Agilent Technologies has launched flash programming capabilities on its Medalist i3070 Series 5 in-circuit test (ICT) utility card platform.
The company claims that the new in-system programming (ISP) capability reduces cost of test while enabling flexible code and design changes.
The company said that the flash programming is enabled by plugging programming cards into the Medalist i3070 Series 5 utility card. Manufacturers can combine flash programming and in-circuit test into a single footprint.
According to Agilent, the new offering benefits include, lower capital equipment cost since manufacturers can leverage their Medalist i3070 Series 5 for the additional capability; increased speed for flash programming; increased flexibility for code or engineering changes; less damage to devices due to reduced handling; and reduction in inventory of pre-programmed devices.
Daniel Mak, vice president and general manager of measurement systems division at Agilent, said: “Agilent is committed to helping our board test customers reduce their cost of test and maximise their ROIC through new technologies and capabilities. The new flash programming capability for Agilent’s Medalist series is another example of this commitment.”
Instead of buying pre-programmed chips, manufacturers can have flash memory and micro-controller unit chips on their ICT system’s production line. In addition, because a new tester-based Agilent ISP flash service doesn’t rely on fixtures, implementation and debugging is much easier, the company claims.
Agilent has partnered with programming vendors, including Essepie SRL, SMH Technologies SRL., and Xeltek, to provide supported flash device protocols and extensive device coverage.