Please note that JavaScript and style sheet are used in this website,
Due to unadaptability of the style sheet with the browser used in your computer, pages may not look as original.
Even in such a case, however, the contents can be used safely.
Volume 38 (Apr 13, 2005)
Taking the worry out of writing for programs: Introducing "writing support" for 8-bit all-flash MCUs
Worry-free mass production with flash MCUs
In November 2004, NEC Electronics announced that its entire lineup of 8-bit MCUs would thereafter consist solely of embedded flash memory products. Subsequently the 78K0S/Kx1+ and 78K0/Kx2 Series were released. With 55 products encompassing various pin counts and ROM capacities, and prices and power consumption ratings equivalent to those of mask products, these new devices, along with a variety of development tools and programming environments, make it possible for customers to have the peace of mind they need to use flash MCUs for mass production.
NEC Electronics and its partner companies are offering the services demanded by customers, including inline programming, which can be used to conduct write operations on flash MCUs that have been mounted on circuit boards at customer factories (Table 1). Since many customers using flash MCUs for the first time are uneasy about executing program write operations on their production lines, believing that doing so requires a great deal of time and effort, NEC Electronics and its partner companies are collaborating to support the adoption of inline programming.
Supporting the construction of optimum programming environments for production lines: Yokogawa Digital Computer Corporation
Yokogawa Digital Computer Corporation has all of the hardware and software necessary for write operations, and uses the wealth of knowhow it has acquired over the years through the construction of embedded systems to provide support for the creation of programming environments suitable for its customers' production lines. In the event that a customer feels uneasy about the adoption of write operations, not only are tools such as flash programmers provided, but also software that automatically performs write operations according to the specific needs of the customer. Moreover, this software can be customized especially for the customer's production line. Therefore, if write operation settings are made common when producing several products, write programs and circuit boards can be modified without delay, thereby enabling highly efficient write operations (Figure 1). In addition, flash programmers from the NETIMPRESS Series come equipped with a broad range of functions developed to satisfy customer demands, including a check function for write program data. And since this series includes CAN-compatible flash programmers, it can be used in fields ranging from consumer electronics to the automotive industry. Furthermore, with offices strategically positioned in North America, Europe and Asia, support services can be provided across the globe to assist customers.
Customizing to meet customer demands: Naito Densei Machida Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Taking advantage of its many years of experience in working with NEC Electronics to develop, sell and provide support for flash programmers (such as the Flash Pro Series), Naito Densei Machida Mfg. Co., Ltd. provides total solutions for write operations, with a focus on customized flash programmers. Customizing can be carried out for various programming environments. Examples of such customizations include (1) when a customer wants to use FL-PR4 flash programmers to automatically write serial numbers and thereby improve program management; (2) when a customer wants to strengthen security by ensuring that program data cannot be read; and (3) when a customer wants to mask unused functions and simplify programmer operations. Moreover, while inline programming is in the process of being adopted, Naito Densei Machida Mfg. Co., Ltd. still provides support services for the construction of efficient production lines that use existing production processes by adding write operations to flash microcontrollers in circuit board inspection processes, etc. Write functions can also be added to automatic circuit board inspection machines upon request (Figure 2).
Providing services our customers can trust
NEC Electronics' 8-bit all-flash MCUs not only excel in terms of price and function, but they can be used with ease in programming environments by our customers thanks to the collaborative efforts of NEC Electronics and its partner companies. NEC Electronics will continue to focus on providing products and services that guarantee customer satisfaction.
184KB)