Acroview, a leader in chip programming solutions, has announced an expansion of its compatible chip model coverage alongside the release of a new version of its programming software. The company's flagship product, the universal programming platform AP8000, has now achieved full adaptation for Silicon Laboratories' SoC RF Transmitter, the SI4010-C2.

The SI4010-C2 is a fully integrated, crystal-less CMOS SoC RF transmitter featuring a built-in CIP-51 8051 microcontroller. It operates across a temperature range of -40 to 85°C without requiring an external crystal reference, thereby reducing board area and BOM costs. The device includes an 8kB non-volatile memory (NVM) block for programming user applications and a 12kB ROM with embedded support code. The SI4010-C2 incorporates Silicon Labs' 2-wire C2 debug and programming interface, allowing customers to download code to the on-board RAM during development for testing and debugging prior to NVM programming.

Designed for low-power battery applications with a standby current of less than 10nA to optimize battery life, the SI4010-C2 features an automatic wake-up button press support. This allows efficient movement from standby to active mode with minimal customer code support. Built-in AES-128 hardware encryption and 128-bit EEPROM enable robust data encryption for transmitted packets. A unique 4-byte serial number is programmed into each device to ensure non-overlapping device identifiers.

The SI4010-C2 features a high-efficiency power amplifier capable of delivering up to +10dBm output power and includes an automatic antenna tuning algorithm. This algorithm adjusts antenna tuning at the start of each packet transmission to achieve optimal output power, minimizing the impact of antenna impedance changes caused by a user handling a remote control. The device supports FSK and OOK modulation and includes automatic output power shaping to reduce spectral spread and simplify regulatory compliance. Output frequency is software adjustable across a 27 to 960 MHz range. The output data rate is also software adjustable, with a maximum rate of up to 100kbps.

Features

• Crystal-less Operation

• Optional crystal oscillator input

• High-Speed 8051 Microcontroller Core

• Pipelined instruction architecture

• 70% of instructions execute in 1 or 2 clock cycles

• Up to 24 MIPS at 24 MHz clock speed

• 4kB RAM / 8kB NVM

• 128-bit EEPROM

• 256 Bytes internal data RAM

• 12kB ROM with embedded functions

• 8 Bytes low-leakage RAM

• Rich Digital Peripherals

• 128-bit AES Accelerator

• 5/9 GPIOs with wake-up functionality

• LED Driver

• Data Serializer

• High-Speed Frequency Counter

• On-chip debug: C2 interface

• Unique 4-byte serial number

• Ultra-low power sleep timer

• Single-Cell Button Cell Battery Operation

• Supply voltage: 1.8 to 3.6V

• Standby current: <10nA

• High-Performance RF Transmitter

• Frequency range: 27 - 960 MHz

• Output power up to +10dBm, adjustable

• Automatic antenna tuning

• Symbol rate up to 100kbps

• FSK/OOK modulation

• Manchester encoding, NRZ, 4/5 encoder

• Analog Peripherals

• LDO with power-on reset circuit

• Battery voltage monitor

• Operating Temperature Range: -40 to +85°C

• Automotive Grade Option: AEC-Q100

• Packages: 10-pin MSOP / 14-pin SOIC

Applications

• Garage and gate openers

• Remote keyless entry systems

• Smart home and security systems

• Wireless remote controls

Internal Block Diagram

Acroview's self-developed AP8000 universal programmer has become a benchmark professional programming solution within the industry. The device supports flexible, configurable 1-to-1 and 1-to-8 modes and offers both online and offline operation. With dedicated programming solutions developed for memory chips like eMMC and UFS, it comprehensively covers offline (blank device) and on-board programming requirements for the entire range of Silicon Labs chips.

The AP8000 employs an innovative modular design featuring three core modules: Mainframe, Baseboard, and Adapter, granting the device excellent compatibility and expandability. As a universal programming platform, it not only adapts to various programmable ICs on the market but also delivers stable, high-efficiency performance. This makes it a core component of Acroview's automated batch programming system, the IPS5800S, which efficiently handles large-scale chip programming tasks to meet mass production demands.

The AP8000 mainframe offers flexible connectivity with both USB and NET interfaces, enabling convenient networking of multiple programmers. Through this networking capability, users can easily achieve synchronized control of multiple programmers for efficient parallel programming operations. For safety, the mainframe incorporates intelligent safety protection circuits that monitor chip placement status and circuit connections in real-time. If abnormalities like chip reverse insertion or short circuits are detected, it triggers an immediate power-off protection mechanism, safeguarding the chip and programmer. A high-speed FPGA chip inside the mainframe significantly enhances data transmission and processing efficiency. To enhance convenience, an SD card slot is located on the back of the mainframe. Users can transfer an engineering file generated on a PC to an SD card, insert it into the slot, and then use the programmer's physical buttons to select, load, and execute programming operations, enabling standalone operation independent of a PC.

In terms of expandability and compatibility, the AP8000 uses a modular baseboard and adapter board combination, effectively extending the mainframe's capabilities. It currently supports products from all major semiconductor manufacturers, including SK hynix, Micron, Sandisk, ASR, Kingston, and others. It supports a wide range of device types, including NAND, NOR, MCU, CPLD, FPGA, EMMC, and is fully compatible with various industry-standard file formats like Intel Hex, Motorola S, Binary, and POF, providing users with a one-stop, full-scenario chip programming solution.

Company Introduction

About Silicon Laboratories: Silicon Laboratories (Silicon Labs) is a leading provider of silicon, software, and system solutions for the IoT, internet infrastructure, industrial control, consumer, and automotive markets. They solve the electronics industry's most troublesome problems, offering customers significant advantages in performance, energy savings, connectivity, and design simplicity. Silicon Labs possesses outstanding software and mixed-signal design expertise, supported by a world-class engineering team, empowering developers with the tools and technologies needed to move quickly and simply from initial concept to final product.

About Acroview: Acroview is a national "Little Giant" enterprise specialized in the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of semiconductor chip testing and programming equipment. The company is committed to empowering the entire industrial chain—including Fabless, IDM, OSAT, wafer fabs, and end-device manufacturers—through innovative semiconductor testing technologies and solutions. Acroview's pioneering Automated Burn-In (ABI) system significantly enhances customer chip burn-in efficiency and reduces the per-DUT test cost. They also provide equipment products and solutions for various stages including PSV, CP, FT, ABI, SLT, and programming. Acroview perfectly integrates its leading product technology, system-level expertise, and globally distributed R&D and sales service network to create value for customers seeking a competitive edge in the market.