— The smart chip programming system
Automation of flashing and testing boards with Wimbler Flasher is a game-changer in the world of PCB production. This innovative hardware-software system is designed for instant connection to a printed circuit board (PCB) during production for the purpose of flashing microcontrollers, EEPROMs, and flash memory, as well as for functionality testing and parameterization (calibration).
The Wimbler Flasher works in tandem with any user programmer and allows for the automation of serial flashing and testing of PCBs, significantly increasing the speed of microcontroller flashing and completely eliminating defects.
Thanks to the PC program with an integrated database, when the PCB is secured, the sequencer instantly starts—a sequence of call-steps, each performing one operation. For example, erasing the microcontroller, flashing the bootloader, flashing the firmware, flashing the fuses, calibrating the input circuits, functionality testing, and printing the label. The logger saves the results of each sequencer step, allowing for further analysis and data output in a format convenient for further processing and presentations. The database also stores information about the date of the board flashing, the serial number of the board, the operator, and other information.
Automation of flashing and testing boards with Wimbler Flasher offers numerous advantages:
- No need for soldered connectors on PCBs, only simple contact points, which saves production costs and reduces error rates.
- When manufacturing special fixtures, contact pads can be placed anywhere on the PCB. These special fixtures can be ordered from us upon request or manufactured independently using a 3D printer.
- The space for the device can be flexibly adjusted to accommodate all possible board sizes, making Wimbler Flasher particularly interesting for users working with a range of devices of various sizes.
- Automation of manual labor. The control software has automatic error detection and various user roles with different permissions.
- Provides easier access to the PCB. Essential for industrial-scale PCB duplication.
- Automatically saves board information in the database.
- Allows for the execution of a sequence of operations (flashing, testing, etc.).
- Enables immediate board testing. The operation result is indicated by an LED and sound, eliminating defects.
- The board does not need to be connected to a power source.
- Has 4 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs.
- Includes an area for prototyping.
- Allows for flexible reassignment of input and output connector contacts.
- Supports target board power supply of 5 or 3.3 volts. Other voltages are also possible upon request.
- Allows for the installation of interchangeable cross-boards for different projects.
- With our standard contactor, it is possible to connect up to 10 contact pads with a pitch of 2.54 mm.
Adapter types
Currently, Wimbler has developed two adapters: WPKT 2×5 2.54 mm and WPKT 2×5 1.27 mm. Each of these adapters features 10 spring-loaded pins. If necessary, some pins can be removed, allowing the adapter to contact a smaller number of pads. Additionally, we plan to produce custom adapters for our users.
Wimbler Flasher electronics
The Wimbler Flasher electronics provide communication with the computer program via USB for:
- Automatic execution of the sequencer when the press handle is lowered.
- Querying the “Confirm” button, allowing the sequencer to insert a pause for actions with the flashing board.
- Querying four inputs on the cross board.
- Outputting signals to four outputs on the cross board.
- Emitting an audible signal to indicate the end of flashing, with different sounds for successful flashing and encountered issues.
- Controlling a three-color LED to signal operating mode and OK/Not OK status.
- Connecting the cross board.
- Supplying input power to the cross board.
- Galvanic isolation of the cross board inputs/outputs from USB.
The cross board
The cross board allows for the connection of any pin from the 10-pin connector, which attaches to the adapter, to any pin of the 20-pin connector, which connects to the user’s programmer. Additionally, any pin of the 10-pin connector can be supplied with VCC 3.3V or 5V (determined by a solder jumper) up to 1.5A Continuous Load Current. The cross board also receives voltage from an external power supply VDD 12V – 24V, which can also be routed to any adapter pin.
The cross board features a small area where the user can place a circuit using SMD components. In the photo below, I have placed four LEDs with current-limiting resistors and four buttons in this area. These are connected to the outputs and inputs of the cross board, respectively. With this setup, I can use a computer program to illuminate or extinguish the LEDs at any step of the sequencer, and include a wait for one of the buttons to be pressed.
Example of Cross-Board Application
In this example, it was necessary to connect the pins of a 10-pin connector and a 20-pin connector according to the table below. Additionally, the 10-pin connector required a 5V supply and ground from the cross-board power source. By default, the power source provides 3.3V, and to obtain 5V, it was necessary to apply a solder drop on the jumper labeled 5V.
| 10-pin connector | 20-pin connector |
|---|---|
| 1. VCC | 1. |
| 2. SWDIO | 7. |
| 3. GND | 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 |
| 4. SWDCLK | 9. |
| 5. GND | 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 |
| 10. RESET | 15. |
Description of the software
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flasher Clamp | |
| Dimensions | 260 x 170 x 100 mm |
| Net Weight | 2460 g |
| Working Stroke | 45 mm |
| Materials | Anodized aluminum, stainless steel, bronze, plastic |
| Flasher Adapter | |
| Dimensions | 60 x 45 x 32 mm |
| Shank Diameter | 10 mm |
| Shank Length | 15 mm |
| Number of Contact Pins | 10 |
| Contact Pitch | 2.24 mm |
| Flasher Electronic | |
| Housing Material | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions | 98 x 48 x 24 mm |
| Power Supply | Voltage: 12 — 24 V, Power: from 0.5 W |
| Interface | USB |
| Connectors | Two connectors for cross-board connection |
| User Button | Yes |
| Tri-color LED | Yes |
| Sound Signal | Yes |
| Flasher Cross-Board | |
| Dimensions | 116 x 55 x 18 mm |
| Connectors | Two plugs for connection to Flasher Electronic |
| 10-pin plug for connection to Flasher Contactor | |
| 20-pin plug for connection to user programmer | |
| Inputs | 4 inputs 3.3 V |
| Outputs | 4 outputs 3.3 V |
| Power Supply | For user board: 3.3 V and 12 – 24 V directly from the power supply |
| Power | |
| Input Voltage | 100 — 240 V, 50 — 60 Hz, 10 W |
| Output Voltage | 24 V |
Customer Reviews
Holger Becker, CEO Direct Gastec GmbH
We are a company specializing in the development of a globally new gas system and have newly developed both the hydraulic and electronic components. The countless development steps had to be quickly and consistently established in small and medium-sized series on the market, requiring a continuous process of software and hardware development. Due to this situation, we needed a system that is easy to handle yet fast and reliable to upload various software onto our electronic hardware in a very simple process that warehouse workers can complete with minimal error rates. For this reason, we chose the Wimbler system and have been very satisfied for several years now. The setup time for changed software is essentially uploaded in a few seconds, and the warehouse worker can upload the changed software onto the electronics without interruption. From today’s perspective, I cannot imagine how this process could have been safely represented without Wimbler.
Christoph Schörner owner of the firm FichtelBahn®