FLASH Memory

Programming Schemes

There are several ways to program FLASH program memory used by your target system.

• External Programming
  Devices are programmed before they are installed on the target hardware PCB. Or they are removed from the target hardware and programmed. To reprogram the software, the chip (or chips) must be physically removed and programmed externally.
• In-System Programming (ISP)
  Devices are programmed in the target hardware. Typically, there is a jumper or DIP switch that must be set to allow in-system programming. The switch could select a ROM or other memory device containing a program which reprograms the FLASH memory.
• In-Application Programming (IAP)
  Devices are programmed in the target hardware by the target hardware and software. IAP requires that your target include some kind of boot loader that interfaces with the outside world via an interface like RS-232, TCP/IP, I²C, or CAN. This is the most flexible but also the most complex FLASH memory scheme.