There are a number of ways to make the physical connection between an emulator and a target. Three common approaches are:
• An ALPTEX Remote Connect Cable.
• An ALPTEX Ribbon Target Cable.
• An ALPTEX FlexProbe.
As with (seemingly) all product development issues, as you make choices...you make compromises.
Generally speaking, a Remote Connect cable is fairly economical but has distinct disadvantages.
First...a remote connection header site uses up board real estate.
Second...when your development phase is complete, this site will still be there and could cause some unexpected characteristics (EMI/RFI) to emerge. You may find that you have to modify the board layout in order to restore electrical integrity.
Our Remote Connect Cables are all terminated with a 60 position socket connector on the emulator end to interface with the PGM II on your ALPTEX ie emulator. The target end can be terminated for connection to any of a number of popular connectors. These include, but are not limited to...various socket connectors, pin headers and SCSI2 connectors. Using our Remote Connect Cables in unison with our PGM II Remap Adaptors enables our ie Emulator to mimic virtually any other emulator, bringing you more emulation power at a much lower cost!
ALPTEX Ribbon Target Cables connect directly to your target, and are available for two of the earlier packages...DIP and PLCC. The PLCC version uses our own PLCC plug that "snaps" firmly into the target. Many other possible terminations exist and can be assembled very rapidly.
The ALPTEX FlexProbe line offers you the most choices in connection to the newer package targets. You have your choice of either an SMT or a Plug style. Available types include TSOP, PSOP, PLCC, SSOP, BGA, FBGA and mBGA. And now, with the use of a simple adaptor, you can even connect to the popular TSOP II target. Though initially more expensive, an ALPTEX FlexProbe connection will more closely simulate the final ROM electrical environment and preserve board real estate.
Regardless of the route you choose, ALPTEX can provide a solution and perhaps help you to better understand the compromises. All of our FlexProbes are available from stock to satisfy nearly every memory target interconnect requirement. And, we are prepared to rapidly develop new ones as the need arises. When it comes to target connection, ALPTEX has no equal.