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The DediProg Range is now available from Darkwire, providing innovative methods to program, update or repair the BIOS content easily, quickly and efficiently under any conditions:
- BIOS development
- On the Production line
- In the Storage area
- PC Repair business
- End user
Note that Darkwire is the exclusive Australian Distributor of the DediProg range.
To ensure the best BIOS update flexibility, DediProg is working closely with the main motherboards and notebook makers companies to define and offer the optimized BIOS updating methods with the Serial Flash chip soldered on board.
By soldering the SMT memory on board, motherboard makers both save on costs and ensure a good quality signal for the High frequency SPI bus and prevents failures caused by socket problems (bad contact due to weak pressure, oxidation, wrong insertions, etc)
Two different methods have been developed to update the Serial Flash soldered on board:
1) The In System Programming solution (ISP)
Features: Update your Main BIOS memory soldered onto the motherboard by using the DediProg SF100 or SF200 programmers which are dedicated for motherboard BIOS updates.
The programmer is used to update the Serial Flash on board by connecting it on the motherboard ISP connector. The programmer can be connected to a computer via the USB cable.
Advantages:
- Very fast update (20sec / 30 sec)
- No more bad flashes!
- Flexible update as it only requires only the naked motherboard (no ATX power needed)
- Convenient for: production, storage area or PC repair.
- The programmer can be kept connected during the motherboard boot process.
- Convenient for BIOS development.
Disadvantages:
None except it will only work on motherboards designed for ISP.
Requirements:
This method can only be used on the motherboards designed for ISP update. Please contact your motherboard suppliers to know if this feature is supported by your motherboard model. If there is an ISP header on your motherboard chances are it will work but CHECK FIRST.
2) Backup Boot Flash solution
Features: The DediProg Backup Boot Flash tool can be connected on the motherboard pin header or directly on the Main serial Flash package soldered on board by using the DediProg SO test clip.
When connected, the Backup Boot Flash tool disables the Main BIOS memory automatically and enables the backup Serial Flash inserted in the socket on the BIOS Boot Flash Tool.
Then when powered up, the motherboard will boot automatically from the Backup Boot Flash which has been previously programmed with the appropriated BIOS code.
After the motherboard boot up is complete, the user can update the Main Serial Flash soldered on board by using the Flash Utility tool provided usually by the motherboard maker, Chipset maker or BIOS maker.
Advantages:
- Can be used on virtually all motherboards on the market as this solution does not require a dedicated hardware modification.
- Is the perfect solution for those who have done a bad BIOS flash using the Flash Utility that came with their motherboard.
- The Backup Serial Flash chip inserted in the Backup Boot Flash tool, can also be updated with new BIOS version by connecting the DediProg SF100 or SF200 programmer.
Disadvantages:
Requires the user to source another identical BIOS chip.
Requirements:
- Hold pin of the Serial Flash must be connected to Vcc through a resistor (this is typically done already in most current motherboard designs)
- Need to perform a Boot of the motherboard with Dediprog BBF tool therefore it requires the complete computer booting environment (ATX power, processor, monitor, Flash utility tool, etc)
- Longer updating time versus ISP method.
Hardware Requirements for ISP:
1) To have a clear understanding on the different ISP or backup boot methods and different reference schematics, please download these dedicated application notes: AN0103 (designer) and AN0106 (end user).
2) Download these files for chipset specific BIOS update solutions: sis968chipset.pfd and via8237s.pdf
3) Download this file for information on: In System Programming Solution for SPI firmware update for IA platforms
4) CLICK HERE to see how to use the Backup Boot Flash Tool and SPI Programmer
5) See the default pinout of the SF100, SF100+ and Backup Boot flash devices HERE
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