Programming with the FlashPro series of programmers saves you board space because a single JTAG chain can be used for all JTAG devices. In-system programming using the JTAG port adds the flexibility of field upgrades or post-assembly production-line characterization. Production costs are significantly reduced as a result of elimination of expensive sockets on the board.
All FlashPro programmers use JEDEC-standard STAPL files, meaning there are no algorithms built into the software. The FlashPro software and user interface support all FlashPro programmers, so you do not have to learn new software to switch from one hardware programmer to another.
The FlashPro series of programmers can also be used for interactive debug of designs using embedded IP in the flash FPGAs in conjunction with FlashPro's on-chip debug or Synopsys® Identify® Actel Edition (AE) software. FlashPro's on-chip debug feature allows access to SmartFusion and Fusion-specific peripherals such as flash memory, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and other FPGA and design-specific information used for verifying the implemented design.
Key Features
FlashPro4
FlashPro4 is the newest programmer supporting all FPGAs in the IGLOO Series and ProASIC3 Series (including RT ProASIC3), SmartFusion and Fusion families, and future generation flash FPGAs. FlashPro4 offers extremely high performance through the use of USB 2.0 and is high-speed compliant for full use of the 480 Mbps bandwidth. Powered exclusively via USB, FlashPro4 provides a VPUMP voltage of 3.3 V for programming these devices. For IGLOO nano FPGAs, programming at 1.2V Core Voltage is supported.
For SmartFusion designs, FlashPro4 hardware supports device programming for both the FPGA Libero IDE-generated hardware design as well as software design coming from Actel's SoftConsole embedded software design and debug.
FlashPro4 connects to any PC with a USB port and operates with USB 1.1 (full-speed) or USB 2.0 (both high-speed and full-speed modes). Multiple FlashPro4 programmers can be connected to a single PC using USB hubs, enabling the end user to set up a small-scale production environment with concurrent ISP occurring across multiple boards and the FlashPro software.
FlashPro4 replaces FlashPro3 and FlashPro3X and is completely backward-compatible, supporting additional features such as lower cost, smaller form factor and the latest flash FPGA families. Libero IDE v8.6 SP1 or FlashPro v8.6 SP1 is the minimum software and version required to use FlashPro4.
FlashPro Lite
FlashPro Lite is used exclusively with the ProASICPLUS family. FlashPro Lite provides all required programming voltages. The programming connection to the target board is a 26-pin SAMTEC micro header on the target board. A replaceable programming cable is connected to the FlashPro Lite. FlashPro Lite is conveniently powered from the target board.
Feature and Product Matrix
| Feature |
FlashPro4
(replaces FlashPro3/3X) |
FlashPro Lite |
| AES |
 |
|
| FlashLock® |
|
|
| Permanent FlashLock |
|
|
| USB 2.0 (high-speed) |
|
|
| USB 1.1 |
|
|
| Parallel Port |
|
|
Discontinued Programmers
FlashPro3/3X
FlashPro3 supports all low power FPGAs in the IGLOO series and ProASIC3 series (including RT ProASIC3) and Fusion mixed signal FPGAs. FlashPro3 offers high performance through the use of USB 2.0 and is high-speed compliant for full use of the 480 Mbps bandwidth. Powered exclusively via USB, FlashPro3 provides a VPUMP voltage of 3.3 V for programming these devices.
FlashPro3 connects to any PC with a USB port and operates with USB 1.1 (full-speed) or USB 2.0 (both high-speed and full-speed modes). Multiple FlashPro3 programmers can be connected to a single PC via USB hubs, enabling the end user to set up a small-scale production environment with concurrent ISP occurring across multiple boards and the FlashPro software.
FlashPro3X allows changing the TCK mode to discrete, which allows JTAG programming for non-compliant JTAG devices to be included in the JTAG chain with the Actel FPGA.
FlashPro3 and FlashPro3X programmers have been discontinued. For more information, read the product discontinuation notification.
FlashPro
The FlashPro programmer has been discontinued. For more information, read the product discontinuation notification.
FlashPro3 and FlashPro3X programmers have been discontinued. While supplies last, FlashPro3 is available as a standalone item or as part of the low
cost ProASIC3 Starter Kit and Fusion Starter Kit. For the IGLOO Kits, the programmer is built into the development board or the low-cost programming stick.
FlashPro Lite is available as a standalone item or as part of the low-cost ProASICPLUS Starter Kit.
To order a standalone programmer or accessory, please contact your local Actel Sales representative.
| Hardware |
Vendor |
Part Number |
Description |
List Price |
| FlashPro4 |
Actel |
FLASHPRO 4 |
IGLOO Series, ProASIC3 Series, RT ProASIC3, Fusion and SmartFusion ISP programmer |
$49 |
| FlashPro3/3X |
Actel |
FLASHPRO 3 |
IGLOO Series, ProASIC3 Series, and Fusion ISP programmer |
$130 |
| FlashPro Lite |
Actel |
FLASHPRO LITE |
ProASICPLUS ISP programmer |
$150 |
| 26-pin Header |
Actel |
ISP-CABLE-S |
Replacement for FlashPro Lite/FlashPro programming cable |
- |
| Programming Cable |
Samtec |
26 PIN HEADER SAMTEC |
Header for PCB mounting to connect a FlashPro Lite/FlashPro programmer |
- |
