How To | Hints | Problems

PLD Programming

This is an intro to programming Programmable Logic Devices ( PALs, EPROMs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.) on the Data I/O Unisite Programmer.

The Unisite Programmer is located in the Physics and Media Lab ( E15-022) in the basement of the Media Lab. The programmer sits next to its interface PC, along the far right (?) wall of the lab (between the 3D printer and the big rolls of mylar, etc.). The interface PC has both a 5" and a 3.5" disk drive, which can be used for transporting the files containing data to be programmed. You can probably also download them...

Generate a file

Many file formats for the data to be programmed are supported. The most common (and recommended) method is the industry standard JEDEC file format, supported by all PLD compilers. It is an ASCII text file (which can be read to determine the device it was compiled for.)

How to operate the Unisite

  1. At the DOS prompt go to d:\dataio\pcutil\
  2. Run the hiterm program present in that directory
  3. Select the type of device you are programming :
    • Select Select Device
  4. Download the data file from the PC :
    1. Select More Command
    2. Select Transfer Data
    3. Select Download Data 
                   |
              ------>  Download host command:
                                TR a:\(filename).jed
      (This is drive a: of the interface PC, not the programmer)
  5. Program Device:
    • Source RAM
  6. Use ALT-F1 to exit the hiterm program

Hints

If an insertion error occurs, try reseating the chip in the socket, or pressing down on the programmer holder to ensure contact with the PAL. If this becomes a regular problem, it is probably time to replace the elastomeric pad -- see Problem Reporting below.

If a system error occurs while looking for a device, look for the Unisite Algorithm disks (version 5) in a small box near the programmer. Insert disks one and two into the drives of the programmer

Problem Reporting

If you have any problems getting the Unisite to program a device, in particular if:

then let wad know. We usually have a service contract for this machine...

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This is a "fix it yourself" page, located at /mas/garden/cheops/WWW/tools/pal_programming.html