Programmer Hardware upgrade needed
for Xilinx XC17SxxA family.

There has been a number of reported instances, when programming the XC17SxxA family parts, that the part failed margin verify, but was properly programmed. The XC17SxxA has a very low power on reset, POR, threshold of .4 volts. In some instances on computers that have strong parallel port input pullups, voltage was backfeeding through the CEO pin on the PROM and not allowing the VCC supply pin to drop below the .4 volt threshold during a power down sequence. This prevented the margin verify process from working correctly. This problem can be easily fixed with SD101A Schottky barrier diode and a 10K ohm resistor. The diode is a small signal type that has a forward voltage drop of less than .3 volts, any schottky diode should work. Likewise the resistance value can vary between 8K - 12K.

Parts and Modifications are FREE for all
programmers purchased AFTER August 1, 2003.

There are two options for upgrading your
Roman-Jones, Inc. PROM Programmer:

Schematic of SPROM-MPS Version 5 programmer

1. Do the upgrade yourself (see instructions below)

Parts can be purchased from Roman-Jones, Inc., shipped via mail. (If programmer purchased before August 1, 2003.)

a) $5 (United States)
b) $10 (overseas)

2. Send the programmer back to Roman-Jones, Inc.

We will perform the modifications and test programmer for correct manufacturer tolerances.We will ship back to you postage paid. Cost, if programmer purchased before August 1, 2003.

a) $15 (United States), via UPS ground.
b) $30 (overseas), via US mail.

Programmer Upgrade Instructions
There are two modifications needed to be performed, both involve placing components on the solder side of the board. Please reference the photo belowfor component placement and the schematic link above:

1. Add resistor R18, 10K, between pins 1 and 2 of RN4.
2. Add Diode D5, SD101A, Schottky diode, 60v, 400mw, DO-35, available from Digi-Key SD101ADICT-ND, between pins 12 and 17 of P1, the DB25 connector.

Hardware Update #2 (5/1/01)

All Roman-Jones, Inc. PROM Programmers shipped prior to May 1, 2001, Version 4 and previous. This modification is built into all Version 5 programmers.

Programmer Hardware upgrade needed
for new Xilinx XC17SxxA and XC17Vxx parts

The new one time programmable XC17SxxA and XC17Vxx parts released by Xilinx earlier this year require a few modifications of the Roman-Jones, Inc. PROM Programmer for proper operation. Failure to perform this upgrade may result in PROM damage and/or faulty programming. After upgrade, the Roman-Jones, Inc. PROM Programmer will also be backwards compatible for the previously supported Xilinx XC17xx PROM families.

Parts and Modifications are FREE for all
programmers purchased AFTER May 1, 2001.

There are two options for upgrading your
Roman-Jones, Inc. PROM Programmer:

1. Do the upgrade yourself (see instructions below).

Parts can be purchased from Roman-Jones, Inc., shipped via mail. (If programmer purchased before May 1, 2001.)

a) $5 (United States)
b) $10 (overseas)

2. Send the programmer back to Roman-Jones, Inc.

We will perform the modifications and test programmer for correct manufacturer tolerances.We will ship back to you postage paid. Cost, if programmer purchased before May 1, 2001.

a) $15 (United States), via UPS ground.
b) $30 (overseas), via US mail.

Programmer Upgrade Instructions
There are three modifications needed to be performed.Please reference the photo for component placement:

1. Resistor R4 is changed to a 3.01K 1%, ¼ watt.(This resistor was 2.87K)
2. Resistor R11 is removed and replace with a wire short. (This resistor was 3.3K)
3. Q5 is changed to a Vishay Siliconix VP0300L, P-channel MOSFET.(This was a PNP 2N4403 transistor.)
   Observe polarity and match flat side of device to silk screen on board.
4. Resistor, 1K, added on solder side between pins 12 and 24 of P1, the 25 pin DB connector.
   See solder side figure below. This resistor was added as R12 in Version 5 of the programmer.