TS8000x Programming Guide www.semtech.com 2 of 16
Rev 0.9 Sep 2016 Semtech
Overview
TS8000x devices are provided with an installed bootloader program, which the OEM will use to install
their desired firmware image. This is typically done on the assembly line after the PCB has been
assembled and tested for functionality.
To invoke the bootloader program, the TS8000x DEBUG pin is held low during power-up. Firmware can
then be downloaded to the TS8000x over the I2C serial port, which is a three-pin interface: a data line:
SMB_SDA, a clock: SMB_SCL and a reference ground line: GND.
There are numerous ways that a firmware image may be downloaded to the TS8000x. Three such
methods are described in this document.
The simplest and lowest cost method employs the Semtech TS8000x GUI and USB to I2C adapter board.
This method requires some user interaction, and thus a bit of time and attention to implement, and is thus
best suited to low volume applications where the extra programming time is made up for by the minimal
setup cost and effort.
The use of the Aardvark USB to I2C adapter and a ‘one-click’ software solution provided by Semtech
presents an attractive solution for intermediate volume applications. The relatively low cost of the
Aardvark board is quickly offset by the faster and simpler programming process permitted.
High volume production environments will usually employ a bed of nails (In-Circuit Test, ICT) or flying
probe system. Semtech provides the simple C source code used to create the Aardvark-based software
implementation that the OEM can integrate into their existing automation equipment software. This
method allows for the fastest programming, either one board at a time or in parallel arrays.
In addition to the methods described here, CMs or ODMs may have their own methodology that they are
free to employ as they wish.
