April 1, 2008 - The universal, standalone in-system programmer specifically designed for the production environment (FlashRunner) now fully supports Freescale S12XE devices.

FlashRunner is a high-performance, standalone in-system programmer specific for Flash-based microcontrollers and serial memories. FlashRunner is targeted at production environments, easily integrates into your programming system or Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), and can work either in full standalone mode or controlled by a host system.

FlashRunner boasts programming algorithms that are as fast as target device's memory technology limit. In addition, it offers the flexibility to support a full range of current and future Freescale microcontrollers, including the new S12XE family. The S12XE family of microcontrollers takes the innovation of today's S12XD family a step further with the introduction of new features to deliver enhanced system integrity and greater functionality. These new features include a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) and Error Correction Code (ECC) on the Flash memory together with enhanced EEPROM functionality (EEE), an enhanced XGATE, a Frequency Modulated Locked Loop (IPLL) and a faster ATD. The E family extends the S12X product range up to 1MB of Flash memory with increased I/O capability in the 208-pin version of the flagship MC9S12XE100. Targeted at automotive multiplexing and generic auto body applications, the S12XE family delivers 32-bit performance with all the advantages and efficiencies of a 16-bit MCU. It retains the low cost, power consumption, EMC and code-size efficiency advantages currently enjoyed by users of Freescale's existing 16-bit S12 and S12X MCU families. There is a high level of compatibility between the S12XE and S12XD families. FlashRunner erases and programs a 1-Mbyte S12XE device in just 32 seconds.

FlashRunner can function autonomously in standalone mode on a production line using scripts stored on its SD card. In addition, it offers both serial and Ethernet connectivity for host system connection and comes with a Windows utility that allows you to communicate with the instrument and send programming commands, manage SD card files or update the instrument's firmware.

FlashRunner features state-of-the-art electronics to provide you with high integration flexibility in a compact footprint. The following are FlashRunner's main features:

• Fastest programming algorithms (as fast as target device's memory technology limit), approved by silicon manufacturers;
• Easy ATE integration;
• Standalone operations (projects and code images stored on a memory card);
• Also controllable by any host system via RS-232 or Ethernet;
• Supports most ISP protocols (BDM, JTAG, SPI, I2C, MON, ICC, SCI, etc.);
• Flexible, fully configurable;
• Compact and robust design for production environments (optoisolated control signals);
• Data integrity guaranteed (every data transfer to/from the host system or Secure Digital card is CRC tagged).

Moreover, FlashRunner's open architecture makes its firmware easily upgradable to support both new devices and new features.