AN987/1000

1/10

AN987

APPLICATION NOTE

ST7 SERIAL TEST CONTROLLER PROGRAMMING

by Microcontroller Division Applications

INTRODUCTION

This application note describes:

– The advantages of Serial Test Controller Programming (STCP) vs. programming using an

EPROM programming board (EPB) (see Section 2.1).

– How to implement Serial Test Controller Programming targeting most of the ST7 general pur-

pose microcontrollers (see Section 2.2). These devices include all parts supported by the

ST7 starter kits and ST7 EPBs in the MDT1, MDT2 and MDT4 tool families (see the support-

ed device list in APPENDIX 1).

Note: In this application note, the term “programming tool” refers to either the EPBs or the

starter kits.

1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES

There are two possible ways of programming an ST7 device:

s

Using a programming tool. In this case, the device is first plugged on the programming board

and then programmed. Then, the part is soldered or plugged into a socket on the user board.

This can be done using any of the following ST7 programming tools:

– ST7 Starter Kit

– ST7 EPB (EPROM Programming Board)

– ST7 Gang Programmer

For further details about the above tools, please refer to the user manual supplied with these

devices.

s

Using a Serial Test Controller Programming (STCP) tool. This technique allows a device to

be directly programmed on the user board. This is a two-step procedure where first the

board is first manufactured with a blank ST7, and afterwards the chip is programmed using

a programming tool (Starter Kit or EPB).

This application note describes the STCP method only.

1