JN-RD-6021 USB Programming Dongle
The USB Programming Dongle provides a simple solution for programming a Flash memory device on a JN5148-based application board using the standard Jennic JN51xx Flash Programmer tool (described in the JN51xx Flash Programmer User Guide (JN-UG-3007)).
The Jennic wireless microcontrollers have their application code held in an external serial memory device, typically a Flash device such as the M25P40. In order to facilitate the programming of this memory device, the microcontroller is put into a ‘programming state’ in which, under the control of a PC connected to UART0, it will receive application code and program it into the device. A standard Jennic evaluation kit uses an FTDI USB cable connected to a 6-pin header which connects to UART0. Switches are also required on the reset and SPIMISO lines in order to place the microcontroller into its programming mode.
This USB Programming Dongle provides a similar programming mechanism. It replaces the FTDI cable and allows for connection to a physically smaller 6-pin connector, therefore allowing the easy development of application boards where space is critical. In addition to the smaller connector, the requirement for switches on the reset and SPIMISO line is removed, which saves further space.
A secondary use of this programming dongle is to allow UART communication during application development, such as to provide debug messages.