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NEWS and Information

February '08

 
QuickWriter 2.7.2 Released


This software release contains some minor improvements since the release of version 2.7 and adds or updates support for 35 PICmicro MCUs.

New Devices added since 2.7.1:
  • - 12HV609
  • - 12HV615
  • - 16HV616
  • - 18F2423
  • - 18F2458
  • - 18F2553
  • - 18F2682
  • - 18F2685
  • - 18F4423
  • - 18F4458
  • - 18F4523
  • - 18F4553
  • - 18F4682
  • - 18F4685
  • - 18F6393
  • - 18F6493
  • - 18F8393
  • - 18F8493

Updated Devices since 2.7.1:
  • - 18F2221
  • - 18F2321
  • - 1842410
  • - 18F2510
  • - 18F4221
  • - 18F4321
  • - 18F4410
  • - 18F4450
  • - 18F4510
  • - 16HV716 removed
Updated or New Devices since 2.7:
  • - 12F629
  • - 12F675
  • - 16F630
  • - 16F676
  • - 16F883
  • - 16F884
  • - 16F886
  • - 16F887
Improved & New Features:
  1. - Added New Option - "Override Power OFF Requirement" for in- Circuit programming.

    When selected, This option will allow voltage to be present on the target when the programming cycle begins, and will not require the target voltage to be removed when the cycle completes.

    This option is not recommended, but has been made available by request.
  2. Changed the help file to our complete PICmicro® MCU Tools Help File. This HTML help file includes help for QuickWriter, TDE (TechTools Design Environment), and CVASM (ClearView Assembler).
Corrections:
  1. - Corrected:: The sound used to indicate a "Failed" programming cycle sounded identical to the sound used to indicate "success", even if a different wav file was assigned. Failures now use the System's "Exclamation" Sound Theme wav file and successful cycles will play the System's "Asterisk" Sound Theme wav file.
  2. Corrected: EEDATA programming, for the 12F629/12F675/16F630/16F676 could experience a location offset during "Auto"cycles. When each task was performed individually (program EEDATA, Verify EEDATA) the locations were always correct. This error was introduced in version 2.7 and was resolved in version 2.7.1.
  3. Corrected: 16F886/16F887 USER ID locations were not properly retrieved from the HEX file.
Keeping with the TechTools tradition, this software update is a FREE upgrade for ALL QuickWriter owners.

Use the links on the right for downloads and information.
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February 2008

 
DigiView 4.0.3 Released


This revision of our Capture & Analysis software adds several requested convience features and corrections:

Added Features:
  1. New pop-up menu selection from the Wave Form view shows the "Bring-to-Center" state of each marker. Select a marker from this menu to toggle this feature on or off. When active, the "Bring-to-Center" feature will scroll the data to the center of the waveform view when the marker snaps to the next or previous edge.
  2. New pop-up menu selections in the Table and Wave Form views to "Hide" or "Show" all signals with a single click.
  3. New pop-up Menu in the Status Window to toggle the marker time indicators to "Single Units" as used in other areas of the software or "Expanded Units" which seperates the time into multiple time divisions.
  4. The "Capture Date/Time" displayed in the Status Window and Print functions will now display according to local country settings instead of just in the standard U.S. format.
  5. The Hardware buffer can now be cleared (reset) with a single click on the buffer's "percentage used" status display.
Corrections:
  1. Corrected - Exporting experienced unexpected delays when initiated from the Export List or Export Table option on the File menu, but performed correctly when initiated directly from a List or Table window's menu. Now all export functions are performed without experiencing any delays.
  2. Corrected - Network paths specified in UNC format (\\server\shared) were not allowed from export windows unless specified as a locally mapped drive, but were allowed when saving or opening files. UNC paths are now allowed when exporting.
  3. Corrected - On the Synchronous Signal type (i.e. SPI, etc), if the "enable" active state was set to "Low", it was decoded incorrectly until the first transition in the captured data but functioned correctly when set to "High" or "ignore". This version corrects the enable channel decode.
  4. Corrected - The Help File would not open when an example file was loaded, but opened properly if any other file was open in the software. Now the help file is always available regardless of the file opened in the software.
  5. Corrected - When exiting the software, the "Save Changes" dialog ignored the "Cancel" selection but correctly processed the "Yes" and "No" selections before closing. Now the "Cancel" selection will properly stop the software from exiting.
  6. Corrected - When creating a new signal, the editor is automatically opened to verify and change settings. If the "Cancel" button was selected from this editor, the new signal remained until manually deleted. Now the new signal will be deleted automatically when "Cancel" is selected.

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August 2007

 
DigiView 4.0.2 Released


Version 4.0.2 of our Capture & Analysis software for DigiView Logic Analyzers is now available as a free update. This revision corrects a few errors and adds a new feature as described below.

Added Feature:
  1. Modified Signal Editors to display example data at the same zoom-level and time span as Wave View 1. The results of editing a signal's properties can now be viewed dynamically at any point of interest
Corrections:
  1. Corrected Synchronous Signal type parsing to properly "ignore" the assigned enable channel when set to ignore.
  2. Corrected Signal editors that did not dynamically update the example data when making changes.
  3. Corrected random shutdown delays when exiting the application.

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August 2007

 
QuickWriter 2.7 Released


Version 2.7 of our QuickWriter software is now available as a free update. This revision adds or improves several features (as requested) and resolves a couple of non-critical issues.

Improved & New Features:
  1. Optimized entry and exit from Programming Mode for each supported device. This reduces the number of power up/down cycles for most all MCUs. The 18F series MCUs are now tested and programmed with only one power cycle.
  2. Added a Power Cycle option to "skip" power up/down cycles when possible. This option may benefit when programming in-circuit with high capcitance circuits or manually controlled target power.
  3. Added Horizontal scrolling and sizing to the information area of the main screen.
  4. Added "Time Lapse" readout to track programming cycle time.
Corrections:
  1. Corrected: HEX files with extended address records that did not initialize to address "0" failed to parse properly.
  2. Corrected: When option editing was disabled, the Options window could still be accessed given a specific sequence of file opening situations.
Keeping with the TechTools tradition, this software update is a FREE upgrade for ALL QuickWriter owners.

Use the links on the right for downloads and information.
Download
Download QuickWriter
 
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July 2007

 
DigiView DV3400 Now Shipping

TechTools latest addition to the DigiView Logic Analyzer family began shipping on July 3rd, 2007. The new DV3400 has been highly anticipated by many customers who have already experienced the benefits of the TechTools DV1-100 logic analyzer, but needed the additional professional features provided by this new model.

Memory and Compression:
DV3400 uses multiple, automatic memory compression techniques and 4 times the physical memory of the current DV1-100, resulting in very long capture times. Our new compression techniques eliminate any concern over sample-rates vs capture lengths. The DV3400 capture time-span can exceed 8 MONTHS at 2.5ns resolution.

Of course, any signal THAT quiet would not be too interesting. The point is that the length of dead time between edges is now irrelevant. There is no need to ever reduce resolution in order to capture more time. Our compression techniques automatically adapt to the data in real-time to ensure optimal memory usage without sacrificing sampling resolution.

Advanced Trigger Circuitry:
The DV3400's trigger capabilities have been greatly expanded. We include 8 universal match circuits. Each, can be configured to any of 9 match types (=,<>,<=,>=,STABLE,PATTERN,EDGE). Each match type (except EDGES) also includes a 20 bit duration qualifier. Additionally, the Pattern match type and Stable match type can "AND" multiple signals and the Edge match type can "OR" multiple signals. The match circuits feed into a fully populated, 17 output Sum-of-Products array. This allows the match circuits to be combined and shared to all 17 destinations. The Sum-of-Products array feeds each of the 16 sequencer stages as well as directly to the trigger out.

Advanced sequencers:
Dv3400 includes 4 cascadable, 4 stage sequencers. These can be chained in any combination to produce longer sequences ( 1@ 16 stages, 2 @ 8 stages...) Each stage includes a 20 bit pass counter.

Advanced Configuration:
Advanced triggering is useless if it is too complicated to configure. With the release of DV3400, we are releasing a new version of the DV software to help manage the complexity. This software introduces a dual-mode (GUI and text), schematic like approach to configuring the matches, sequencers and trigger output from a single window. A text window shows the 'formula' for the configuration while the 'schematic' shows the flow.

Feature Summary:
  1. 36 Channels @ 200 MHz (5ns)
  2. 18 Channels @ 400 MHz (2.5 ns)
  3. Multiple, Automatic Compression techniques
  4. Advanced Universal Match Circuits (8)
  5. Selectable Match Types (9)
  6. ±6 volt Adjustable Threshold (2)
  7. Flexible, Cascadable Sequencers (4x4)
  8. Sequencer Counters (16 @ 1M count each)
  9. Graphical Trigger Layout(s)
  10. New Software (version 4.0)
  11. Continues operation even if PC powers off.
  12. Trigger-Out BNC connection.
  13. External Power Supply.
  14. USB 2.0 with USB 1.1 compatibility.
  15. All Cables, Clips and software included.

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May 2007

 
DigiView DV3400 to be released

TechTools is expanding its line of DigiView Logic Analyzers with the addition of the DV3400. The DV3400 adds more memory, compression, data width, speed and trigger capabilities.

Memory and Compression:
DV3400 uses multiple, automatic memory compression techniques and 4 times the physical memory of the current DV1-100, resulting in very long capture times. Our new compression techniques eliminate any concern over sample-rates vs capture lengths. The DV3400 capture time-span can exceed 8 MONTHS at 2.5ns resolution.

Of course, any signal THAT quiet would not be too interesting. The point is that the length of dead time between edges is now irrelevant. There is no need to ever reduce resolution in order to capture more time. Our compression techniques automatically adapt to the data in real-time to ensure optimal memory usage without sacrificing sampling resolution.

Advanced Trigger Circuitry:
The DV3400's trigger capabilities have been greatly expanded. We include 8 universal match circuits. Each, can be configured to any of 9 match types (=,<>,<=,>=,STABLE,PATTERN,EDGE). Each match type (except EDGES) also includes a 20 bit duration qualifier. Additionally, the Pattern match type and Stable match type can "AND" multiple signals and the Edge match type can "OR" multiple signals. The match circuits feed into a fully populated, 17 output Sum-of-Products array. This allows the match circuits to be combined and shared to all 17 destinations. The Sum-of-Products array feeds each of the 16 sequencer stages as well as directly to the trigger out.

Advanced sequencers:
Dv3400 includes 4 cascadable, 4 stage sequencers. These can be chained in any combination to produce longer sequences ( 1@ 16 stages, 2 @ 8 stages...) Each stage includes a 20 bit pass counter.

Advanced Configuration:
Advanced triggering is useless if it is too complicated to configure. With the release of DV3400, we are releasing a new version of the DV software to help manage the complexity. This software introduces a dual-mode (GUI and text), schematic like approach to configuring the matches, sequencers and trigger output from a single window. A text window shows the 'formula' for the configuration while the 'schematic' shows the flow.

Feature Summary:
  1. 36 Channels @ 200 MHz (5ns)
  2. 18 Channels @ 400 MHz (2.5 ns)
  3. Multiple, Automatic Compression techniques
  4. Advanced Universal Match Circuits (8)
  5. Selectable Match Types (9)
  6. ±6 volt Adjustable Threshold (2)
  7. Flexible, Cascadable Sequencers (4x4)
  8. Sequencer Counters (16 @ 1M count each)
  9. Graphical Trigger Layout(s)
  10. New Software (version 4.0)
  11. Continues operation even if PC powers off.
  12. Trigger-Out BNC connection.
  13. External Power Supply.
  14. USB 2.0 with USB 1.1 compatibility.
  15. All Cables, Clips and software included.
The DV3400 is scheduled for initial shipments early next month. Selling price is $1499.00 including the software, cables and a full compliment of 40 micro-grabbers.
Pre-release orders are now being accepted.

October 2006

 
QuickWriter 2.6.7 Released

Version 2.6.7 adds Dual VPP voltage operation for newer devices that require a reduced High Voltage programming level. A Dual VPP test procedure and Step by Step instructions are provided to modify older versions of QuickWriter hardware.

Updated or new Devices in 2.6.7:
  • 16F883 Added
  • 16F884 Added
  • 16F886 Added
  • 16F887 Added
  • 18F2221 Added
  • 18F2321 Added
  • 18F2450 Added
  • 18F4221 Added
  • 18F4321 Added
  • 18F4450 Added
  • 12F615 Updated
  • 16F616 Updated
  • 18F2331 Updated
  • 18F2431 Updated
  • 18F4525 Updated
  • 18F6310 Updated
  • 18F6390 Updated
  • 18F6410 Updated
  • 18F6490 Updated
  • 18F8310 Updated
  • 18F8390 Updated
  • 18F8410 Updated
  • 18F8490 Updated
  • All MCU support updated to automatically use "Normal" or "Reduced" High voltage (VPP) during programming on newer hardware
Improved Features in 2.6.7:
  • Added support for QuickWriter Hardware Version 3-E and user-modified versions 3-0 to 3-6.
  • Added a Dual VPP test utility for user-modified Hardware. This utility will verify the functionality of Dual VPP voltages and update the hardware's reported version.
  • All Hardware versions can be user-modified to support Dual-VPP operation.

Problems Resolved in 2.6.7:
  • Corrected: With some 18 series MCUs, only 3 devices at a time would program in Gang adapters. When a 4th device was present, all 4 chips failed programming.
Keeping with the TechTools tradition, this software update is a FREE upgrade for ALL QuickWriter owners.

Use the links on the right for downloads and information.
Download
Download QuickWriter
 
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June 2006

 
DigiView 3.0 Released

Released: 02/01/2008
DigiView's latest software adds powerful new analysis capabilities and is provided as a FREE update to existing customers.

Several new signal types add an additional, higher level of analysis such as 12C, Asynchronous (i.e. RS232), Synchronous (i.e. SPI) and State qualified. While new Search, export and Window types allow for searching, exporting and displaying the specialized format of these new signals.



Keeping with the TechTools tradition, this software update is a FREE upgrade for ALL DigiView owners.

Use the links on the right for downloads and information.
View
3.0 Software Details

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3.0 Software Download

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June 2006

 
QuickWriter 2.6.6 Released

Version 2.6.6 improves networking and Control File usage.

Updated or new Devices in 2.6.6:
  • 12F508 Restored
  • 18F2420 Updated
  • 18F2480 Updated
  • 18F2520 Updated
  • 18F2580 Updated
  • 18F4420 Updated
  • 18F4480 Updated
  • 18F4520 Updated
  • 18F4580 Updated
Improved Features in 2.6.6:
  • Modified Control File usage to allow HEX files to reside in directories other than the control file directory. This also allows the HEX file name to be different than the name of the control file.
  • If a control file is "opened" to load a HEX file, the control file will be added to the "Re-Open" file menu instead of the HEX file. This prevents the accidental use of the wrong control file if multiple control files exist for the same HEX file.
  • Added additional checks for file permission failures.
  • Added additional checks for valid versions of supporting files.
Keeping with the TechTools tradition, this software update is a FREE upgrade for ALL QuickWriter owners.

Use the links on the right for downloads and information.
Download
Download QuickWriter
 
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April 2006

 
DigiView 3.0 Beta adds Serial Signal analysis

Updated: 05/01/2006
DigiView's latest software update adds powerful new analysis capabilities. Several new signal types add an additional, higher level of analysis such as 12C, Asynchronous (i.e. RS232), Synchronous (i.e. SPI) and State qualified. While new Search, export and Window types allow for searching, exporting and displaying the specialized format of these new signals.

To further enhance analysis and work flow, this version adds new mouse navigation and edge snapping features.

Serial Protocol Signal Analysis:
  • Asynchronous Serial signals (Custom Baud Rates).
  • Synchronous Serial signals (from 1 to 32 bit, suitable for SPI analysis).
  • I2C signals (full protocol supported).
Additional Signal Types:
  • Improved Analog.
  • State Mode Signals.
New LIST Views for Serial Protocol and State Mode signals.

Updated and Specialized Exporting:
  • Increased Export speed.
  • Export Directly from Tables, using table settings.
  • Export Directly from List Windows to export high level protocols.
New Cursor and Mouse Features:
  • Click to Center. Click near a signal transition to move that edge to the center of the screen.
  • Click to Jump. Click on any of the Quick Select Flags to jump to a cursor and move it to the center of the screen.
  • Click to Snap. New buttons on the right of each Waveform enable a snap/left, snap/right to the next edge of the signal.
  • Shift to Snap. Use the Shift Key while dragging a cursor to "bring to Center" the edge that the cursor will snap to (even if it is off-screen).
  • Click to Edit. Click on the Signal's name to Edit its properties.
  • Right Click Options. Right Click on the signal's name to pop-up signal specific and general options.
New Search Types:
  • I2C - search on multiple criteria including High Speed Master Codes, 7bit/10bit addressing, Read/Write, Errors, etc.
  • Asynchronous - Search on sequences of skip/data/status matches.
  • Synchronous - Search on sequences of skip/data/error matches.
  • State Search - Search on sequences of skip/data matches.
New Color Themes:
  • Select from pre-defined color schemes or customize your own.
  • Reset Custom option to any of the pre-defined themes.
  • Override individual Signal colors or reset to theme colors.


Keeping with the TechTools tradition, this software update is a FREE upgrade for ALL DigiView owners

Use the links on the right for downloads and information.
View
3.0 Software Details

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3.0 Software Download

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