What is a SPA?
Why Do I Need a SPA?
There are numerous ways to program your SIM:
- SHIPTide can upgrade GUIs and SHIPEngine firmware on SIMs via the USB device port
- A JTAG hardware debugger (specific to the CPU of your SIM) can be used to firmware upgrades and C-level programming*
- The SHIP Flash Programming Tool can upgrade SHIPEngine on Renesas RX-based SIMs via the USB device port
* In most cases, upgrading SHIPEngine firmware and SHIP GUIs does not require a JTAG hardware debug tool, but can be done almost exclusively over the USB Device port.
Some variants of Serious Integrated Modules do not feature populated USB Device ports or include a JTAG connector in the interest of not burdening the unit with possibly unnecessary hardware or costs. In this case, you will need a way to access the device with these physical connections unavailable. The Serious Programming Adapters are a compact, cost-effective way to expose these signals.
NOTE: SPAs are not designed for use directly inside production products.
SPA200
SPA200
The SPA200 is the newest generation of Serious Programming Adapter, designed to allow easy access to USB and/or JTAG signals on 3rd and 4th Generation SIMs without the appropriate physical connectors. Featuring a 5v power input, Micro USB port, an HDMI port for data connection to your SIM, boot mode selectors, and even a handy reset button.
The SPA200 utilizes the SHIP Programming Port on the back of your SIM through the included SPC200 adapter. The SPC200 is polarized to allow a secure connection in the proper orientation and an HDMI Mini port to the SPA200.
SPA100
SPA100
The SPA100 is designed to provide USB and JTAG signal support for older SIMs, such as the SIM225. SPA100, unlike the newer and self-contained SPA200, is a PCB edge connector that attaches to the edge of the SIM.
SPA100 Features
- PCB Edge Connector to attach to the target SIM
- USB Mini-B connector exposing the SIM's USB device port
- Renesas E1 connector exposing the SIM MCU's JTAG port
- Power jumper for USB bus power select
- Jumper/switch to select Renesas RX USB boot mode
SPA/SIM Compatibility
Spa Compatibility Chart
|
SPA200 |
SPA100 |
SIM115 |
● |
|
SIM225 |
|
● |
SIM231 |
● |
|
SIM243 |
● |
|
SIM253 |
● |
|
SIM535 |
● |
|
SIM543 |
● |
|
SIM553 |
● |
|
SIM855 |
|
|
Resources
Buy SPAs
Buy SPA200 & SPA100 at Arrow
Serious Documentation Zone