Safely Program Multiple I2C Chips with Aardvark Adapters
I have been using the Total Phase Flash Center Software with an Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter for programming I2C devices. I am also using an interface board that is similar to your Level Shifter Board.
To increase production, I will program multiple I2C chips simultaneously, I am running a trial with two Aardvark adapters for programming two I2C flash memory chips, and two instances of the Flash Center Software, one for each Aardvark adapter. However, when I plug in two Aardvark adapters to the PC, after a couple of cycles, the Flash Center Software starts failing and the interface board is damaged.
How can these problems be fixed? Is there something I need to add or change in the setup?
Here is the block diagram:
Here is the Flash Center Software transaction:
Response from Technical Support:
Thank you for your questions! Because your interface board is being damaged and programming fails, it appears there are hardware issues in the setup.
Optimize Grounding and Power Source to Program Multiple I2C Chips
The following checkpoints apply to SPI performance as well as I2C signals.
Why Common Ground is Needed
Proper grounding is essential for the Aardvark adapter to work properly with the target system – this applies to interfacing with single targets as well as programming multiple chips. It is critical when two Aardvark adapters are working in the same system. Here are the checkpoints:
- Verify that both Aardvark adapters are sharing a common ground reference. If the grounds are not connected, signal levels may float, which makes the data unpredictable. In this case, data becomes disrupted, which is why the Flash Center Software becomes unable to execute tasks.
- For the same reason, the DUT (target device), must also share the same common ground reference.
Note - the Aardvark adapter has two ground pins for securing a solid ground path.
How Power Source Affects the Interface Board
Because you are using an interface board, use external power for the DUT, not target power from the Aardvark adapter. Powering the DUT with Aardvark target power does not protect your interface board. Issues with signal levels may occur, which could disrupt communication on the interface board, as well as cause damage. How to set up power correctly:
- Disable target power in the Flash Center Software for all Aardvark adapters.
- Use an external 3.3V power supply for the devices being programmed.
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
- Level Shifter Board User Manual
- I2C Background
If you want more information about programming multiple chips or other functionalities, feel free to contact us with your questions, or request a demo that applies to your application.