User Manual For CYCLONE
FX
Programmers
100
Figure 11-1: CYCLONE FX With Barcode Scanner
11.3
Potential Benefits Of Programming Via Barcode Scan
The use of a barcode scanner as part of the manufacturing process can boost productivity and
reduce human error. When the user scans a barcode to select and launch the programming
sequence, it frees that user from having to know any details about the product being programmed;
point, shoot, and it programs. Programming multiple products with different data can be as simple
as connecting each new target board and scanning a barcode that is printed on it.
A manufacturer might, for example, design their products such that every product has a unique
barcode printed on it. Part of these barcodes might be a fixed string, and part of them might be
changing (for example :WIDGET1-A00143, WIDGET1-A04325, WIDGET1-B03222). In this
scenario, the barcode test for the WIDGET1 programming image could check that the barcode
starts with the fixed string “WIDGET1-” (product identifier), the next character is an A or B (product
version), and that the rest of the barcode is numeric (unique ID). If it passes, the WIDGET1 image
would be selected and the target programmed.
This same manufacturer might also set up the programming process for each product to program
the barcode itself at a specific point in memory. There are then many ways a device could leverage
its barcode number. For example, the running application in the device could check the product
version of the barcode to understand whether it is running on hardware revision A or B and make
decisions based upon that information. The Unique ID could also be used for this purpose. E.g., if
the number is less than 5000, then use high drive strength on the product's port X; otherwise use
low drive strength on the product's port X. When connected later to the cloud, it can report its
unique identifier back to its home base. Potentially it could use the barcode's Unique ID as part of
setting up its MAC address for Ethernet.
