EMP-11 Device Programmer

True Low-Voltage support, Truly Low Cost.

• Latest software for the EMP-11
• Device list for the EMP-11

The EMP-11 programmer is Needhams' first low-cost offering with true Windows Support.

It supports more than 1,250 devices, including EPROMs, FLASH, 8051-style micros, Microchip PICs, and hundreds of other specialty devices. Relays and discrete DAC-controlled analog drivers provide rock-solid power and ground connections.

Fast

Zero download time. Because the technique of sending data through the parallel port is so fast, the EMP-11 needs no on-board RAM to store device data.

All Programming Timing is generated on the programmer. Programming can be performed faster (closer to theoretical minima) when the electrical timing is more accurate. The EMP-11 uses hardware that was designed to generate timing - this means the EMP-11 can program faster than a programmer that generates it's timing on the PC.

Reliable

• Full static protection on every pin. The EMP-11 is static-protected at the ZIF Socket, Family Module socket, parallel port, and power connector. The static protection on the parallel port also protects the parallel port on the EMP-11 from 12 volts, in case the user should accidentally plug it into a serial port.
• Only one moving part. There is almost nothing to wear out on the EMP-11; no fan, not even a power switch. The only moving part on the EMP-11 is the Family Module, and that only moves when you switch device families - for instance, when you move from programming FLASH devices to Microcontrollers.
• Free tech-supprt and software updates. Have a problem programming a certain device? Email or telephone us. Need support for a new device? check the device list - it may already be supported!
• Family modules and rock-solid pin drivers.

The EMP-11 uses Family Modules to route power to the devices. This is not only a BIG cost saver, but it lets us use a minimum number of very clean, precise pin drivers instead of designing cheap pin drivers for each pin. This translates to cleaner, more manageable waveforms, at a much lower price.

• Warranty. The EMP-11 carries a 1 year warranty on all parts and labour, and a 30 day money-back guarantee.
• Tough case. It's case is made of tough .125" thick ABS plastic. The same case on an EMP10 survived someone's Toyota 4x4 being parked on it!

Versatile

Native 32-bit Windows software. The software supports Drag & Drop file loading, Split/Set support, automatic programmer detection, and on, and on, and on. Full information on the Windows-based software.

TRUE Low Voltage device support. The EMP-11 is capable of supporting devices with digital voltages as low as 2.7 Volts. Some other manufacturers claim to support low-voltage devices, but there's a trick. Some devices read at lower voltages (i.e. in your circuit), but still program at 5 Volts. Some manufacturers only support devices that are capable of programming at 5 Volts.

Portable

The EMP-11 is extremely portable. It doesn't occupy a bus card in your PC so you can pack it up and take it with you anytime you wish. At only 1.5"x5"x8", with a 2" high power transformer, the EMP-11 fits into a briefcase or toolbox with ease. The programmer, parallel cable, transformer, and Family Modules, together weigh in at less than one kilogram!

The EMP-11's power requirements are 12-18 Volts @ 1 Amp, DC-60Hz AC so a battery can easily power it. If you need a programmer that can be readily used on a remote job site, the EMP-11 is it.

Simple

Parallel port communication means that you can connect to almost any PC. Serial ports make you set baud rates, make you assign IRQs, make you set flow control, and above all make you wait. The parallel port makes your data flow faster.

Plug it in, start the software, and you're programming. The EMP-11 is software activated, which eliminates the need for a power switch. Needham's found that most people weren't programming devices every minute of every day, so they ended up unplugging their programmers and storing them away for some length of time, then plugging them in when the next firmware change was needed. Turning on a power switch was simply an extra step. It was decided to have the software power up the programmer instead.

Requirements

To use the Windows software, you must have the following:

• An IBM-Compatible PC, 386 or above, running Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/ME.
• Approximately 55-75Mb of free space, for a full install
  (Once the software is installed, less is needed).
• A parallel port (can be bi-directional, SPP, EPP, or ECP).

Included Items

When you order your EMP-11, you will also get the following:

• The programmer itself comes standard with a 40-Pin ZIF socket for DIP parts.
• A 230 volt power transformer. (Transformers for 110V power are available upon request).
• All Family modules are included with the EMP-11, with a small pouch to keep them from "escaping".