besides NAND Flash support and free device update request, all functionalities are identical as their mother models.

Please take a quick look at the comparison chart below to have a better understanding:

What is Voice-to-Email?

Voice-to-Email is a new and unique service provided by Xeltek for our precious users and customers. Our voice recognition system converts your voice message into written data. This data is then emailed directly to us.

How do I use it?

All you have to do is call (408) 905-XLTK and leave a voice message with your name and email address. We will shortly contact you with a solution to your problem.

How does it work?

After leaving a voice message on our answering machine, our system will convert your message into written data with very high accuracy. At the time the voice recognition system only recognizes English. If you try to speak another language, the system will not convert to written data. The system may also have problems recognizing foreign accents.

Can I receive the support via Text Message?

Yes, Absolutely! If you specifically mention that you would like to receive tech support via SMS, our technicians will send you an answer via mobile phone. The receiver will be responsible for each text messaging cost. SMS fees may vary depending on the wireless provider and the service you are using.

Who should use this service?

This service is ready and available for everyone. If you feel uncomfortable writing a message or feel that it is easier describing your problem verbally, this service is perfect for you! Just call the number and describe your problem verbally in minute or two instead of spending more time typing.

Our customers & users with Disabilities are also very welcome to use this service!!!

Conditions:

• If you require a text message service, please mention your mobile provider and phone number in case it doesn’t appear on Caller ID.
• Text message service is only available for US customers.
• Reply time may vary depending on the business of our operators.
• Our operators don’t work on weekends.
• Work hours are between 8AM to 4:30PM (PST) Mon-Fri.

SuperPro Z ages just like wine. It is still one of the best performance low-cost programmers for the device programming industry. Xeltek has manufactured first SuperPro Z many years ago. After SuperPro Z, Xeltek introduced 12 new models. Some of those programmers discontinued some of them will be discontinued but SuperPro Z still keeps its reputation without any question. It has more than everything you need for simple programming experience. And the cost is too low compare with the value.

We would like you to meet with Glenn. He is a hobbyist and a big fan of Xeltek SuperPro Z just like others. We met him on a DIY forum site. And he was so kind to share his time and experiences with us. Glenn starts as…

“…some of my more fun projects was rewriting bios on an old sx2 to run XP and web bios. Funny thing was it zoomed online video and all, Xeltek SuperPro Z universal EPROM programmer is the $hit for any would be hacker/programmer/EETwizard. as far as the old-old stuff you can keep it stock and collect software for retro museum collections but most of it is done gone. I done quite a bit of factory and office upgrades in the last 15 years and pretty much got one of everything to be had but I know I have recycled 50 million in computers at their new price any way.”

Glenn is a do-it-yourself guy with lots of humor “…I love turning them into robots, automate things with them or even run my cool programs…” and continues as “…Though in truth, probably 30% of my uses are hardcore hacking of existing equipment like converting old FedEx label printers to work as roll printers with standard drivers and PC. My favorite uses in hobby robotics, homebrew computer design while my most common and daily use is in automating factories and military base buildings/equipment some of which is security clearance required stuff..

So I could say,

I know I can depend on my “SuperPro Z universal programmer” to be capable of handling all my chip level programming and duplication needs while still being small and portable enough to fit into a brief-case with my laptop and other tools for carry-on and yet rugged enough to handle travel or even a short drop from the desk… “

And Glenn adds “…the “Xeltek development software” is as good as I have ever seen and full featured to do anything you might want. Knowing our worlds’ dependence on electronics and knowing machines on this level “when first opening the Box you realize your now holding the master key’s to national security on every level and your own ethics/morals and skill are the only boundaries that really exist!!!”…”

Glenn obviously has his own way to make SuperPro Z use out of it. But the governing idea behind this chat was drawing the fact that SuperPro Z is still an important part of our lives. And it ages like wine, but still shining like an old star.

SuperPro Z webpage
www.xeltek.com/product.php?productid=16225

Contact Glenn Clabough
iamdenteddisk (at) yahoo (dot) com
www (dot) denteddisk (dot) com

Trends are changing so quickly for online environment. Heretofore, online marketing was made of blogs, forums, Wikis, RSS links and any SEO activities. Now we have a new player that is significantly taking its place into our lives: Social Networks.

With the changing life styles, people tend to get social on those social networksa lot recently. This madness started with MySpace years ago, and now it is growing with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Orkut and many others. And they become powerful tools who seek to market their activities/products on internet. For this reason, Xeltek strongly recommends you to become a part of those networks and get into close relation with your prospects, and benefit those free tools to create a marketing environment for your  products/services.

Currently Xeltek has a fan club on Facebook, and you can also find us on Twitter. We especially ask all our partners to create an account on Twitter to follow Xeltek updates daily:

You will also get a chance to comment and send instant messages that will evaluated/replied immediately within the same day.

Why shouldn’t we keep in touch through whole day?

Clustering Device Programmers: Evolution beyond Conventional Gang Programmers

If you have used or are thinking of getting a device programmer for your computer hardware needs, then you have likely heard of and are considering the purchase of universal device programmers which Xeltek offers you a range of. Universal programmers have been met with tremendous success overseas and have to used to great effect because of their efficacy, superior quality and their ability to be highly customizable. Hitherto, the typical choice for volume programming of ICs has been use of Traditional Gang programmers which may come with 4, 8, or 16 programming sockets. However, this is an old technology and there are following limitations in this:

1. With Traditional Gang programmers all programming sockets are controlled by one controller and with one data buffer, which limits flexibility.
2. Programming of chips is done simultaneously but verifying is done sequentially. In other words, the 8 socket programmer does not provide 8 times the output. It may provide 5 to 6 times the output.
3. Many of today’s gang programming applications require to be programmed with different data for each chip. The serial number, the configuration data and the calibration data are different for each chip. Since a traditional gang programmer has only one data buffer, all chips have to be programmed with same data. Therefore, traditional gang programmers are unable to support such applications.

This is where SuperPro gang programmers separate from traditional gang programmers. Unlike deficiencies that have been explained above, SuperPro gang programmers support all applications above and avoid any inadequacy by its technologically advanced design.

Unfortunately, with gang programmers a choice has to be made at the outset as regards the number of programming sockets. This is because a future upgrade to higher sockets is difficult owing to the fact that new equipment would have to be purchased again at high cost.

Cluster programming by use of individual programmers solve all of the problems present in the gang programmers applications. The advent of stand-alone programmer, which operates by itself without a PC attached, makes cluster programming ideal. Xeltek has been producing stand-alone programmers for the last 5 years and is now a world leader in the stand-alone programmer market.

Xeltek gives you the option different kinds of programmers of which give people the option of buying according to their requirement:

• The single ZIF socket device programmers such as SuperPro 5000, SuperPro 501S, SuperPro 3000U, etc are used typically for engineering applications and
• The gang programmers such as SUPERPRO 5004GP, SUPERPRO 9000U are used typically for volume production.

Each of these have their own unique application which needs to be considered before deciding what is suitable for every individual requirement. Before you decide to buy a programmer, it is useful to consider the qualities and particular capability of each so that you can make an informed decision about what is right for you:

• Xeltek’s Gang programmers are equipped with 4ea high speed 48pin DIP programming sockets (SuperPro 5004GP has 144pin) and they support over 40,000 devices (SuperPro 5004GP supports more than 46,000 devices) at this time which number is growing. This is more than any gang programmer can support in the market right now. These gang programmers support more than 1000 socket adapters.
• Asynchronous fast programming is ensured by each module being independent from one another. The programming starts automatically when a chip is inserted.
• In order to be able to cluster programmers, the individual or single programmers should support the Stand-alone or PC free programming mode or feature.
• It is usually recommended that SuperPro 3000U and SuperPro 501S can be clustered.
• For production operation, SuperPro 3000U N*Cluster & SuperPro 501S N*Cluster operate in stand-alone (without a PC attached) mode. Just insert the chip and the programming operation is totally hands-free. By operating multiple programmers simultaneously you can use them in high volume production environment.
• Since there is no requirement for a host PC for the running of the programmer, there is no requirement for hiring skilled labor for the operation which translates into savings.
• The fact that the clustering device programmer is based on the operating hands free mode and does not require any PC screen operation, it is able to minimize operator error as well, which is a not inconsiderable advantage and which one would have to take into account.
• You have the added benefit of being able to ensure the security of your data because you have the option of removing the CF cards at end of each day and storing them separately with this device programmer.
• When using this device programmer, you will find that when you want to make the changeover from the engineering stage to the manufacturing phase, it is a smooth and painless transition since you use the same programmer and CF card for data storage for the engineering phase.
• It is possible for a person to be able to easily operate 10 or more programmers concurrently; this offers the flexibility in 1-N sockets instead of fixed 8 sockets.
• Xeltek has conducted tests which have shown that 5 or 6 sets of SUPERPRO 501S operating concurrently are able to produce the same throughput as an 8gang programmer programming the chipset (27C322) at 240 seconds.

These are just some of the factors that you should consider when you are undertaking the purchase for gang device programmers.

Do you need to program different devices all the time? And, you get tired of searching for the right programmer for your specific device each time? Or, you don’t want to pay many times for several cheap programmers?

SUPERPRO IS YOUR ANSWER

Get one SuperPro programmer, and program more than 46,000 different devices with it. Hundreds of new devices are being added to this list every other day. The 46,000 devices support with SuperPro 5000 and SuperPro 3000U gives you the largest number for universal device programmer industry. Xeltek competes with itself only! Why on earth do you need another one?

TWO PROGRAMMERS IN ONE

Most of SuperPro models support PC mode operation for engineering and Stand-Alone mode operation (No PC needed) for volume production. We develop device algorithms separately for both modes; it is like buying two programmers in one.

FOR FAST PROGRAMMING, WHY PAY MORE?

No need to pay ten thousands of dollars. SuperPro® is capable of programming & verifying 1 Gb NAND Flash in 108 seconds with fastest ARM9 MCU employed for ultra fast performance. SuperPro customers receive the greatest value for a device programmer. Considering the money you pay, and the device count number you get, you are paying less than $0.026 per device. This is a result of expertise and hard-work of Xeltek’s development team.

BEST SUPPORTED PROGRAMMERS IN INDUSTRY

Comprehensive device package type supports through 1000+ socket adapters available. “Device Search” tool on the web allows one to quickly find device(s) and match it with the programmer for your budget. Telephone is answered by a live person and Live-Chat support provides expedient support to customers.

COMPANY STABILITY AND OUTLOOK

Xeltek has been in business with non-stop development and introduction of new products for about 20 years and growing each year. Currently owns the largest market share in the industry worldwide. Proudly provides the best performance, price, value, and support in the industry.

We promise that you will get more than what you pay!!!