Microchip has innovative programming options for the embedded systems designer. These programming options address procurement issues by reducing and limiting work-in-process liability and facilitating finished goods code revisions. Microchip's worldwide distributors stock reprogrammable inventory, allowing customers to respond to immediate sales opportunities or accommodate engineering changes off the shelf.

One-Time Programmable (OTP) PICmicro OTP MCUs are manufactured in high volumes without customer specific software and can be shipped immediately for custom programming. This is useful for customers who need rapid time to market and flexibility for frequent software updates.

FLASH (electrically reprogrammable). PICmicro FLASH MCUs allow erase and reprogramming of the MCU program memory. Reprogrammability offers a highly flexible solution to today's ever-changing market demands – and can substantially reduce time to market. Users can program their systems very late in the manufacturing process or update systems in the field. This allows easy code revisions, system parameterization or customer-specific options with no scrappage. Reprogrammability also reduces the design verification cycle.

In-Circuit Serial Programming^™ (ICSP^™). Microchip's PICmicro MCUs feature ICSP capability. ICSP allows the MCU to be programmed after being placed in a circuit board, offering tremendous flexibility, reduced development time, increased manufacturing efficiency and improved time to market. This popular technology also enables reduced cost of field upgrades, system calibration during manufacturing, the addition of unique identification codes to the system and system calibration. Requiring only two I/O pins for most devices, Microchip offers the most non-intrusive programming in the industry.

Self Programming. Microchip's PIC16F87X family features self programming capability. Self programming enables remote upgrades to the FLASH program memory and the end equipment through a variety of medium ranging from Internet and Modem to RF and Infrared. To setup for self programming, the designer programs a simple boot loader algorithm in a code protected area of the FLASH program memory. Through the selected medium, a secure command allows entry into the PIC16F87X MCU through the USART, I2C or SPI serial communication ports. The boot loader is then enabled to reprogram the PIC16F87X FLASH program memory with data received over the desired medium. And, of course, self programming is accomplished without the need for external components and without limitations on the PIC16F87X’s operating speed or voltage. Just think of the advantages that Microchip's self programming capability will provide your business.

Quick-Turn Programming (QTP) Microchip offers a QTP programming service for factory production orders. This service is for users who choose not to program a medium to high quantity of units themselves and whose code patterns have stabilized.

Serialized Quick-Turn Programming (SQTPSM) SQTP is a unique, flexible programming option that allows Microchip to program serialized, random or pseudo-random numbers into each device. Serial programming allows each device to have a unique number which can serve as an entry-code, password or ID number.

Masked ROM Microchip offers Masked ROM versions of many of its most popular PICmicro MCUs, giving customers the lowest cost option for high volume products with stable firmware.