Total Phase has recently released several updates to our Promira® Serial Platform, including Promira Firmware Update version 2.00, which supports the newest I2C and SPI Analysis Applications and gives access to the new Promira Admin Interface.

As our most advanced serial device, the Promira Serial Platform is capable of high-performance I2C and SPI master/slave system emulation, as well as high-speed I2C, SPI, and eSPI protocol analysis, making it the ideal all-in-one I2C/SPI debugging and development tool. Designed to adapt to your project’s requirements, it offers multiple configurable applications and is field-upgradeable, allowing users to download and configure new applications as requirements change or grow. Available applications include:

• I2C Active – Level 1 Application: supports Standard Mode (100 kbps) and Fast Mode Plus (400 kbps) as well as various I2C master and slave speeds ranging from 1 kHz – 1 MHz.
• I2C Active – Level 2 Application: supports Standard Mode (100 kbps), Fast Mode Plus (1 Mbps) and High-Speed I2C master and slave speeds up to 3.4 MHz.
• I2C Analysis Application (new): allows users to non-intrusively monitor I2C communication, supporting clock speeds up to 5 MHz.

• SPI Active – Level 1 Application: supports SPI master speeds up to 12.5 MHz, and slave speeds up to 8 MHz.
• SPI Active – Level 2 Application: supports SPI master speeds up to 40 MHz, and slave speeds up to 20 MHz.
• SPI Active – Level 3 Application: supports SPI master speeds up to 80 MHz and slave speeds up to 20 MHz.
• SPI Analysis – Level 1 Application (new): allows users to non-intrusively monitor SPI communication, supporting clock speeds up to 24 MHz.
• SPI Analysis – Level 2 Application (new): increases clock speed support to 40 MHz, making it the fastest SPI protocol analyzer offered by Total Phase.

• eSPI Analysis Application: allows users to non-intrusively monitor eSPI communication with support for clock speeds up to 66 MHz.

Using the New Promira Admin Interface

The new Promira Admin Interface provides a streamlined, user-friendly web-based interface for managing and updating Promira Serial Platform devices. From a single dashboard, users can view firmware version and licensed applications, configure network settings, and upgrade system firmware and licenses. This interface is supported by Promira devices running firmware version 2.00 or later. View our video “Updating Promira Serial Platform to Firmware v2.00 & Configuring New Licenses” for a step-by-step demonstration on how to update your existing Promira device to firmware version 2.00.

To access the new interface, connect your Promira Serial Platform to your computer using the included USB cable, open a web browser and enter the device’s USB IP address using HTTP on port 81: http://PROMIRA_IPADDR:81/.

Your device’s IP address can be found:

• Through the “Connect” dialog of Control Center Serial Software, Data Center Software, or Flash Center Software
• Using the Python or C detect programs from the API package.
• Manually, by checking your computer's network settings. Find the Promira device's virtual network adapter and locate the IP address assigned for this interface of your computer. The Promira device's IP address will be the computer's IP address decremented by one . For example, if the virtual network adapter IP address is 10.1.2.3, the Promira device is at 10.1.2.2 and the Admin Interface address is at this location:  http://10.1.2.2:81/

Once entered, the Promira Admin Interface will launch directly in your browser with no additional software required.

Let’s take a closer look.

Exploring the Promira Admin Interface Dashboard

Within the Promira Admin Interface, you’ll see a dashboard layout that provides all key device controls and information in one place. Here’s a quick overview of each section:

1. Browser Address Bar: This is where you’ll enter the Promira’s USB IP address to access the interface. The full address should be formatted as http://PROMIRA_IPADDR:81/.
2. Device Information: This section lists essential details about your connected Promira Serial Platform, including the device serial number, current firmware version, and all licensed applications. It’s a quick reference for verifying what’s installed on your device.
3. IP Addresses: Here, you can view and manage network settings for your Promira. Both USB and Ethernet IPs are displayed. For the Ethernet interface, users can select between DHCP and Fixed IP configurations. If you are setting a fixed IP, you can enter the Address, Netmask, and Default Route directly from this panel.
4. Firmware / License Update: The update panel allows you to upload new firmware or application license files directly through the interface. Simply select the appropriate file from your computer and click ‘Upload’.
5. System Control: The Reboot button lets you perform a system restart right from the browser without disconnecting your hardware.
6. Language Selection: In the top-right corner, you’ll find a dropdown menu to select your preferred display language for the interface. Currently, the Admin Interface supports English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Configuring Promira Ethernet Settings

The IP Addresses section of the Promira Admin Interface gives users control over how their Promira Serial Platform connects to a network. The Promira offers two available Ethernet interfaces:

• Ethernet over USB: Uses the USB connection to create a virtual Ethernet interface. This runs at 480 Mbps, offering a convenient plug-and-play option. The USB address is not configurable.
• Physical Gigabit Ethernet Port: Provides a 1 Gbps connection for higher-speed data transfer and lower latency.

Each interface has its own IP address. The USB interface address is fixed and cannot be configured. The physical Ethernet interface can be fully configured within the Admin Interface.

By default, the physical Ethernet connection is set to a Fixed IP address, which is ideal when connecting your Promira directly to a PC. However, you can switch to DHCP mode if you prefer the device to automatically receive an IP address from your network like when connecting to a home, lab, or office network.

Once configured, your Promira will be ready for communication through your chosen network connection.

Conclusion

The new Promira Admin Interface delivers enhanced usability and greater control for Promira Serial Platform users. With an updated layout, intuitive navigation, and clear access to key settings, it’s designed to make managing your Promira device simpler and more efficient than ever before.

For more information on our tools, including the Promira Serial Platform, please email us at sales@totalphase.com or request a demo.