Integrated Programming in Your Production Flow
Kingdta integrates IC programming directly into the PCBA production flow, eliminating the need for a separate programming step after assembly. This reduces handling, prevents ESD damage from repeated board manipulation, and ensures every shipped board contains verified firmware.
We maintain your firmware files under version control and record the firmware version, programmer ID, and programming timestamp for every device programmed. This traceability is essential for field support, warranty claims, and regulatory compliance.
In-System Programming (ISP)
Program microcontrollers and flash memories directly on the assembled PCB via JTAG, SWD, or UART interfaces. No need to remove ICs from the board.
Gang Programming
Simultaneous programming of multiple devices using gang programmers — ideal for high-volume production with identical firmware across all units.
Offline Programming
Pre-program ICs before placement using offline programmers. Suitable for devices that cannot be programmed in-system.
Firmware Version Control
We maintain firmware version records for every production run, ensuring traceability between hardware batches and firmware releases.
Supported Devices & Platforms
- ARM Cortex-M (STM32, NXP, Nordic, Microchip)
- ESP32 / ESP8266 (Espressif)
- AVR / Arduino (Microchip)
- PIC Microcontrollers
- FPGA (Xilinx, Intel/Altera)
- NOR/NAND Flash (SPI, parallel)
- EEPROM (I2C, SPI)
- Bluetooth SoC (nRF52, CC2640)
- Zigbee / Z-Wave SoC
Programming Traceability
In-Line IC Programming for a 50,000-Unit Smart Meter Production Run
A UK smart metering company manufacturing a residential electricity meter — requiring in-line programming of the main STM32H7 microcontroller and a secondary CC2652 Zigbee radio chip on every board during PCBA production.
The Problem
The customer had been programming boards manually using a bench programmer after assembly. At 50,000 units per year, programming took 45 seconds per board, requiring 625 operator-hours per year. They also had a 0.8% programming failure rate only discovered during final functional test — requiring rework and re-test at a cost of £12 per incident.
Key Challenges
- Two chips per board requiring sequential programming (STM32H7 then CC2652) — total 45 seconds per board
- Programming failures only detected at final functional test — late-stage defect discovery
- Firmware version control — multiple firmware versions in production simultaneously for different utility customers
- Programming traceability required — each board must have a serialized programming record for field service
- 50,000 units/year volume — manual programming not scalable
Our Solution
We integrated in-line programming into the SMT production line using a dedicated programming station between reflow and AOI. The STM32H7 and CC2652 are programmed simultaneously using a custom dual-channel JTAG/SWD fixture that reduces programming time to 18 seconds per board. Programming pass/fail is verified in-line before the board proceeds to AOI. Failed boards are automatically diverted to a rework queue. Firmware version is controlled by our MES system, which selects the correct firmware file based on the order's customer code. Each board receives a unique serial number during programming, recorded in a traceability database accessible to the customer's field service team.
Results & Outcomes
"Integrating programming into the PCBA line eliminated our biggest production bottleneck and moved failure detection from final test to in-line. The traceability database Kingdta built has already helped our field service team diagnose two firmware-related issues in the field without needing to return boards for analysis."
Head of Manufacturing, Smart Metering Company — Birmingham, UK