Universal Probe - FAQ | Sohwa & Sophia Technologies

Universal Probe [Discontinued Products]

All-in-one tool useful in various digital equipment development！

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RoHS

The Universal Probe is a low cost all-in-one tool useful in any phase from R&D to production.
It can change the function by replacing the software, and provides superior cost-effectiveness to support both hardware and software development.

[Discontinued Products]

Please let us know if you have any requests for additional features or changes in existing features about this product.

Details

Please order this product at Chip One Stop website below.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions are listed on this page.

Purchase, Delivery

Where can I purchase this product?

You can purchase from Chip One Stop online shopping site.

Is there anything required immediately after the purchase of the unit? If so, I want to purchase at the same time.

Flash writer, Logic analyzer, and Pattern generator capabilities are optional.
If you need to use these functions, please purchase together with the unit.

Can I have an academic discount?

We are sorry, but we don't offer an academic discount.

How long will it take to ship my order?

It depends on the online shop or distributor policy.
When they have the item in stock, they will normally ship within 3 business days.

Can I return the product?

Regarding the return policy, please contact the supplier which you purchased from.

When you purchase directly from us, our policy is as follows.
If there is something wrong with the product we delivered, we will accept the replacement or return of the product only
when all of the below conditions from (1) to (3) are fulfilled:
(1) There are any problems with the product we delivered, such as a deficiency in quantity, delivery of wrong items,
and apparent external defects (breakage and rust, etc.), and we acknowledge such problems.
(2) We are informed of the defect described in (1) above within five days after delivery of product.
(3) The product is unused and only in the original unpacked packaging.
* Acceptance of the return or replacement of the product is at our discretion.

Is a demonstration unit for evaluation available?

We are sorry, but we do not lend a demo unit.

Hardware

Please tell me about the durability of the button?

Approximately 100,000 times.

The USB cable was damaged and can not be used. What is the recommended cable to be replaced?

We do not recommend a particular cable. Please use a USB cable within 1 meter in length. However we do not guarantee the operation.

The flat cable was damaged and can not be used. What is the recommended cable to be replaced?

We do not recommend a particular cable. Please use a flat cable within 20 cm in length. However we do not guarantee the operation.

The extension cable was damaged and can not be used. What is the recommended cable to be replaced?

We do not recommend a particular cable. Please use a 24AWG cable of about 15 cm length. However we do not guarantee the operation.

Where can I get the drivers?

We do not provide the drivers because the Windows standard HID drivers are used.

How much is the current consumption?

Maximum current consumption is 400mA.

Is a conversion adapter from Coresight 10 pins to Coresight 20 pins available?

We do not provide the adapter. Adapters of the third party may be used because the pin-out of ARM 20pin is defined. Please confirm if they can be used properly by yourself.

Is the loose cable available as an option?

We are sorry, but we don't provide the loose cable as an option.

How much is the current consumption of Vtref supplied from the target?

The current consumption of the Vtref are as follows in a state that all the outputs of Universal Probe make a short circuit.
(Actual value)

Vtref=5.0V, All outputs=High level, Approximately 120mA
Vtref=3.3V, All outputs=High level, Approximately 80mA
Vtref=2.5V, All outputs=High level, Approximately 65mA
Vtref=1.8V, All outputs=High level, Approximately 50mA
Vtref=1.5V, All outputs=High level, Approximately 45mA
Vtref=1.2V, All outputs=High level, Approximately 40mA

Vtref=5.0V, All outputs=5MHz clock, Approximately 60mA
Vtref=5.0V, All outputs=10MHz clock, Approximately 70mA
Vtref=3.3V, All outputs=5MHz clock, Approximately 40mA
Vtref=3.3V, All outputs=10MHz clock, Approximately 45mA

Warranty

Please tell me about the product warranty.

Please refer to the "Warranty Policy" on the Universal Probe page.

When does the warranty period start?

The warranty period starts on the date when we issue the license code for the first software to be used with this product.

How long is the warranty period?

Our warranty period is three months from the date when we issue the license code for the first software to be used with this product.

The Universal Probe doesn't work.

Before contacting us with a technical issue, please review the "Troubleshooting" on the Universal Probe page. If your problem cannot be solved, contact us using our Technical support form.

The unit has been broken. Can you repair?

We are sorry, but we don't repair the unit. However, we will replace the unit only when the defect is covered under warranty. After the warranty expires, please purchase another unit. Please refer to the "Warranty Policy" on the Universal Probe page for detail.

Can you offer technical support about the product?

In many cases, the FAQ and Troubleshooting pages and the manuals on this site should solve your problems. Please refer to these for technical information.

License

What is the Software Code?

The Software Code is the 18 digit alphanumeric characters issued for each software of the Universal Probe and is required when the License code is issued. The Software code is sent to the email address you registered when you purchased the software.

I cannot find my Software code.

The Software code should be sent to the email address you registered when you purchased the software. If you don't receive the code, please contact the supplier which you purchased from. When you purchased directly from us, please contact us below.

What is the License Code?

You will be required to enter the license code when you connect the software with the Universal Probe unit. Each software can be used only with the unit of Serial No. you entered when the license code was applied.

How can I get the License Code?

Please apply in the License Code Application Form to receive the code. The URL of License Code Application Form is written on the document enclosed in the Universal Probe box and in the email we send you when you purchase the software. In order to apply for the license code, you will be required to enter the Serial No. of the Universal Probe unit and the Software code of software which you use with the unit. The issued license code will be sent to the email address you enter when you apply for the code.

What is the Serial No. of the Universal Probe unit?

The Serial No. is the 11 digit alphanumeric characters written on the backside of the Universal Probe unit.

Is the license code required for free software?

Some software products need the code.

How can I apply for the License Code for (free) evaluation software?

To apply for the code, please enter the Serial No. of the Universal Probe unit and check in the checkbox of the evaluation software you wish to use in the License Code Application Form.

I have not received the license code yet.

If you do not receive your license code within three days, please contact below by email and write the information you entered in the license code application form. For the information entered in the application form, please refer to the email which was sent to the email address registered in the form.

Can I change the issued license code to another Universal Probe unit with different Serial No.?

No, you cannot change.

Can several Universal Probe units share one license code?

No, they can't.

Can I transfer the license code to others?

The license code may be transferred if the hardware unit is transferred.

How can I confirm the status of the license code registered in the Universal Probe unit?

You can confirm by using the Firmware Selector.

CMSIS-DAP

What is the CMSIS-DAP?

It is a software interface defined and standardized by ARM for ARM Cortex microcontrollers.

Please tell me how to connect to the IDE.

The IDE and the Universal Probe are connected by CMSIS-DAP. It is necessary to write in firmware of CMSIS-DAP by Firmware Selector to connect them. Refer to the "IDE Connection Manual" for details.

What IDE is supported by the Universal Probe?

The Universal Probe works with the following three IDE.
- Embedded Workbench (IAR Systems)
- MDK-ARM (ARM)
- Eclipse

Please tell me the devices supported by Embedded Workbench of IAR Systems.

Please refer to the URL below.
　 URL:http://www.iar.com/en/Products/IAR-Embedded-Workbench/ARM/?#supporteddevices

* Embedded Workbench does not support JTAG connection of CMSIS-DAP.

Please tell me the devices supported by MDK-ARM of ARM.

Please refer to the URL below.
URL:http://www.keil.com/arm/chips.asp

Please tell me the devices supported by Eclipse.

Please download OpenOCD file from the following URL and check if there is the supported device information in the folder.
     URL:http://www.freddiechopin.info/en/download/category/4-openocd?download=109%3Aopenocd-0.8.0

     Folder:
       openocd-0.8.0\scripts\board     // Board information
       openocd-0.8.0\scripts\target    // CPU information
       openocd-0.8.0\news-0.X.0.txt   // Release information

* Software to open 7-Zip format is required separately for downloaded OpenOCD files.
      URL:http://www.7-zip.org/

Or, please confirm by searching in the release information of the following URL.
　　URL:http://openocd.sourceforge.net/

Can the probe supply the power?

No, it cannot do that in CMSIS-DAP.

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

Logic Analyzer

Is it possible to use an external sampling clock?

Yes, but it can be used after the sampling is made in the probe once.

Is it possible to use several external sampling clocks?

Only one channel can be used.

Is an external trigger possible?

It is possible by connecting signal to the extension connector.

Please tell me how to increase the number of channels in multiple unit operation.

The Universal Probe units can be combined by connecting the accessory extension cables.
Please refer to the "Hardware Users Manual" for detail.

Is it possible to save the acquired wave data to a file?

It is possible to save in CSV format or the original format.

Please tell me the maximum recording time.

In the logic analyzer of the Universal Probe, the recording time changes as the recordable numbers of sampling vary depending on sampling rate
- High-speed memory (50MSa/s to 100MSa/s) = 16K sample (@50MSa/s) ＝ 327us (max)
- Large-capacity memory (200KSa/s to 25MSa/s) = 100M sample (@200KSa/s) = 500s (max)
- HDD mode = depends on the storage capacity

Is it possible to trigger by the result of protocol analysis?(example: Trigger when a parity error occurs in UART.)

Yes, it is. Please refer to the "Software Users Manual - Logic Analyzer" for detail.

Is it possible to start multiple Logic Analyzers by multiple Universal Probes?

Yes, it is possible.

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

Protocol Analyzer

What protocols can be analyzed?

UART, SPI, I2C, CAN 2.0

Is it possible to analyze the plural protocols simultaneously?

Yes, it is possible to analyze in any combination.

Is it possible to save the list of the analyzed protocols?

It can be saved in CSV format and Text format.

I cannot find this software. Which software is it?

It is one of the functions of the Logic Analyzer.

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

Pattern Generator

How many patterns can be created at most?

12,288 samples

What is the maximum output data rate?

20Mbps(50ns)

How many volts is the output voltage?

It is possible to select from 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V.

Is there any method to increase to 9 or more channels?

We are sorry, but it cannot be increased to 9 or more channels.

Is it possible to output the wave acquired by the Logic Analyzer?

Yes, it is possible. In such case, the sampling rate must be the same.

Is it possible to start multiple Pattern Generators by multiple Universal Probes?

Yes, it is possible.

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

Boundary-Scan Tool

What is the Boundary-Scan Tool?

Boundary-Scan Tool can check the condition of SMT components to which boundary-scan of JTAG cannot perform probing and the connection on printed circuit board.
It's free of charge, but you need to apply for "License Code".

Is script supported?

Yes, it is. Please refer to the "Software Users Manual - Boundary-Scan Tool" for detail.

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

ARM Writer (including Size-limited)

What is the ARM Writer?

This software writes data in the “built-in flash memory” in the ARM CPU and in the “external flash memory” and “SPI flash memory” connected to the ARM CPU.

How can I find a supported deveice list?

Please click below link.
Supported CPU list for ARM Writer
Supported Memory list for ARM Writer

What is the maximum capacity when writing by regular ARM Writer?

1GByte

How fast is the writing speed?

The maximum download speed to RAM on the target board is approximately 300KByte/s.

Please tell me examples of "writing speed" and "reading speed".

Examples are as follows.
MK61FX512VMJ12 (Freescale): 7.5s for writing 512KByte, 2.3s for reading 512KByte
* TCK 15MHz
* The erasing time is not included in the writing time.

Can the probe supply the power?

No, it cannot do that in ARM Writer.

What is the restriction for the Size-limited version?

The only restriction is that the writing size of user data is limited to 1KByte.

What is the maximum capacity when writing by Size-limited version?

1KByte

Is it possible to save several ROM data in stand-alone function?

Only one data can be saved.

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

SPI Writer (including Size-limited)

What is the SPI Writer?

This software writes data in the “SPI flash memory” directly.

How can I find a supported SPI device list?

Please click below link.
Supported SPI list for SPI Writer

What is the maximum capacity when writing by regular SPI Writer?

1GByte

Are Dual SPI and Quad SPI mode supported?

No, they are not supported.

Please tell me examples of "writing speed" and "reading speed".

Examples are as follows.
M25P32V (STMicro): 18.32s for writing 4MByte, 7.94s for reading 4MByte
* SCK 10MHz
* The erasing time is not included in the writing time

Can the probe supply the power?

Up to 40mA, the probe can supply the power in the range of 1.2V to 5.0V (±10%).

What is the restriction for the Size-limited version?

The only restriction is that the writing size of user data is limited to 1KByte.

What is the maximum capacity when writing by Size-limited version?

1KByte

Is it possible to save several ROM data in stand-alone function?

Only one data can be saved.

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

Firmware Selector

What is the Firmware Selector?

This software is used to select the firmware for the Universal Probe.
It switches between the standard firmware and CMSIS-DAP firmware and select a different version of firmware.
It's free of charge, but you need to apply for "License Code".

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

Memory Command Builder

What is the Memory Command Builder?

In order that the ARM Writer or SPI Writer writes data to a device, a special access program is required for the device.
Although the access program has been made by preparing C/C++ complier or assembler for ARM and writing source codes so far, the Memory Command Builder allows you to make the access program easily by GUI.

Do I need to install other software like C/C++ compiler?

No other software except the library of free .NET framework 4.5. is required.

Is Linux supported?

No, it isn't.

Is MacOS supported?

No, it isn't.

Others

Is it possible to start plural software in one unit at the same time?

No, it isn't. Please start after choosing one of the software.

Is it possible to customize the hardware and/or software?

Yes, we can provide contract-based engineering service. Please contact our sales department.

Is the LabView supported?

No, it isn't

Is any SDK available?

No, it isn't

Where can I get software?

You can download software on our website.
URL:http://www.ss-technologies.co.jp/en/products/u_prb/index.html

How can I get demo version of software?

Please enter necessary information on our website and download the software. The license code is not required.

Where can I get manuals?

You can download manuals on our website.
URL:http://www.ss-technologies.co.jp/en/products/u_prb/index.html

Is this product compliant with RoHS?

Yes, it is compliant with Directive 2011/65/EU.

Is it possible for us to become a distributor of this product?

Please feel free to contact us using sales inquiry form.