Xeltek Inc.

This article contains common questions and related answers considering the cluster programming is still an unknown solution for most of us. Clustering Universal Programmers term has been first brought up by Xeltek in 2004. First and foremost, what does “clustering programmers” mean?

Simply, it means gathering bunch of single socket programming units together, and creating your own gang programming environment.

How does the SuperPro Cluster programming stack up against conventional fixed socket gang programmers?

Many reasons…

1) Often gang programmers do not provide flexibility and economy due to fixed number (4, 8, 16 )of sockets. And the ones on the market may not be the best match for your budget! However, a single socket programmer is not enough for planned output. The best solution for such conflict is clustering SuperPro Programmers. Start with 2-3 units, and expand your gang by adding new units as it needed in future.

2) Other limitation of the traditional gang programming is that all sockets share one central CPU(or MCU) and there is only one data buffer to program chips with. This architecture leaves two
problems;

a. The first issue is that all chips can be programmed simultaneously but have to be read or verified one at a time. In asynchronous programming, all operations are done independent of other chips, which increases programming efficiency.

b. The 2nd and more important issue is that some of the newer chips require calibration information and serial numbers, which are different from chip to chip. Traditional gang programmers have only one data buffer so they cannot accommodate programming each chip with different data.

Conventional gang programmers come in 4, 8, or 16 socket heads. But, there are several questions.

What if my volume is not enough to justify purchasing a 4socket gang programmer at high cost?

The solution is in the Cluster programming. Here, you can start with 2 or 3 units and add more later as needed.

What if my volume requirement has increased beyond my 4 or 8socket programmer purchased a year ago?

In the SuperPro Cluster set up, just add more units as needed. No need to buy a whole new set of 4 or 8gang programmer at high cost.

What if my volume has reduced and no longer need the 8gang programmer purchased a year ago?

In the SuperPro Cluster set up, just remove the unit(s) not needed and utilize elsewhere needed. You no longer have to be stuck with the expensive 8gang programmer not needed.

Any Programmer can be clustered?

Absolutely, NOT! In order to cluster programmers, use of stand-alone programmers is necessary.

What is Stand-alone mode?

Stand-alone is a technology first being introduced to the market in August 2000 by Xeltek SuperPro 2000. Stand-alone means, programmer can be used without being connected to a PC. Setup is made through the built-in keyboard/LCD panel. Multiple project files may be stored in the removable memory card.

Cluster Programming is better than Multiprogramming?

It is comparing apple and orange. But we would like to compare SuperPro 501S 4Cluster vs. Beehive 204 for your understanding. When the production requirement increases beyond 4socket heads, incremental addition from 4 to 5 to 6 to 7… sockets heads is possible. For a small increase in production, only one SP501S unit needs to be purchased. In the case of Beehive204, a full set of the same unit purchase is necessary, causing high expense and low efficiency.

Or, if the production requirement is decreased in the Superpro501S Cluster operation, one or more SP501S may be removed and utilized on other project. This is not possible in the Beehive204 operation.

When a socket head becomes defective in the Superpro501S Cluster, only the defective module is removed and sent for repair. In the Beehive204, entire unit must be sent back for repair, causing production operation stoppage.

What else do Xeltek Cluster Programmers offer?

• · Asynchronous fast programming is ensured by each module being independent from one another.
• · The programming starts automatically when a chip is inserted. Anyone can operate the units.
• · Operator interaction is minimized. Therefore, any operator induced error is also minimized.
• · An operator can easily operate 10 or more units at a time.
• · Security of the data has been proven. Remove the CF card for safekeeping at end of each day.
• · Grow with production demand. Additional programming units can be added easily as the volume grows.
• · When one unit goes bad, only send that faulty unit for repair, and continue the operation with the rest. In a case of 8 socket gang programmer, the entire unit has to be sent back for repair effectively shutting down the entire operation.
• · For most devices, 5 sets of clustered programmers can easily provide same throughput of an 8 gang synchronous programmer.

Model	SuperPro 501S 4C w/ CF cards	Multimax 8g+	Labtool 848XP	Beehive 204	Chiprog G4
Device Support	32654	8000	around 8K *	58700	35681 *
Programming sequence	Concurrent	Concurrent	Synchronous	Concurrent	Concurrent
Programmer architecture	Standalone (no PC)	Standalone	PC required	PC required	PC required
Socket support	Flexible, 1-n (16) sockets	Fixed, 8 sockets	Fixed, 8 sockets	Fixed, 4 sockets	Fixed, 4 sockets
Pin support	48pin each	48pin each	48pin each	48pin each	48pin each
Programspeed (prog+verify)	64mbit nor 11.3 sec	64mbit nor 85 sec	8mb flash in 75 sec	64mbit nor 9sec	64mbit nor 50sec
		2.5mbit/s		480 mbit/s
Support O/S	all o/s	only xp and win 2000	no win 7 support	all o/s	all o/s
Supported Devices	universal	universal but limited	support eprom, eeprom and flash only	universal	universal but limited
Compliances	CE and RoHS compliant	CE compliant		CE compliant	RoHS Compliant
Ease of maintenance	Yes	No	No	No	No
Operator induced error	Minimal	High	High	High	High
Additional cost factor	None	None	PC + trained operator	PC + trained operator	PC + trained operator
Data security	High	Low / internal memory	Low	Low	Low
Ease of expansion/ reduction	Flexible, incremental	Fixed, High	Fixed, High	Fixed, High	Fixed, High
Low Voltage support	1.2V	1.8V	2V	1.8V	1.8V
Total Weight	6 lbs	19 lbs	19 lbs	8 lbs
Price	4 unit bundle/ $3980	$5,950	$2,995	$3,650	$2,450

If you have further questions regarding clustering SuperPro programmers, please contact us immediately at info@xeltek.com

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With a renewed and expanded team, XELTEK is proudly announcing its SAME DAY SUPPORT for technical and sales inquiries. It is available to help customers and representatives resolve issues or help with their requests in an effective way. This service is provided by our highly qualified new support team that will provide the best of their knowledge to bring prompt sales and technical support.

Xeltek’s sales and techsupport team is located in California, USA; which falls into Pacific Time (UTC-8). Our one day support is mostly delivered within a couple of hours, but depending on the type of request and time zone conflicts, some delays may be expected. Delays may be most common with international customers from Far East Asia, where answers may be received the morning after inquiries are submitted. We apologize in advance for this inconvenience.

Services can be used to contact Xeltek Support Team: 

Phone Calls - Mon-Fri 7:30AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM – 4:30PM (PST) 

Create a Ticket – Create your support ticket, and follow the progress online

Live Chat – Mon-Fri 7:30AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM – 4:30PM (PST)

Voice-To-Email – +1 (408) 905-XLTK , call and leave a message

FAQ – Check previously asked question, or submit new questions

Forum – Share your questions with other SuperPro users

Blog & RSS – Follow Xeltek updates closely

“Same day support for Xeltek is a demonstration of our commitment to give our best to our customers; and enhancing support quality by managing the time frame effectively is our motto for the sake of becoming the industry leader,” as spoken by Sam Kim, the president of Xeltek Inc.

We realize that while Xeltek offers the best of the device programmers industry, it is also within our users’ expectations to receive the best treatments and prompt responses to their requests. Our aim is to maximize customer satisfaction and maintain long-lasting and loyal relationships.

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Xeltek’s lowest cost SuperPro 5000 series family member; SuperPro M, is now available for your orders. You can order it now and get it delivered immediately. Go to Xeltek.com and order it at your convenience;

http://www.xeltek.com/SuperPro-M-product-17713

Device support on SuperPro M has been increased to 19880, and it supports most of the common devices. This compact device programmer is all you need!  With its affordable price, and high technology; it is the highest value you can get from current market.

Please take a quick look at the key features of SuperPro M as listed below;

• Ultra-fast programming experience w/ 32bit ARM MCU & internal Linux O/S
• In-system (ISP/ICP) and parallel programming capabilities
• Best value at $595 each
• Supports 19,880 devices
• Compact size w/ 48pin drivers
• USB 2.0 Interface
• Win 7 x64 O/S support
• 2-years warranty

What are you waiting for, order now and get your programmer delivered to you immediately. Call +1 (408) 530-8080 ex # 600 or send your request to sales@xeltek.com

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Xeltek’s lowest-cost universal device programmer is online for pre-orders. If you contact sales@xeltek.com before 15^th of January, 2011, with this article, you will get SuperPro M for the price of $595. And the first delivery of the programmer is set to be shipped on 15^th of January, 2011.

SuperPro M is basically a scaled down version of SuperPro 5000 48pin Family. It supports 17,000 devices, and the support number will stay as fixed. No device addition is possible upon customer request. Please check other features as listed below;

• Ultra-fast programming experience w/ 32bit ARM MCU & internal Linux O/S
• In-system (ISP/ICP) and parallel programming capabilities
• Best value at $595 each
• Supports 17,000+ devices
• USB 2 Interface
• Win 7 x64 O/S support
• Compact size w/ 48pin drivers
• 2-years warranty

For more details, please check the product page:

http://www.xeltek.com/SuperPro-M-product-17713

Please be aware; this promotion is only valid until mid January 2011, and you have to contact with Xeltek sales representatives via email or phone to benefit this special offer or login to www.Xeltek.com. You’ll enjoy receiving the new member of SuperPro 5000 Family; SuperPro M, with a discounted price. Call (408) 530-8080 ex # 600 or send your request to sales@xeltek.com NOW!

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144pindrivers vs. 48pindrivers Support (*1, *4, *6)

Many of today’s complex ICs come in large pin-count packages. A 48pin programmer requires specialized (non-universal) socket adapters to be used in order to support larger than 48pin devices. Unused or unrelated pin connections are removed in order to be able to fit within 48pin sockets of the programmer.

However, this creates a major problem of pin compatibility among different IC devices because they are different for each pin connection. This requires having to create a device specific socket adapter (or pin conversion PCB) for each different device. For example, in Beeprog series 48pin programmers, QFP64 socket adapter comes with 70+ variations and QFP100 socket adapter comes with 60+ variations!

On the other hand, SuperPro5000/ 5000E models are equipped with 144pins. There is only one QFP64 or QFP100 socket adapter needed. Each adapter is fully universal for all IC devices of the same package type. So, one Xeltek QFP64 adapter does the job of 70+ Elnec QFP64 adapters (or one adapter plus 70+ pin-conversion PCBs)!

A user of Beeprog2/+ programmer will have to come back and order more parts frequently. In combination with additional costs and shipping charges, time wasted to order a new part and waiting for it could amount to substantial additional cost and time lost. Also, whenever there is a new QFP64 device that comes out in the market, chances are that a new adapter (or a conversion PCB) has to be designed. Who has time to waste when a product development cycle time is ever shortening in today’s market?

Another important issue is of the reliability of the socket adapter. We have found out in the past that contact problems tend to crop up here and there in the course of adapter usage. The problem gets more frequent when the socket adapter is subject to frequent insertions. So, in order to minimize the adapter contact problem, Xeltek introduced new CX series 144pin adapters, which employs industrial grade high-quality socket connectors. While common socket adapters use 2 layers (top and bottom) of PCBs interconnected together, CX adapters have a single layer of PCB. Combined, they improve the overall reliability required for demanding engineering and industrial applications.

In summary, Xeltek SuperPro5000/ 5000E model programmers and socket adapters are designed and built for Engineering and Industrial applications, which demands high performance and reliability.

Stand-Alone Mode Operation vs. Multi-Programming (*2, *5)

SuperPro5000 /5000E programmers come with dual operation modes: PC connected and Stand-alone. During the development cycle, PC mode is used. When volume programming is required, Stand- alone mode is recommended. In order to operate in Stand-alone mode, a device project file is created first. Project file consists of the device programming algorithm, data to be programmed, etc. The file is stored onto a Compact Flash (CF) card, which is plugged into the back of the programmer unit. At this point, the programmer can be detached from the PC and operated stand- alone via the keyboard and display on the programmer.

Advantages of operating in Stand- alone mode are as follows.

b. Manpower cost: Requires an experienced operator to operate on a PC at additional manpower cost. In the SuperPro Stand- alone mode operation, operator only has to remove a programmed chip and insert a blank chip. All other operations are done automatically.

c. Expandability: Maximum number of units allowed for connection is 8. In the SuperPro Stand-alone operation, limitation is the size of table space and length of arm of the operator.

d. Operator Reliability: PC operation by an operator can lead to mistakes. Hands- free operation and without a PC for SuperPro Stand-alone operation eliminates operator mistake.

e. PC Reliability: PC operation in the factory environment can lead to shut-down, crash, data contamination, virus infection, etc.

f. Data Security: Data in a PC is susceptible to be copied and misused. In the SuperPro operation, the CF card containing project file can be removed for safekeeping at the end of each day.

g. Field Service: SuperPro programmers operate from 12VDC outlet of a car or other source in Stand- alone mode.

Device Algorithm Processor (*3)

SuperPro family of programmers utilizes RISC32 MCUs including ARM7, ARM9, and ARM11 across various models. Linux operating system is also used.

The setup provides high performance programming and flexible operational environment unmatched by most other low-cost programmers.

Price and performance (*7)

Xeltek SuperPro family of programmers set themselves apart from other low-cost programmers by providing the highest number of devices supported, 144pin universal pin-drivers, unique dual- mode Stand- alone and PC mode operations, high performance algorithm processing engine, rugged and reliable socket adapters, and expedient customer support.

A user of Xeltek SuperPro programmers will experience easy to use and reliably operating programmer, fast device update service, expedient technical support, long lasting, and easy setup for Engineering or volume production environment. Be aware of hidden cost of other low-cost setup.

The Company Edge: Xeltek Inc – Home of SuperPro Universal Programmers

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High volume production can be easily achieved by operating multiple standalone programmers such as SP501S or SP5000E concurrently.

Clustering programmers provides flexible, easy and cost effective way of volume production over traditional parallel programming. A setup could begin at 2 unit cluster and grow up to 15unit cluster.

In cluster programming, each unit (socket) operates independently of others. An operator will be busy removing programmed chips and inserting new chips. In optimally arranged setup there will be no idle time for the operator or the programmers.

In contrast, in the fixed socket parallel programming, all chips begin and end programming simultaneously. So, while chips are being programmed operator will be idled and while the operator is removing and inserting chips programmer will be idled.

For example, if a chip takes 20seconds to program and operator takes 5 seconds to remove and insert a chip, 5 unit cluster setup will operate optimally without any idle time.

While the operator takes 20 sec to remove/ insert chips on 4 sockets, the 5th socket will have finished programming and be ready for the new chip to be inserted. On the other hand, 8 gang parallel programming will require 40 seconds (8sockets * 5sec) operator time and 20 sec program time.

In the 5 cluster operation, program time for each chip is 5 sec, which results in 720 chips/hr throughput. In the 8 gang parallel programming 8 chips are programmed in 60 sec, which yields 480 chip/hr throughput.

If a chip takes 5sec to program, then 2 cluster station will produce optimum efficiency at 720 chips/hr throughput. In the 8 gang parallel programming, operator time will be 40 sec and program time will be 5 sec yielding 640 chips/hr throughput.

Following conclusion can be made from above examples.

• In cluster operation, number of units can be adjusted according to program time of the chip providing optimum efficiency at the lowest cost for any environment.
• In the fixed socket parallel programming, there will always be wasted idle time and it will get worse if the program time of the chip gets less.

There are additional hardware considerations as listed below.

• In the cluster setup, only the defective unit can be removed and the rest will continue to operate. In the fixed socket parallel programming, any defect in a socket will require the entire unit to be sent back for repair.
• If any chip is found to be defective, parallel programmer will not Program/Verify/Blank Check any of the devices and you will get an error message. In the case of using cluster programmer which has modular design; only one module will stop where remaining modules will continue.

Since 2010, Xeltek has been offering SuperPro 5004GP, SuperPro 5004EGP, and SuperPro 501S 4-C as production programming solutions. Considering the outcome, and the performance; SuperPro Cluster Programmers once again gives the highest value in return.

For further details on our products, please contact i...@xeltek.com or call +1 (408) 530 8080

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SuperBOT is the first automated programmer by Xeltek with 1400 units/hour, and lowest cost ever!

 

One of the biggest milestone in the history of Xeltek is on stage now. It is a great pleasure to introduce you our first automated programming machine; SuperBOT-I.

SuperBOT-I is a result of hardworking and dedicated effort that continues for many years. Xeltek has been always the biggest candidate for supplying one of the best in all categories it serves for. And SuperBOT can be accepted as a cumulative result of our over 20 years experience in the market, and high technology.

Since early 2009, the first SuperBOT units have been being introduced by Xeltek China. And in a year, it managed to reach dozens of customers. So far, many manufacturers in China have either integrated SuperBOT to their product line, or ordered the additional units. Receiving additional orders from same customer can be explained as follows:

- The unit showed great adaptability to the manufacturing line; and to double the successful results, ordering second unit is desired

- The unit is easily affordable and the value is high

So what makes SuperBOT this much charming?

- Very low price.

- High throughput; up to 1400 devices per hour

- Largest device support in the industry for an Automated Handler.

- Supports thousands of different devices and package types including SOT23

- High performance with integrated SuperPro 5000 units

- Upgradeable with new generation SuperPro Programmers

- Optional attachments w/ 20 tray handler, printer, tape reel & tube attachments, etc…

Supported with many years experience, Xeltek is here to offer you what you deserve. For additional information, please check SuperBOT webpage:

http://www.xeltek.com/SuperBot-pages-288

And don’t forget to call us at +1 408 530 8080 or send us an email at i...@xeltek.com

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Regardless of the brand or the condition of the programmer you have, you can trade-in for a brand new SuperPro Programmer!

Are you still running your old programmer via printer port? Do you need to keep an old Pentium computer to run your programmer? Can you program all devices that you need to program, or do you need different programmers for different chips? Do you need to get many socket adapters to program same package type and same pin count devices? Can your programmer support all recent devices? Do you need to run your programmer without connecting to a PC (stand-alone)? Are you happy with the programmer’s customer support?

If you have problems with one of the issues listed above, it is time to look for a replacement device programmer? But you already have one programmer, and you don’t feel like purchasing an additional one? If you think you can work it out with what is in hand, good luck! But Xeltek now offers you credit for your old programmer, if you purchase a brand new 5000 series programmers. No need to keep that old junk, and wait to program a small size chip for tens of minutes. Instead, get a SuperPro 5000 series programmer, and get your chips done in couple seconds.

It is time to upgrade your programmer. And It is very simple and affordable. Regardless of the brand or the condition of the programmer you have, immediately contact Xeltek, and ask for the trade-in option to replace your programmer with a brand new SuperPro Programmer.

For more information, please contact sal...@xeltek.com or call +1 (408) 530 8080.

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Did you know Xeltek.com shopping cart automatically shows the backordered or out of stock items during check out or prior to ordering? This new feature gives you the option of evaluating your order without contacting to any Xeltek personnel and place an inquiry for lead time accordingly. Please check the screenshots below for possible places you need to pay attention for to detect if the item is not in stock:

According to Xeltek Policy; the lead time for your backordered items is 2 weeks unless it is a special case. Most of the times, the lead time is shorter than estimated. Please do not hesitate to contact our sales department in case you have a question or request regarding to lead times at sal...@xeltek.com

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Programming an Actel device requires running Staple player, available from Actel, and generating a programmable data file with .STP extension. Programming some Altera devices require running Jam Player; available from Altera, and generating a programmable file with .JAM extension.

XPlayer is a kind of special programming tool which resides within Xeltek SuperPro IS01 ISP programmer and is mainly for CPLD series chips produced by ACTEL, ALTERA etc. As long as the customer provides corresponding STP or JAM files (such files can be generated using design tools such as ISE, Quartus II etc.), the corresponding device can be programmed. Select “XPlayer” on the “Device” menu bar, then the dialogue box pops up.

Device related information is already included with either .STP or .JAM file, so there is no need to select a device for programming. Please have a look at the below list of devices supported in XPlayer. May be more devices will be added in future.

ACTEL

ProASIC3 Devices

A3P015, A3P030, A3P060, A3P125, A3P250, A3P400, A3P600, A3P1000

ProASIC3E Devices

A3PE600, A3PE1500, A3PE3000

ProASIC3L

A3P250L, A3P600L, A3P1000L, A3PE600L1, A3PE3000L

ProASIC3 Nano

A3PN010, A3PN015, A3PN020, A3PN0301, A3PN060, A3PN125, A3PN250

Fusion

AFS090, AFS250, AFS600, AFS1500

IGLOO Devices

AGL015, AGL030, AGL060, AGL125, AGL250, AGL400, AGL600, AGL1000, AGLE600,
AGLE3000

ALTERA

MAX II

EPM240/G/Z, EPM570/G/Z, EPM1270/G, EPM2210/G

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