What features do the programmers have, and which chips are supported?
Key features
What features does a programmer have? Different brands differ slightly, but the essentials are the same. Here we use MaxWiz programmers as an example.
Supports 5 V, 3.3 V and 2.5 V interface levels.
Supports bare-chip programming and in-circuit / on-board programming.
Supports stand-alone programming — no PC connection needed during programming, which is convenient on the production line.
Supports checksum verification.
USB interface for easy connection to a PC.
Automatic programming optimisation for fast programming speed.
Supports serial-number assignment with freely selectable addresses.
Supports programming-quantity control, plus remote quantity and software upgrades.
Simple operation — single-button trigger, with buzzer and LED indicating the programming result.
Supports USB firmware upgrade, making it easy to update and extend the device.
Please contact our support team if you would like to know more about MaxWiz programmers; we will reply promptly.
Supported chip brands
Which chip brands can MaxWiz programmers handle?
Since our founding MaxWiz has worked to obtain authorisations from chip vendors. The WizPro200 series programmers currently support brands including RENESAS, NEC, ST, Silicon Labs, GigaDevice, Sinowealth, Nuvoton, MindMotion, Maxscend, ARTERY, MPS, HK, BYD, Huada, FM, Chipsea, Fortior, Yinghai, ChipON, AutoChips, Indiemicro, Elmos and Melexis.
Many more brands are supported but not listed here. For a specific part number, please contact our online support.
Which ICs can be programmed
IC stands for integrated circuit, commonly called a chip. Every electronics manufacturer uses ICs, but they divide into active chips (which need programming) and passive chips (which do not). Wherever active chips are used, IC programming is required. Ordinary chips that are not microcontrollers or programmable devices need no programming; MCUs, ARM-based devices and similar chips do.
Programmable ICs fall into MCU types and memory types. Memory devices are simpler — they mainly store system programs and similar data. MCUs not only store data but also process it, so their functions are more complex.
MCUs involve many parameter settings and proprietary features, and a wrong setting can leave the board unable to boot. Memory devices also have settings, such as encryption and protection.
OTP means one-time programmable: once the program is written the chip cannot be changed, reset or reprogrammed. If the wrong data is written, some devices can be overwritten and recovered, but the chance is very low — so care is essential.
Most memory chips can be erased and reprogrammed repeatedly. Their parameter settings must follow the customer's requirements — for example, a software engineer will require the product to meet performance targets on their board. When we program on behalf of customers we always confirm the parameter settings beforehand and check during programming that they were written correctly.
The MaxWiz WizPro200 series programmers support many IC brands, including RENESAS, NEC, ST, Silicon Labs, GigaDevice, Sinowealth, Nuvoton, MindMotion, Maxscend, ARTERY, MPS, HK, BYD, Huada, FM, Chipsea, Fortior, Yinghai, ChipON, AutoChips, Indiemicro, Elmos and Melexis. Supported brands and part numbers keep growing, so that we can meet as many customer requirements as possible.