2. For a circuit board to fulfill its intended design function, it is essential not only to have the hardware in place but also to ensure that the software and programming support are in alignment.
3. This raises the question: how is the program executed through the IC, and what is the method for “transferring” it into the chip?
4. The answer lies in the process known as “burning.” Burning refers to the procedure of transferring the program into the chip’s internal storage, which can typically be categorized into offline burning and online burning.
5. Offline burning
1. Compatibility with various packaged chips is achieved through the use of different adapters; only when the chip and adapter are paired can the program be successfully burned. The adapter itself acts as a precision fixture, necessitating distinct adapters for different chips and package types.
2. Currently, widely-used chips like eMMC are trending towards miniaturization and planar designs, such as BGA and QFN, resulting in higher costs for adapters suited for these packaging styles.
3. In the event of a production test error, rectifying the issue necessitates the removal of the chip from the adapter and reprogramming according to established procedures, which can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Unexpected challenges may arise during PCB processing, such as insufficient temperature resistance leading to chip deformation upon removal, inadvertently increasing scrap risk.
4. Online programming utilizes the chip’s standard communication buses, including USB, SWD, JTAG, and UART. The interfaces are typically fixed, requiring fewer pins for connection during programming. Due to the lower communication rates, programming can be accomplished using standard wires without excessive resource consumption.
5. Since online programming is executed via wired connections, any errors identified during production testing can be promptly traced back to the specific PCBA, allowing for reprogramming without needing to disassemble the chip. This approach not only reduces production costs but also enhances programming efficiency.
6. Furthermore, production lines are increasingly moving towards automation. More manufacturers are incorporating ICT, FCT, and other functional testing machines into their operations. The combination of automatic fixtures and online programming can streamline the programming phase, enabling direct board burning post-assembly, followed by testing. This fully automated process significantly boosts production efficiency.
7. Thus, in PCBA processing, the advantages of online programming are clear, becoming a key metric in the industry for evaluating process accuracy, production efficiency, cost management, quality control, scalability, and financial investment of PCBA manufacturers.
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