Atmel's FLexible In-system Programmer Software (FLIP) Adds Increased Functionality and Power to its C51 Flash Microcontrollers

FLIP software runs on both Windows(R) 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP and Linux(R) platforms. It supports the in-system programming (ISP) of Atmel Flash C51 microcontrollers through various popular communication interfaces, including RS232, USB and CAN links, programming 32Kbytes in a few seconds.

FLIP implementation is designed to be user friendly, and does not require any additional specific hardware.

By executing the Atmel on-chip bootloader, the user can update the code or data in the Flash and EEPROM in-application. This self-programming capability allows last minute changes during the development process; programming on the production line for volume applications, avoiding redundant inventory; field upgrades and remote diagnosis in after sales service.

Another distinctive advantage is the powerful set of DLLs (Dynamic Load Library). These allow the user to call Atmel ISP high level functions from their own PC-applications, without having to know the details of the Atmel ISP protocols. An example program is provided to demonstrate how to call Atmel ISP functions.

For ease of use to the developer, the DOS-executable version of FLIP -- BatchISP -- may be launched from an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) -- such as Keil(TM) uVision2 -- which allows the developer to write code, compile, link, produce and download HEX files to the target device without leaving the IDE. BatchISP gives manufacturers a better control and flexibility on the production line, as ISP operations can be performed on a large number of parts easily, even allowing product serialization.

Using AutoISP which is controlled by FLIP, the user can also enter the ISP mode easily without manual settings on the target board. To insure the largest CAN dongle support to its customers, Atmel has worked in close relationship with major CAN dongle manufacturers such as PEAK-System, IXXAT(R), and Vector.

To further improve FLIP's user-friendliness, additional features have been added such as debug mode and enhanced on-line help. The debug mode helps the user to visualize and check the traffic between FLIP and the target hardware. The on-line help documentation has been completely re-written, including FLIP user manual, BatchISP user manual, ISP protocol functions descriptions and trouble shooting.

"FLIP is more than a simple ISP software used through a Graphical User Interface or launched from a DOS command window. FLIP is also a powerful tool set which enables the user to embed Atmel ISP function libraries within their applications without having to know the details of Atmel's ISP protocols," says Manish Vadher, Atmel Marketing Director for C51 microcontrollers. "FLIP is the best ISP software to program Atmel C51 Flash microcontrollers quickly within a user friendly environment."

FLIP supports a wide range of C51 Flash microcontrollers encompassing a large on-chip program memory capacity (up to 64 Kbytes) and a rich peripheral set including A/D converters, timers, watchdog and PCA. The Atmel 8051 Flash portfolio also includes Application Specific Products with specialized functions -- CAN Networking (CANary(TM) family), MP3, Smart Card Readers, USB, @Web Embedded TCP/IP -- to serve dedicated applications and markets.

About Atmel

Founded in 1984, Atmel Corporation is headquartered in San Jose, California with manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. Atmel designs, manufactures and markets worldwide, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and RF semiconductors. Atmel is also a leading provider of system-level integration semiconductor solutions using CMOS, BiCMOS, bipolar SiGe, and high-voltage BCDMOS process technologies.

NOTE: Atmel(R) and combinations thereof are the registered trademarks, and CANary(TM) is the trademark of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. IXXAT(R), Windows(R), Linux(R) are the registered trademark of IXXAT Automation GmbH, Linux Torsvalds, Microsoft Corporation. Keil(TM) is a trademark of Keil Software Incorporated. Other terms and product names may be the trademarks of others.

Information:

For more information on Atmel's FLIP, please visit Atmel's website at: http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=2767

For more information on Atmel's Flash C51 Microcontrollers, please visit Atmel's website at: http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/devices.asp?family_id=604#753

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