Programming Flash Devices
v1.1
14- 9
Certified Programming Solutions
The Actel-certified programmers for flash devices are FlashPro3, FlashPro Lite, FlashPro, Silicon
Sculptor I and II, and any programmer that is built by BP Microsystems. All other programmers are
considered noncertified programmers.
FlashPro3, FlashPro Lite, FlashPro
The Actel family of FlashPro device programmers provides in-system programming in an
easy-to-use, compact system that supports all ProASIC families. Whether programming a
board containing a single device or multiple devices connected in a chain, the Actel line of
FlashPro programmers enables fast programming and reprogramming. Programming with
the FlashPro series of programmers saves board space and money as it eliminates the need
for sockets on the board. There are no built-in algorithms, so there is no delay between
product release and programming support.
Silicon Sculptor II
Silicon Sculptor II is a robust, compact, single-device programmer with standalone software
for the PC. It is designed to enable concurrent programming of multiple units from the same
PC with speeds equivalent to or faster than previous Actel programmers. It replaces Silicon
Sculptor I as the Actel programmer of choice.
Silicon Sculptor I and Silicon Sculptor 6X
Actel no longer offers Silicon Sculptor I or Silicon Sculptor 6X for sale. Both items have been
discontinued. Actel does support Silicon Sculptor I and Silicon Sculptor 6X by continuing to
release new software that enables improved programming of previously covered Actel
devices; new Actel devices are only supported on Silicon Sculptor II. All software support for
Silicon Sculptor I and Silicon Sculptor 6X programmers will be disconnected by the end of
2005; no support for these older programmers will be offered in 2006. Actel recommends
that all customers upgrade to Silicon Sculptor II or a BP multi-site programmer.
Noncertified Programmers
Actel does not test programming solutions from other vendors, and CANNOT guarantee
programming yield. Also, Actel will not perform any failure analysis on devices programmed
by hardware from other vendors.
Programming Centers
Actel programming hardware policy also applies to programming centers. Actel expects all
programming centers to use certified programmers to program Actel devices. If a
programming center uses noncertified programmers to program Actel devices, the
ProASICPLUS APA075
Yes.
ISP
support.
Yes.
ISP
support.
Yes.
ISP
support.
Yes.
ISP
support.
Yes.
ISP
support.
Yes.
ISP
support.
No
APA150
APA300
APA450
APA600
APA750
APA1000
ProASIC
A500K50
Yes
No
A500K130
A500K180
A500K270
Table 14-5 Programmer Device Support (continued)
Actel
Family
Device
ARM-
Enabled
Silicon
Sculptor
Silicon
Sculptor
6X
Silicon
Sculptor
II
Silicon
Sculptor
3FlashPro
FlashPro
Lite
FlashPro3
* Refer to the "Certified Programming Solutions" section on page 14-9 for more information on
programmer support.