Actel Silicon Explorer II, User Manual, Page: 9 / 42

3
1
Connecting Silicon Explorer II
This section describes the procedures required to connect Silicon
Explorer II to your device, powering Silicon Explorer II, SE II
connector types, logic analysis, and the Explore software.
Powering Silicon Explorer II
SE II draws power from the external power supply (provided) or by
connecting the V
IO
pin to a power source (such as might exist on a
PCB). You must connect V
IO
to a reference voltage when using the
external power supply. Actel recommends using the external power
supply when the target system cannot supply enough current to run SE
II. See Table 1-1 for a list of possible power configurations.
When you apply power, the yellow “heart beat” LED on Silicon
Explorer II begins to blink.
Actel designed Silicon Explorer II hardware to withstand abuse
normally found in a lab environment. However, long term exposure to
out-of-range conditions can cause failure. In particular, long term
connection to reverse- or over-voltage power conditions can cause
thermal failure.
Table 1-1. Power Configurations for Silicon Explorer II
I/O Power Supply
External SE II Power
Supply
VIO
2.5V Required 2.5V
3.3V Optional
a
a. If your current system is limited, you must use the external power supply
and use VIO as the reference voltage. See Table 1-2 for more information
about SE II current requirements.
3.3V
5.0V Optional
a
5.0v