Integrating a programmer into an ICT (In-Circuit Test) fixture requires meticulous attention to hardware interfacing, communication protocols, and software sequence alignment to ensure robust programming and testing cycles. Below is a structured approach to this process:
1. Compatibility Assessment and Pre-Integration Analysis
• Programmer Specification Verification:
Identify the programmer type (e.g., ISP, JTAG, SPI) and ensure compatibility with the ICT tester’s communication interfaces (USB, Ethernet, UART, etc.), voltage, and signal level tolerances. Programming control could be done in ATE mode if available or in command line.
• Fixture-to-DUT Compatibility Check:
Review the schematic to ensure the Device Under Test (DUT) pin configuration and test nodes (access points) align with the programmer’s requirements. Confirm that the ICT fixture and programmer can effectively interface with the DUT programming pins, ensuring proper accessibility using CAD processing tools like TestExpert or Acculogic’s XMatic.
2. Physical Hardware and Signal Routing Setup
• Programmer Mounting and Orientation:
Secure the programmer within the fixture to maintain the shortest possible signal routing. Use shielded wires and high-quality cabling to minimize crosstalk, noise and signal degradation.
• Pin Mapping and Connection Validation:
Define pin assignments for the programmer-to-DUT connection, ensuring alignment with the ICT tester’s measurement channels. Use minimal-length signal paths and include appropriate termination resistors to optimize signal fidelity. If programmer ports are not isolated, it might be necessary to use isolation relays such as Acculogic REM-04 and REM-08 relay expander modules.
• Power Management:
Provide isolated and stable power sources for both the DUT and programmer. Ensure compliance with device-specific voltage and current requirements. Avoid shared power paths between the ICT and programmer to prevent noise and interference in analog measurements. Consider if the programmer can power the DUT directly.
3. Programming Strategy
Choose between programming devices as a single device, sequentially on multiple devices or programming multiple devices simultaneously, based on production needs and ICT capabilities.
4. Documentation and Maintenance Protocols
Maintain comprehensive documentation of the integration setup, including:
o Connection schematics.
o Pin mappings.
o Protocol settings.
o Software configuration scripts.
This ensures streamlined troubleshooting and facilitates future upgrades.
• Firmware and Software Update Management:
Establish protocols for updating the programmer’s firmware, ICT drivers, and test scripts. This is critical to maintaining compatibility with new DUT versions, programmer updates, and ICT system firmware.
By following these technical guidelines, you can achieve seamless integration of the programmer into the ICT fixture, enabling automated and reliable in-system programming during production testing. Additional configurations or advanced debugging techniques can be tailored to the specific hardware and DUT requirements.