NSDS Programmer Software

NSDS Programmer can erase, program, verify or read PIC devices. For production programmer, use NSDS Gang Programming Software or build a customized system using command line tools.

NSDS Programmer has very simple interface.

For all operations, you must select the target device.

You must select the NSDSP from the drop down list. NSDS Programmer enumerates all the connected NSDSPs when it starts. You can always refresh the list with the "Refresh" button. If you do not see the NSDSP there, there is some problem with USB connection - try re-connecting.

HEX file must be specified for all operations except reading. Use the "Browse" button to browse the file system and select the hex file. You can also type or select "Blank" - this is an imaginary hex file which is identical to the hex file which would be read from a blank device.

Use the "Advanced" button to specify additional settings if needed or to configure the selected NSDSP.

The "Appearence" button lets you choose colors and font size.

 

Erase

To erase the target device, use "Blank" as a HEX file name and click on the "Program" button:

Once the device is erased, you can see the result under "Status":

 

Programming

Programming does not require separate erase operation. It erases the chip automatically. Programming includes verification. Everything programmed to the target chip is read back and compared to the conent of the HEX file. If any difference is found, programming fails.

To program the target device, enter the HEX file name and click on the "Program" button (or press F2 on the keyboard):

Depending on various factors, programming may take a fraction of a second, several seconds or more. All the controls will be disabled until the programming is complete. Upon completion, you can see the result under "Status":

 

Verification

To verify the target device against the specific HEX file, enter the HEX file name and click on the "Verify" button:

Only the address ranges contained in the HEX file will be read and verified. You can also specify "Blank" as a file name. In this case, the NSDS Programmer will read the whole chip and verify whether it is blank or not.

Depending on various factors, verification may take a fraction of a second, several seconds or more. All the controls will be disabled until the verification is complete. Upon completion, you can see the result under "Status":

If any difference is found, the verification will fail and NSDS Programmer will display the address where the first difference occured:

 

Reading

You can read the content of the chip and store it as a HEX file. The chip will be read completely and the HEX file will contain all the memory areas read from the chip. This HEX file can later be used to duplicate the contents of the original chip to other chips.

To read the target device click on the "Read Back" button. The HEX file name on the Main screen is ignored and should be left blank:

Depending on various factors, reading may take a fraction of a second, several seconds or more. All the controls will be disabled until the reading is complete. Upon completion, you will be prompted for the file name to store the resulting HEX file.