New skill for building legacy hardware cicuit mockups

2026-02-24 04:15:14 +00:00 · 2026-01-18 23:16:45 -05:00
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+# minipro Chip Programming Utility Specification
+
+## 1. Overview
+
+**minipro** is an open-source, command-line utility used to **program, read, erase, and verify** a wide range of **EEPROM, Flash, EPROM, SRAM, GAL, and logic devices** using supported universal programmers such as the **T48**, **TL866II Plus**, and compatible models.
+
+It is widely used in **Linux**, **macOS**, and **Windows** environments, especially for **retrocomputing**, **firmware development**, and **electronics prototyping**.
+
+---
+
+## 2. Supported Programmers
+
+| Programmer   | Notes                      |
+| ------------ | -------------------------- |
+| T48          | Full support (recommended) |
+| TL866II Plus | Full support               |
+| TL866A / CS  | Limited / legacy support   |
+
+---
+
+## 3. Supported Device Types
+
+### 3.1 Memory Devices
+
+* Parallel EEPROM (e.g., AT28C256)
+* Flash memory (29xxx series)
+* EPROM (27xxx series)
+* SRAM (read/verify only)
+
+### 3.2 Logic and PLDs
+
+* GAL16V8 / GAL22V10
+* PAL devices (limited)
+
+### 3.3 Other Devices
+
+* Some microcontrollers (device-dependent)
+* Logic IC testing (selected models)
+
+---
+
+## 4. Installation
+
+### 4.1 Linux
+
+```bash
+sudo apt install minipro
+```
+
+or from source:
+
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/vdudouyt/minipro.git
+make
+sudo make install
+```
+
+### 4.2 Windows
+
+* Install via MSYS2 or prebuilt binaries
+* Requires libusb driver (WinUSB)
+
+---
+
+## 5. Basic Command Syntax
+
+```bash
+minipro [options]
+```
+
+Common options:
+
+| Option        | Description            |
+| ------------- | ---------------------- |
+| `-p <device>` | Select target device   |
+| `-r <file>`   | Read device to file    |
+| `-w <file>`   | Write file to device   |
+| `-e`          | Erase device           |
+| `-v`          | Verify contents        |
+| `-I`          | Device information     |
+| `-l`          | List supported devices |
+
+---
+
+## 6. Common Programming Operations
+
+### 6.1 List Supported Devices
+
+```bash
+minipro -l
+```
+
+### 6.2 Identify Device
+
+```bash
+minipro -p AT28C256 -I
+```
+
+### 6.3 Read a Chip
+
+```bash
+minipro -p AT28C256 -r rom_dump.bin
+```
+
+### 6.4 Write a Chip
+
+```bash
+minipro -p AT28C256 -w rom.bin
+```
+
+### 6.5 Verify Only
+
+```bash
+minipro -p AT28C256 -v rom.bin
+```
+
+---
+
+## 7. Programming EEPROMs (AT28C256 Example)
+
+```bash
+minipro -p AT28C256 -w monitor.bin
+```
+
+* Software Data Protection is handled automatically
+* Write cycle delays are internally managed
+* Verification performed after programming
+
+---
+
+## 8. Programming Flash Memory
+
+```bash
+minipro -p SST39SF040 -e -w firmware.bin
+```
+
+* Erase step required for Flash devices
+* Sector erase handled automatically
+
+---
+
+## 9. EPROM Operations
+
+```bash
+minipro -p 27C256 -r eprom.bin
+```
+
+* UV erase required before reprogramming
+* minipro verifies blank state before write
+
+---
+
+## 10. GAL Programming
+
+```bash
+minipro -p GAL22V10 -w logic.jed
+```
+
+* Uses JEDEC files
+* Supports read, write, and verify
+* Fuse maps viewable via `-I`
+
+---
+
+## 11. Error Handling and Messages
+
+| Message                | Meaning                    |
+| ---------------------- | -------------------------- |
+| `Device not found`     | Incorrect device selection |
+| `Verification failed`  | Data mismatch              |
+| `Chip protected`       | Write protection enabled   |
+| `Overcurrent detected` | Insertion or wiring error  |
+
+---
+
+## 12. Safety and Best Practices
+
+* Always confirm device orientation in ZIF socket
+* Use correct device identifier (`-p`)
+* Do not hot-insert chips during operation
+* Use adapters for PLCC, SOP, TSOP packages
+
+---
+
+## 13. Typical Retrocomputing Workflow
+
+1. Assemble ROM image
+2. Program EEPROM using minipro + T48
+3. Verify contents
+4. Install chip in SBC
+5. Test system boot
+
+---
+
+## 14. Limitations
+
+* Not all devices are supported
+* Some microcontrollers require proprietary tools
+* In-circuit programming (ISP) not supported
+
+---
+
+## 15. References
+
+* <https://gitlab.com/DavidGriffith/minipro>
+* <https://www.hadex.cz/spec/m545b.pdf>
+* <https://github.com/mikeroyal/Firmware-Guide>
+* <https://mike42.me/blog/2021-08-a-first-look-at-programmable-logic>
+* <https://retrocomputingforum.com/>
+
+---