AN8002

How to Program The Standard ISP Code in

LDROM with A Universal Programmer
Application Note for 8-bit 8051-based Microcontroller
Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014

Document Information

Abstract This document introduces how to program the standard ISP code
in LDROM in Nuvoton 8-bit microcontroller with a Universal
Programmer. This action makes available of the standard ISP
functionality provided by Nuvoton.

Apply to W78E516D/058D/054D/052D, N78E517A/059A/055A/366A.

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 1 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3

2 OPERATIONS...................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 ISP Methodology............................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Loading ISP Code into LDROM .................................................................................................... 4
2.3 CONFIG Setting............................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Executing Programming.............................................................................................................. 11
2.5 Other Notices ................................................................................................................................ 11

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 2 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
1 Introduction
Nuvoton 8-bit microcontroller W78E516D/058D/054D/052D and N78E517A/059A/055A/366A
all provide two internal program memory block, APROM and LDROM. APROM usually stores
the user code, and LDROM, in the general function, stores the boot code of In-System-
Programming (ISP). A general operating procedure is LDROM program receiving the user
code and updating APROM content by the user code via software register control. It achieves
an in system programming feature.

APROM

ISP
LDROM

For the convenience of programming the user code into the APROM, Nuvoton 8-bit
microcontrollers mentioned above are pre-programmed with the standard ISP code in
LDROM before shipping from factory. User can directly program APROM through ISP in a
friendly way. However, if a user chooses to use a Universal Programmer for program APROM,
but still want to keep the ISP functionality, please observe the following guidelines to avoid
from ISP abnormal work after soldering.

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 3 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
2 Operations
2.1 ISP Methodology
Nuvoton ISP needs to boot microcontroller from LDROM. Nuvoton standard ISP boot code is
also required to be embedded in LDROM. However, all Universal Programmers, including
Hi-Lo, Xeltek, ZLG, or other programming, always execute whole chip erasure action
regardless of any settings when programming. The erasure range includes LDROM
content and CONFIG setting. Therefore, if user still want to use ISP function after
programming, two steps must be surely followed:
1. Make sure to load the Nuvoton standard ISP code in LDROM during the setting of the
Universal Programmer.
2. CONFIG must be set as "boot from LDROM". CONFIG bit CBS should be 0.
(W78E516D/058D do not require CONFIG setting.)
The following paragraphs illustrate how to program N78E517A with Hi-Lo ALL-100A, Xeltek
SUPERPRO 5000E, and ZLG SmartPRO 5000U.

2.2 Loading ISP Code into LDROM

Nuvoton standard ISP code is available in Nuvoton website. Please visit the download page
Development Tool to download “Nuvoton ISP-ICP Programmer Vx.xx.zip”.

After unzipping, user can find “ISP_Code_N78E517A_vx.xx.bin” file in the folder ”(3) Nuvoton
Standard ISP Code”. Load this file in the LDROM block or the buffer address appointed by the
Universal Programmer.

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 4 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
1. Check the User Manual of the Universal Programmer, confirm the buffer start
address corresponding to LDROM, and properly set before loading file.
Hi-Lo ALL-100A:

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 5 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
Xeltek SUPERPRO 5000E:

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 6 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
ZLG SmartPRO 5000U:

2. Check whether the ISP code properly loaded into LDROM or not by the buffer
window of the Universal Programmer.
Hi-Lo ALL-100A:

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 7 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
Xeltek SUPERPRO 5000E:

ZLG SmartPRO 5000U:

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 8 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
2.3 CONFIG Setting
After loading ISP code, open the window of CONFIG setting and select ”MCU will boot
from LDROM”. (There is no need of CONFIG setting for W78E516D/058D.)
Hi-Lo ALL-100A:

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 9 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
Xeltek SUPERPRO 5000E:

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 10 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
ZLG SmartPRO 5000U:

2.4 Executing Programming

User can load their own user code in APROM or leave it blank. After the completion of the
above steps, user can execute the entire programming action. User will be able to use ISP
function through Nuvoton ISP tool after programming is finished.

2.5 Other Notices

Each vendor of Universal Programmer has different way to load codes and set CONFIG. This
Application Note cannot enumerate example by example. If any operation, please check the
User Manual for each Universal Programmer manufacturer's instructions.

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 11 of 12

80C51 Series AN8002
Revision History

Revision Date Description

1.00 Jan. 13, 2014 Initially issued.

Important Notice

Nuvoton Products are neither intended nor warranted for usage in systems or equipment, any mal-
function or failure of which may cause loss of human life, bodily injury or severe property damage. Such
applications are deemed, “Insecure Usage”.
Insecure Usage includes, but is not limited to: equipment for surgical implementation, atomic energy
control instruments, airplane or spaceship instruments, the control or operation of dynamic, brake or
safety systems designed for vehicular use, traffic signal instruments, all types of safety devices, and
other applications intended to support or sustain life.
All Insecure Usage shall be made at customer’s risk, and in the event that third parties lay claims to
Nuvoton as a result of customer’s Insecure Usage, customer shall indemnify the damages and liabilities
thus incurred by Nuvoton.

Please note that all data and specifications are subject to change without notice. All the trademarks of
products and companies mentioned in this datasheet belong to their respective owners.

© 2014 Nuvoton Technology Corp.

AN8002 Rev. 1.00 — Jan. 13, 2014 12 of 12