CheckSum Launches Unique On-board Gang Programmer for Programming Multiple Parts...

CheckSum Launches Unique On-board Gang Programmer for Programming Multiple Parts Simultaneously

Innovative Technology Delivers Significant Throughput and Cost
Advantages
LAS VEGAS--(Business Wire)--
CheckSum, a leading supplier of part programming and board test
systems, announced today that it will introduce and demonstrate the
world's first on-board gang programming system at the IPC APEX trade
show this week, booth #1839.

The new CheckSum(TM) MultiWriter pps(TM) on-board gang programming
system uses proven, patent-pending Concurrent Programming(TM)
technology to simultaneously program up to 24 parts each of up to 16
different types simultaneously -- up to 384 chips at one time --
typically in seconds instead of the minutes required by conventional
programmers. Compared to other part programming solutions, MultiWriter
pps delivers significant speed and cost advantages when more than four
parts already mounted on circuit boards must be programmed in a single
pass, making it especially effective for multi-board panels.

"MultiWriter technology has proven so productive compared to
conventional device programmers and particularly in-circuit
tester-based programmers that numerous existing and potential
customers have asked for a standalone system to deploy in their
production lines," stated John VanNewkirk, president of CheckSum.

MultiWriter pps (production programming system) is a standalone,
on-board programming solution that at once simplifies and speeds the
programming process of parts such as microcontrollers and flash
memories already mounted on boards. The system also enables
manufacturers to program unique data such as serial numbers and date
codes in the main programming sequence, a capability that conventional
device programmers lack.

"Our customers now have a choice," VanNewkirk said. "MultiWriter
technology featuring Concurrent Programming is available on both
CheckSum's Analyst in-circuit tester and on MultiWriter pps, the
world's first production programming system for on-board gang
programming. MultiWriter pps enables electronics manufacturers to take
advantage of the speed and cost improvements offered by MultiWriter
technology without purchasing a CheckSum in-circuit tester."

Product Details

The MultiWriter pps system hardware includes an integrated PC,
system console, a Lambda 0-60V, 12.5A programmable power supply, the
MultiWriter controller, and the popular GenRad 227X fixture interface.
The MultiWriter controller cards are housed in the system console.
Product software includes the Windows XP-based operating system and
MultiWriter control software.

The primary connection between the MultiWriter pps system and the
part to be programmed is via a bed-of-nails (BON) fixture that
connects to appropriate points on the board in order to power up the
device and execute programming and verification of the chips on a
board or multiple boards. Each board type or multi-board panel has a
dedicated fixture and associated programming algorithm. Unlike a
typical in-circuit fixture, the bed-of-nails (BON) fixture used on the
MultiWriter pps contains only those probes necessary for powering the
board and contacting the circuit nodes required for programming and
verification. The MultiWriter pps fixture interconnection interface is
compatible with GenRad 227x ICT BON fixtures, a well-known industry
standard.

Pricing & Delivery

A MultiWriter pps system equipped to program up to 24 each of 4
device family types (96 parts) simultaneously has a U.S. list price of
$25,000. Application package prices -- consisting of test fixture,
part programming software and documentation -- vary depending on the
number of parts, size of fixture, etc. For example, the price in the
U.S. for a program and fixture for 8 devices on a panel of 8 boards
(one device per board) would be approximately $5,000. CheckSum is
taking orders for MultiWriter pps now with shipment 90 days ARO.

About CheckSum

Based in Arlington, Washington, CheckSum is a leading supplier of
ISP device programming solutions and low-cost circuit board test --
including systems, fixtures, and programs -- to the electronics
manufacturing industry. CheckSum has been delivering reliable,
cost-effective, and flexible test solutions to OEMs and contract
manufacturers for 20 years. With an installed base of over 3,000 test
systems at more than 200 companies in over 40 countries, CheckSum
helps customers ranging from automotive electronics manufacturers to
global EMS providers reduce their total test and manufacturing costs
and increase their manufacturing margins. For more information, visit
www.checksum.com.

Castle Hill Communications, Inc.
Charla Gabert, 925-256-6723
charla@castlehill-inc.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008