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Accelerating Progress: Transitioning from 7th to 9th Generation BPM Programmers – A Comprehensive Guide

by | Aug 10, 2023 | Case Study, How To, Technology

Sun Sets on 7th Generation BPM Programmers

In an era of transformative technological advancement, it’s a common occurrence for some components to become obsolete due to scarcity or the evolution of technology. The same fate has befallen the 7th Generation BPM Programmers. These units, launched in 2003, have provided steadfast service for two decades. However, due to the critical parts necessary for their manufacture becoming unavailable, it’s no longer feasible to continue their production.

Despite the discontinuation of selling 7th Generation Manual Programmers, BPM Microsystems will continue to service existing 7th Generation programmers for as long as our stock of critical parts allows. BPM will continue to offer software updates, algorithms, and socket module development. Existing socket modules and replacement daughter cards will still be available for purchase.

Much like the Space Shuttles, which utilized 70’s technology well into the 2000s, the 7th Generation BPM Programmers have served far beyond their expected lifecycle. But as technology advances, so too must our tools and processes. To stay competitive, and to offer the best for our customers, an upgrade is more than necessary – it’s an inevitable part of technological evolution.

Turbocharging Efficiency: Vector Engine Technology

With the advent of the 8th Generation BPM Programmers, a significant leap was made in the form of Vector Engine™ with BitBlast technology. BitBlast offers the fastest programming speeds in the industry, vastly increasing throughput for high-density managed NAND devices that utilize the eMMC interface. The introduction of this feature resulted in drastically reduced programming times, similar to how a jet engine revolutionized travel times compared to a propeller-driven aircraft. The vector engine technology heralded a new age in programming efficiency, offering better service to our clients.

Vector Engine– Program and Verify Time Comparison:

SanDisk SDIN8DE4-64G (with DDR)

  • Without BitBlast- 2,699.0 Seconds
  • With BitBlast- 1279.8 Seconds

SanDisk SDIN8DE4-32G (with DDR)

  • Without BitBlast- 1,399 Seconds
  • With BitBlast- 618.5 Seconds

SanDisk SDIN8DE4-32G (with DDR)

  • Without BitBlast- 706.0 Seconds
  • With BitBlast- 329.5 Seconds

The Adapter Continuity: Seamless Transition from 7th to 9th Gen

One of the key considerations during any upgrade process is compatibility. The good news for users of 7th Generation BPM Programmers is that many 7th Gen adapters are forward-compatible with the 9th Gen units, usually requiring only minor algorithmic adjustments. This ensures a smooth transition and enables our customers to continue using their existing socket adapters, maximizing their investments.

 

Manual

Automated

Adapter Prefix**

Example

7th Gen

9th Gen

7th Gen

9th Gen

WSM WSM32PA No No No No
LSM LSM2S676FGMSSOCB No No Yes Limited Support *
LXSM LXSM28FLPZA No No Yes Limited Support *
LX2SM LX2SM28FLPZB No No Yes Limited Support *
LX4SM LX4SM40DIPLT No No Yes Limited Support *
LASM LASM324BGV Yes Limited Support * Yes Limited Support *
LXASM LXASM484BGAV Yes Limited Support * Yes Limited Support *
LX2ASM LX2ASM473BGA Yes Limited Support * Yes Limited Support *
LX4ASM LX4ASMR64QFPTB Yes Limited Support * Yes Limited Support *
WASM WASM20MLFA Yes Limited Support * Yes Limited Support *
WXASM WXASM100QE Yes Limited Support * Yes Limited Support *
WX2ASM WX2ASML48UBG Yes Limited Support * Yes Limited Support *
WX4ASM WX4ASMR08SJA Yes Limited Support * Yes Limited Support *

The Rise of 9th Generation BPM Microsystems

The 9th Generation site technology from BPM Microsystems continues the legacy of backward compatibility, supporting many socket adapters from the 6th, 7th, and nearly all 8th generations. It provides comprehensive support for over 40,000 devices, extending the useful lifespan of previous-generation programmers. This extensive backward compatibility provides peace of mind to our clients, ensuring their investments continue to provide value for a longer period.

Embracing the Future: eMMC Devices and HS400 Programming Mode

With the technological landscape constantly shifting towards higher density and smaller package devices, the 9th Gen technology is ready to meet the challenge. It supports eMMC devices and the HS400 programming mode, capable of handling 400 MB per second. This allows manufacturers to keep up with the pace of modern production environments and meet market demands without compromising efficiency or throughput.

The transition from 7th to 9th Generation programmers signifies more than just an upgrade. It represents a transformative improvement in programming performance, ensuring our clients are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the future. This commitment to progress and client satisfaction fuels our ongoing innovation and sets the stage for future advancements in BPM technology.

Navigating the Upgrade Path: Ensuring a Smooth Transition

Transitioning to newer technology often raises questions about compatibility, continuity, and support. To facilitate a smooth upgrade from 7th to 9th Generation BPM Programmers, we have established a well-defined upgrade path.

Firstly, users are asked to provide BPM with a list of their devices and legacy socket adapters. This allows us to evaluate which adapters can be reused and which ones, due to different pin interfaces, will no longer be compatible.

Once we’ve assessed your current setup, BPM will provide a detailed report, highlighting which socket adapters can still be used (possibly requiring a simple algorithm update) and which will need replacement (adapters with “old” pin connectors). We aim to maximize the use of your existing equipment where possible, ensuring your transition is both cost-effective and efficient.

Alongside this report, BPM will also provide a quote for 9th Gen socket and algorithm support, detailing any necessary purchases or services you may need. In an effort to help ease the transition, we’re offering up to 12 hours of algorithm development with the purchase of 4 socket adapters. This not only ensures you’re fully supported during the transition but also maximizes the efficiency of your new 9th Gen Programmers.

Despite ceasing sales of the 7th Generation Programmers, BPM remains committed to supporting our customers. We will continue to service, calibrate, and repair 7th Gen Programmers until they are officially declared end of life. Socket adapters and algorithms will also continue to be supported and developed, ensuring your operations can continue smoothly even during the upgrade process.

The transition from 7th to 9th Gen Programmers is more than just an upgrade– it’s a commitment to technological evolution, designed to ensure our clients are always ahead of the curve. We’re here to guide you through every step of this journey, ensuring the move is as seamless as possible.


Example Workflow for 7th to 9th Gen Transition

Time Event
0.5 – 1.5 hours Customers list their devices and legacy socket adapters
2 working days BPM evaluates the customers’ lists and provides a detailed report
0.5 – 1 hour Customers review the report and decide on necessary purchases
1-2 hours Customers place orders for necessary socket adapters and algorithm support
2 – 4 weeks BPM conducts algorithm development (12 hours of development is complementary with the purchase of 4 socket adapters)
1 working day BPM provides full support to customers during the transition
3 working days The upgrade process is completed; customers are fully transitioned to 9th Gen Programmers