EMP-21 Device Programmer

The next generation in device programmers is here. The EMP-21 is the world’s first universal device programmer that uses both USB and the Parallel Port. With a starting base of over 4000 devices supported and Windows based software this programmer is a great renovation of the EMP-20. While utilizing the USB port will increase transfer times, the choice whether to connect to your PC via either USB or by the Parallel Port, is completely up to you. Needham’s all new “automated one touch” system allows you to blank check, erase, program, verify or any combination of these functions with the ease of pushing a button.The low profile, lightweight design of the EMP-21 makes it ideal for any desktop or briefcase, proving useful for programming devices in the field. Plus the comparatively inexpensive cost of the EMP-21 lends well to a wide variety of budgets and with the absence of a fan or power switch, wear and tear is almost nonexistent.

SPEED

The EMP-21 uses the new USB I/O scheme, so transfer times are greatly improved.

PORTABILITY

The EMP-21 is extremely portable, you can pack it up and take it with you anytime you wish. At only 10 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 1 1/4", with a 2" high power transformer, the EMP-21 fits into a briefcase or toolbox with ease. The programmer, parallel and USB cable, transformer, and Family Modules, together weigh in at less than five pounds!

STABILITY

• The EMP-21 is static-protected at the ZIF Socket, Family Module socket, parallel and usb port, and power connector. The static protection on the parallel port also protects the parallel port on the EMP-21 from the 12 volts of a serial port.
• The case is made of tough .125" thick ABS plastic.
• There is almost nothing to wear out on the EMP-21; no fan, not even a power switch. The only moving part on the EMP-21 is the Family Module, and that only moves when you switch device families.

FAMILY MODULES

Family modules are not an entirely new idea. They have been used in other programmers from time to time, to inexpensively route power and ground to the device. When you're programming devices fairly slowly, then straight, slide-in connectors are just fine. However, the EMP-21 program at speeds near the theoretical maximums of some devices, so the digital signals traveling to the device must be clean, and the power and ground lines must be solid. Slide-in connectors can experience noise problems and higher resistance. The connectors that the EMP-21 uses are the same snap-in SIMM connectors that you may have holding the DRAM in your PC.

The purpose of Family modules is to permit using a few high quality pin drivers, instead of using a cheaper pin driver on each pin on the ZIF socket. This leads to cleaner, more manageable waveforms, at a much lower price.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

To use the EMP-21, you must have the following:

• Operating System:
  For USB: An IBM-Compatible PC, Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP.
  For Parallel Port: An IBM-Compatible PC, Windows 95 and above.

• Hard Drive Space: At least 40Mb of free space
• Interface: USB port, or a standard parallel port
• Power: 12-16 Volts @ 1 Amp, AC or DC

INCLUDED ITEMS

• A standard parallel port cable
• A standard USB cable
• An AC 220V transformer
• All Family modules (201-220) are included with the EMP-21, in a small carrying wallet