Fluffy2 Scenix Programmer 

If you're considering a project that need's lots of processing power but power consumption isn't a big  issue then the Scenix SX processors are for you. The Fluffy2 programmer is an ideal starting point as it supports all of the new SX18/28/48/52 parts.

This 'Fluffy2' programmer is based on Ben Stragnell's original Fluffy programmer but has a number of enhancements for use with the Windows programming software IC-Prog by Bonny Gijzen. Fluffy differs from most DIY SX programmers because it uses an onboard PIC to achieve the correct SX timing signals. Most DIY programmers use direct port control which can cause reliability problems when programming. This does mean however that you need a PIC programmer PPWIN or uJDM.

Software

Fluffy2 is designed to work with IC-Prog 1.04 or above. This is a great Windows based programmer interface by Bonny Gijzen. Set the IC-Prog hardware to 'Fluffy Programmer' which uses a serial port interface to the programmer. IC-Prog also includes a simple hardware test that will allow you to check your hardware connections.

I have updated the instruction set of Ben's Fluffy assembler which allows both SCENIX and Microchip commands to be assembled.  Also added are the new SX18/28 and SX48/52 include files and Ben's tune 'demo' program, see demo.txt.  I have tried porting several large PIC programs using this assembler and apart from some initial port settings very little work is required.  Programmers File Editor by A.Phillips can be used to create programs. Configure the PFE 'Execute DOS command' button to run the Fluffy2 assembler directly.
 

File	Ver	Date	Description	Size	Update Links
icprog.zip	1.05C	11/7/2003	Windows software driver for the programmer	551K	Bonny Gijzen
fluf2asm.zip	2.0	22/4/2001	SX assembler, include files and SX demo	39K
fluf2drv.zip	2.0	19/5/2001	PIC .HEX file, alternative DOS based driver	34K
ICSxprog23.zip	2.3	22/6/2003	Ver 2.3 PIC .HEX file for OLD/NEW chips	2K
pfe101i.zip	1.01i	22/4/2001	Integrated code development environment	608K	PFE home page

Building the Programmer

The fluffy2 programmer is built on a single sided PCB as shown at the top of this page. The PCB layout is in a BoardMaker PCB, .BMP or dirrect and reverse Laser image file formats. I would recommend you use the dirrect Laser print file 'flu2pcb.prn' and follow these instruction showing How to Make PCB's if you have not done so before.

Obtain all the components shown on the parts list and populate the board using the PCB overlay and circuit diagram. It is advisable to solder the stacked programming sockets together to stop them from coming apart. Alternatively use wire rap connectors with long leads to get the correct height above the PCB. If you want to make the programmer look a bit more professional then construct the programmer using the recommended plastic box.  Print the box label onto sticky backed white paper then cover with transposeal to finish of the design.
 

File	Ver	Date	Description	Size
fluf2prt.txt	2.0	22/4/2001	Parts list	1K
fluf2cct.bmp	2.0	22/4/2001	Circuit diagram	59K
fluf2cmp.bmp	2.0	22/4/2001	PCB component overlay	20K
fluf2pcb.zip	2.0	22/4/2001	PCB layouts, all formats. (also avilable Protel files)	43K
fluffy2lbl.doc	2.0	22/4/2001	Box label in Word6 format	46K

Hardware Testing and Problems

I  would strongly recommend that you build the programmer using the PCB layout provided as this will greatly reduce the probability of construction errors. Once you have made the board please follow these simple steps before you start programming.

Fluffy2 has been tested with the following SCENIX parts:

    SX18/28 new (Date code Axyywwxx)
    SX52 new (Date code Ax00wwxx)
    SX18/28 old (Date code yywwxx 9812/9814)

Unlike other SX programmers I have tried Fluffy2 has proven to be very reliable at programming. So if you are getting intermittent programming first try a different SX chip then check the VDD and VPP Voltages are correct as shown in the simple steps above.
 
A number of enhancements have been put into Fluffy2 to make it even easier to use:

    Programmable VPP ON/OFF means that you can remove chips without removing the power
    Dual 38400/115200 BPS com port speed and LED indicator
    High speed read (14sec) and write (46sec) when using DOS software
    ISP connector for future SX48/SX52 devices
    Ver 2.3 firmware includes better support for old SX18/28 chips with an auto-sync function

Selection of the com speed is done through pin 13 (RB7) of the PIC16F84. Leave unconnected (internal pull-up) for 115200 BPS when using IC-Prog or DOS software.  Link to 0V for slow speed DOS interface at 38300 BPS. This can be useful with very long serial leads (>5mtrs) or old serial ports.
The VPP LED will flash once on power up to indicate 38400 com speed or twice to indicate 115200.

Documentation

Important documents that you will need are the SX data sheets which give hardware information on the chips and basic software control. The technical manual has more detailed information about software commands and programming considerations.
 

File	Ver	Date	Description	Size
sx1828.pdf		1/12/2000	New SX18/20/28 data sheet	364K
sx4852.pdf		30/11/2000	New SX48/52 data sheet	444K
sx_usermanual.pdf	3.1	24/8/2000	New user manual	1129K
sxisp.pdf	2.2	6/10/2000	New in-circuit-programming specs	38K
sx28_addendum.pdf	1.0	6/7/1999	Summary of Old/New differences	114K
sxfuse.pdf	1.0	22/6/2003	Old/New FUSE/FUSEX settings	38K

PIC to SX conversion

A common question asked by people familiar with the PIC series of micro controllers (in particular the PIC16F84) is what are the main differences with the SX processor.  So after completing a couple of projects I have tried to list most of the important differences.

Links

SCENIX is now owned by UBICOM
Ben's original "Fluffy" Programmer
Daniel Visser's Protel PCB layouts - Engineering and Physical Systems Central Queensland University