In-Circuit Programming Switch Simplifies Operation Of Programmable Devices

Many devices require programming through a serial bus, such as I²C. The programming can be done during final test, after the circuit board has been assembled. In many cases, the pins used for programming can then be utilized for something else during normal operation. In fact, the bus itself can also be used for another function.

A simple analog multiplexer circuit facilitates this dualfunction operation (see the figure). The multiplexer is a bidirectional analog switch (MAX4525). During normal operation, its input is pulled to ground by R1, causing the serial lines to connect to the rest of the circuit. During programming mode, the programming header asserts a logic high on the pin connected to the multiplexer input, causing the multiplexer to switch over to the pins on the programming header.

Because of the I²C bus, pullup resistors are provided for other circuitry on the board. The device programmer that connects to the programming header must have its own pullup resistors. The series resistance added by the multiplexer should be accounted for by other circuitry on the board. To avoid forward-biasing the electrostatic discharge diodes, the serial data lines should not go below ground or above the VCC voltage of the MAX4525.