Distributed by Sunrise Electronics, NEC Electronics' CUBE tools offer a combination of market-features and functions for developing in-situ and above all low-cost.

Now the range is further enhanced by the introduction of MINICUBE2, a new generation miniaturised yet fully-featured on-chip debugging and Flash programming development tool at a very low cost.

NEC Electronics' latest Flash microcontrollers feature an on-chip debug (OCD) peripheral and, using this function, MINICUBE2 enables debugging of a device in the target system itself. This also makes MINICUBE2 suitable for debugging in the field.

Depending on the target device, MINICUBE2 offers an abundance of debug features, including multiple hardware, software and RAM break points for real-time debugging, as well as Run, and Restart options.

MINICUBE2 also offers full Flash programming functionality, suited to both the development environment as well as mass production. Using a standard programming interface and parameter file, 3.0 V or 5.0 V power can be applied. The target system can be supplied with a 4MHz, 8MHz or 16MHz clock from the MINICUBE2 or with any clock frequency up to 20MHz using the external clock adapter (supplied). Security setting is also available. In addition, MINICUBE2 also features a self-testing function to detect faults and perform maintenance.

A single MINICUBE2 unit will support most NEC Electronics Flash microcontrollers, including the low pin count 78K0S 8-bit range, the 78K0/Kx2 general purpose and 78K0/Lx2 LCD controller 8-bit ranges, the V850 All Flash general purpose 32-bit ranges and the brand new 78K0R/Kx3 16-bit range. An integral multi-coloured LED indicates for which technology the unit is currently set up. All of this functionality is provided in an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight tool. MINICUBE2 is just 4.8 cm2 and only 30 g, small enough to carry it in a pocket.

As well as supporting existing devices, MINICUBE2 has also been future-proofed with the capability to update the firmware using a simple Web download, allowing the same tool to be used for new releases of NEC Electronics Flash microcontrollers in the coming months and years. With a USB cable included, there is no need to use any other external power source - simply plug in and either start the debugger to use the on-chip debug function or start the programming GUI to perform Flash programming.

MINICUBE2