USB–Dongle - The USB-Dongle provides a Virtual COM Port interface to the PC and allows hex files to be downloaded and programmed using Flash Magic or other common utilities. The USB-Dongle provides all the power needed by the various Derivative Boards so no external power supply is required. The USB-Dongle plugs directly into any standard USB port on a PC and supports both USB 1.0/1.1 and USB 2.0.
Derivative Boards - In general, Derivative Boards require the use of the USB-Dongle for power and a programming interface. Low cost Derivative Boards are available for many different microcontrollers from NXP. Supported families include the LPC9xx, ARM7 LPC2xxx and 89V52X2.
Programming Capability - The USB-Dongle can program a variety of NXP microcontrollers using ICP, ISP or IAP programming. Many Derivative Boards are available with a microcontroller pre-loaded for easy development with a specific part. Other Derivative Boards are available with a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket for programming of various microcontrollers in a common package such as TSSOP or PLCC. These Socket boards can also be used to program multiple parts in an engineering or low volume production environment.
Flash Magic Software - The USB-Dongle works with Embedded Systems Academy's Flash Magic software and can be downloaded for free from http://www.flashmagictool.com. Flash Magic provides an intuitive and easy to use tool for reading, writing, and configuring Derivative Board Family members.
Software Examples - Examples have been provided for each specific microcontroller loaded on the Derivative Boards. These examples demonstrate basic control of LED and UART functions available on each of the Derivative Boards. In addition, UART examples show how to direct communications from the Derivative Board's microcontroller based UART back to the PC through the USB-Dongle. The User can edit and recompile these examples to make simple changes to LED blink rate or to add timer output code or exercise various other on-chip peripheral functions.
