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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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14 years ago

JTAG Programmer electrically isolated

Hi, is the Altera USB Blaster electrically isolated and if not are there any programmers which are electrically isolated? Thanks for your answer, David

4 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    14 years ago

    I think Altera USB Blaster are not electrically isolated from USB cable.

    Maybe other USB Blaster are. A few get high voltage protection.

    To work around, use a portable PC ;-)

    Think about your safety. In which conditions are you operating with USB Blaster ?
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    14 years ago

    You can use USB Blaster with industry standard USB isolators. New Ethernet Blaster II is basically isolated, except for the RJ45 shield contact, that is tied to ground for some reason.

    Or design your own JTAG isolator. For power electronics applications, I'm using an isolator based on the NVE IL717 coupler and a 3.3V DC/DC converter.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    14 years ago

    Thanks for the answers, I think i will buy the USB Blaster and if i'll need an isolation, i'll isolate the JTAG connection as FvM proposed...