IC Programming

PCBA processing technology has been becoming mature and has a wide range of applications. It plays a key role in today's various smart devices.

In order for the circuit board to achieve the function of the intended design, in addition to the hardware, the matching support of the software and the program is also required.

Then the question arises: How to "transfer" a program to the IC?

I'm sure you already know that the answer is "programming", also known as "burning" by some.

Programming, which transfers the program to the process memory space inside the chip.

Generally divided into offline programming and online programming.

1. Offline programming

Offline programming refers to the use of off-line programming software and PCB CAD design files to compile SMT patch programs on a computer. Offline programming can save online programming time, which can reduce the downtime of the entire PCBA processing and improve the utilization of equipment.

Offline programming is compatible with chips in different packages via different adapters. This chip can be used with an adapter for program burning.

Adapters are precision fixtures. Different chips and packages require different adapters.

Today, packaging is moving towards small and flat BGAs, QFNs, etc. Such as the widely used Emmc chip. Although these adapters are not cheap.

If something goes wrong in production testing, you need to remove the chip from the adapter and reprogram it according to the prescribed process, which wastes time and effort and is expensive.

There are some emergencies in PCBA production. If the temperature resistance of the circuit board is not enough, the chip will deform when it is removed, which increases the risk of scrapping.

Steps of offline programming: PCB program data editing → automatic programming optimization and editing → input data into the device → edit the optimized product program on the placement machine → proofreading and backing up the placement program

2. online programming

Online programming is actually the process of manually inputting the pick-up and placement program on the placement machine.

In-circuit programming uses the chip's standard communication bus, such as USB, SWD, JTAG, UART, etc. The interface is usually fixed and has fewer pins connected during programming.

Because the interface communication rate is not high, the general cable can be used for recording without high power consumption.

Since in-line burn is programmed over a wired connection, if errors are found during production testing, the faulty PCBA can be traced back and re-burned without disassembling the chip. This not only saves production costs, but also improves programming efficiency.

More importantly, the line is moving towards automation. More and more manufacturers are adding functional testing machines such as ICT and FCT to the production line. Production methods using automatic fixtures and online burning can be omitted during the burning stage. Manual operation, directly burning after installing the board, and then sending the PCBA to the testing machine for testing. The entire production process is fully automated, which can greatly improve production efficiency.

Therefore, in PCBA processing, the advantages of online burning are obvious, and it has become a important indicator to measure the PCBA manufacturer's process accuracy, production efficiency, cost, quality control, scale and capital.

AllWinPcba provides IC programming services in our full turn-key PCB assembly services, Look forward to cooperation with you, don't hesitate, if you have any questions, please contact us anytime. Tell:+1.608.698.5398. Email:svc@allwinpcba.com