Universal Programmers

A Universal Programmer is a device for programming a wide selection of non-volatile storage devices and microcontrollers with integrated non-volatile storage.

Non-Volatile Storage is memory that will retain its programmed state even without power. This is opposed to volatile storage like SRAM and DRAM that lose their state and must be reloaded when power is reapplied. Today, most non-volatile storage integrated circuits (ICs) are based on flash technology.

Universal Programmers tend to have a special zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets that allow most Dual In-Line (DIL) packaged devices that are programmable to be programmed. The device is plugged into the ZIF in a particular orientation and position and then locked in place. The programmer is usually configurable to support a large number of different devices and provides the programming voltages and interface configurations required for programming the non-volatile memory.

Special adapters exist to convert different packages to the DIL footprint to enable them to be programmed. Most programmers have a USB or similar serial connection to a computer that runs an application that configures and controls the Programmer. Some have the ability to program many devices simultaneously for production purposes (ganged). Other units are designed to be small enough to be carried in a pocket.

Universal Programmers can be used in a variety of roles. They can be used to test RAM and memory devices and erase previously stored programs on devices. They also offer the ability to test standard CMOS and TTL Logic Series ICs (74 and CMOS 4000 style logic). They can also support old memory device technologies that may still exist in some systems. This includes EPROM (a technology that required ultraviolet erasure before programming) and OTP (one-time programmable anti-fuse technology). Many low-cost microcontrollers with internal flash are also supported.
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