Q: We need to deploy SPI Host Adapters in our production line. Can you verify the Cheetah SPI Host Adapter support the following key factors for our production?

• Support MX25L25635 Flash Memory
• Upload 64MB into the Flash
• Use one computer to control two Cheetahs independently
• Support two independent Cheetahs with the API
• Interface the Cheetah with a USB switch (instead of separate USB connections)

Here is a summary of our setup:

• The Flash is assembled at the PCB and the host processor is in reset condition (100k PullUp) at each Flash pin
• The Flash is supplied from the PCB

A: Thanks for your question! Yes, you can use the Cheetah SPI Host Adapter on your production line for your specifications. In fact, several of our customers use our host adapters for mass production.  Following is a summary of verifications, plus information about the free software API we provide and using multiple Cheetahs on one computer with one API.

The Cheetah SPI Host Adapter and Flash Center Software support programming and uploading 64MB to an onboard SPI flash. Cheetah adapter does support Macronix 256Mb (64MB) MX25L25635 with Cheetah GUI Software, Flash Center Software and Cheetah Software API.

Here is a video about programming Flash Memory with the Cheetah SPI Host Adapter and Flash Center Software. We also have an application note for this topic.

The Flash Center Software supports MX25L25635, but it does not have built-in support for every flash and EEPROM memory device.  Should you need to test or program a device that is not supported, you can add that support by following the instructions in the Flash Center Software Manual to create a new XML part file. The XML parts library is included with the Flash Center Software package in the "parts" directory.  To make it easy, use an existing part file for a similar device and  then modify the XML fields to match your device.  The various fields, such as the device ID and timing parameters, should be provided in the device's data sheet. For more information about XML parameters, please see section 4,  "Adding Memory Devices", of the Flash Center software manual.

You can manage two Cheetah SPI host adapters on one computer and one API:

1. Open two separate command prompts with Cheetah adapter;  each command prompt controls one Cheetah adapter.
2. Open two Cheetah GUI software instances; each Cheetah GUI software instance controls one Cheetah adapter.
3. Open Flash Center Software; one Flash Center software instance can control multiple Cheetah adapters.

For more information about using two Cheetah adapters on one computer, please refer to "Setting up Two Cheetah SPI Host Adapters on One Computer".

For details about Cheetah adapter, related software and other products, please refer to the following documents:

• Cheetah SPI Host Adapter Datasheet
• Getting Started - Cheetah SPI Host Adapter
• Cheetah GUI Manual
• Flash Center Manual
• Product Selector Guide

We hope this answers your question. If you have other questions about our Total Phase products, feel free to email us at sales@totalphase.com or support@totalphase.com.