Struggling to find development tools for Alpha Microelectronics Parts

Jun 30, 2009 3 Replies
J

I've been tasked to attempt to revise some firmware (I have the source, assembly code) for an AM8A series processor made by Alpha Microelectronics in Taiwan. To data I have yet to get an email response in regards to obtaining development tools for this processor. I understand that the part has been discontinued but they refuse to respond. They also will not allow me access to their download site.



Does anyone I might find an assembler for this part? Possibly there is an American distributor that I could contact, but I cannot seem to find one.



Any help would be appreciated.



formatting link



Thanks Jim Flanagan


Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
L

Is the part OTP or MASK? Do you have lifetime supply? How would you get additional parts, even with development tools? Sound like you should look for another lines of micro.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
A

If you have data sheets, writing an assembler (notably a Forth assembler) would not be out of the question. It can be more time efficient then bothering with commercial staff. On my site below, you can find some examples of reverse engineering assemblers that could take the task on even if the source of the firmware were lost.

Then -- as others have mentionned -- do you want to go on with a part with so little support?

Groetjes Albert
Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
L

Ah, a toy micro. Don't ever expect better support than this.

Talk to the OEM/ODM that is building the old version. They will have the contact at the chip manufacturer, or distributor, who can get you the tools. But if the chip is obsolete, how do you expect to get more?

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required