subject: Looking At The Jtag Programmer [print this page] A trend that is growing over the last many years is the use of JTAG cables and programming for personalized applications. Whether you are working strictly from PC to PC, or perhaps you have an Xbox 360 application in mind, we have been seeing these devices used more and more. The JTAG cable connects to most any computer parallel port or USB for easy access and connectivity. The JTAG programmer is the component that allows you to debug your application while using the JTAG cable. In this article we want to take a brief look at this programming tool and see how it can help us in the most beneficial way possible.
Really the best solution for your JTAG programmer is to make sure you acquire one that has USB connectivity. We are seeing more and more that only legacy PC systems have an actual parallel port on them for a cable connection, but any computer today or made in the last five years will have one or more USB ports available. This type of port configuration is much faster than when working with a parallel port, and it can usually support programming data speeds up to an including sic thousand mega bits per second. That is a really nice transfer rate and it will greatly benefit you when it is time to debug your programming efforts. While a parallel port is convenient for older systems, and you can even upgrade your current system with a new parallel port card if you like, it will pay off in the long run to stick with the USB port.
Another advantage to using your JTAG programmer with a USB enabled cable is that all of the electronic components come configured and embedded all with the cable and connection itself. There are no extra components to add, purchase, or connect as it is all internally wrapped up with the USB programmer. You will find as you search and shop for your JTAG programmer that this solution will overall be the most cost effective approach to your particular application. It will also be quite optimal for any SPI communication project you will be working on, as the connectivity is quite easily compatible with any standard six pin JTAG and the normal SPI programming header you would expect.
In your search for the best JTAG programmer available you are sure to run across some that are intended to be used with a low cost parallel port and a FPGA board. This will be your cheapest programming and debugging solution, aside from the USB issues that were discussed already. You are going to find that these parallel port ready devices for programming the JTAG are quite easily connected to any standard six pin header, and it will usually be run off on one point eight volt or larger circuit voltage.
The JTAG programmer you select will have a direct consequence to the success of your project. If you can possible help it you should use a USB compatible device, but if you are limited to a parallel port configuration you can make it work well if needed. Make sure you take your time to find the most optimal JTAG programmer for your application, and if you do this you are sure to be successful with your project.
If you would like add connectivity and programming capabilities between your devices then consider adding a JTAG cable.
Find out more information, reviews, and availability for a JTAG cable by visiting http://jtagcable.org
