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I am using the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter with Flash Center Software to program an SPI flash memory chip. While the Aardvark adapter is reliable and versatile for many applications, programming large flash memory chips at very high speeds can be time-consuming.

• Reading the entire chip takes more than 20 minutes.
• Programming the chip takes much, much longer.

Is it possible to program chips at a greater speed? Are there any “tweaks” to apply to Flash Center Software to optimize performance? Are alternative tools available that program Flash memory chips much faster?

Thank you for your questions! There are two main ways to improve programming speed:

1. Adjusting parameter values in Flash Center Software
2. Using a higher-performance tool, such as the Promira Serial Platform

Programming SPI Flash Memory Faster with the Flash Center Software

To increase the programming speed, you can adjust parameters in the XML code: <writetime> and <erasetime>. Note – to ensure proper functionality, do not lower the speed below the timing parameters specified in the memory ship’s datasheet.

There are limitations of the maximum speeds that The Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter provides in SPI mode:

• The maximum Master clock rate is 8 MHz
• The maximum Slave clock rate is 4 MHz

You may also consider using high-volume programming to accelerate programming multiple chips simultaneously, as shown in the video below:

For increased programming speed, we recommend the Promira Serial Platform with the appropriate active SPI application level for your project: Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3. Note – for Levels 2 and 3, the previous level applications must also be installed.

Maximize Programming Speed with the Promira Serial Platform

The Promira Serial Platform is compatible with the Flash Center Software to allow users to quickly and easily read, program, verify, and erase memory chips. To see an example, watch the video below:

Additionally, the Promira Serial Platform provides other features that may be useful for your requirements:

• Integrated level shifting from 0.9 V to 5.0 V that eliminates the need for an external Level Shifter Board.
• Gigabit Ethernet and High-Speed USB connectivity to the host system.
• In addition to higher speeds, active application levels support advanced devices and functions, including SPI Dual and Quad I/O, up to 8 SPI SS signals and 16 GPIO signals, and more. For a comparison of device features, refer to the I2C/SPI Product Guide.

Note – available features are determined by the Active Level Application.

We hope this answers your questions. Additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:

• Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter User Manual
• Flash Center Software User Manual
• Promira Serial Platform System User Manual
• Promira Serial Platform I2C/SPI Active User Manual
• Level Shifter Board User Manual
• Total Phase Host Adapter Chart

If you want more information, feel free to contact us with your questions, or request a demo that applies to your application.