Professional SPI Host Adapter for High-Performance Applications
The Total Phase Cheetah SPI Host Adapter represents the pinnacle of SPI interface technology, specifically engineered for applications demanding maximum performance and reliability. Operating at speeds up to 40+ MHz, this professional-grade adapter delivers the performance required for modern embedded system development and production programming environments.
Advanced Architecture and Performance
The Cheetah adapter's pipelined architecture enables continuous, gapless data shifting that maximises throughput whilst maintaining precise timing control. This advanced design eliminates the performance bottlenecks common in traditional SPI interfaces, delivering sustained data rates that approach the theoretical maximum of the SPI clock frequency.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| SPI Clock Range | 0.1 MHz to 40+ MHz |
| Maximum Overclocking | Up to 50 MHz (experimental) |
| Slave Select Lines | 3 independent (SS1, SS2, SS3) |
| USB Interface | High-Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) |
| Target Power Supply | +5V, 25mA maximum |
Comprehensive Software Ecosystem
The Cheetah adapter includes a complete software suite designed to maximise productivity across the entire development lifecycle. Flash Center Software provides professional-grade memory programming capabilities with support for hundreds of SPI flash and EEPROM devices through an extensible XML-based parts library.
Gang Programming Capability
Connect multiple Cheetah adapters to a single computer for parallel programming operations, dramatically reducing production line cycle times whilst maintaining programming reliability.
Wiring Quick-Start
The Cheetah adapter connects to target systems via a standard 10-pin ribbon cable with 2.54mm (0.1") pitch IDC connector. The pin assignment follows industry standards for maximum compatibility:
| Pin | Signal | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SS2 | Slave Select 2 |
| 2 | GND | Ground Reference |
| 3 | SS3 | Slave Select 3 |
| 4 | NC/+5V | Target Power (Optional) |
| 5 | MISO | Master In, Slave Out |
| 6 | NC/+5V | Target Power (Optional) |
| 7 | SCLK | Serial Clock |
| 8 | MOSI | Master Out, Slave In |
| 9 | SS1 | Primary Slave Select |
| 10 | GND | Ground Reference |
Essential Wiring Considerations
Proper grounding is critical for reliable operation. Connect both ground pins (2 and 10) to establish a solid ground reference between the Cheetah adapter and target system. The adapter provides optional +5V target power on pins 4 and 6, capable of supplying up to 25mA for low-power target devices.
Programming Example Code
The following Python example demonstrates basic SPI communication using the Cheetah API:
Flash Memory Programming Workflow
Programming SPI flash memory with the Cheetah adapter and Flash Center Software follows a streamlined workflow optimised for both development and production environments:
- Connect target flash device via ribbon cable
- Launch Flash Center Software and detect adapter
- Select memory device from extensive parts library
- Load programming data (binary, hex, or S-record formats)
- Execute erase, program, and verify sequence
Performance Benchmark
The Cheetah adapter can erase, program, and verify a typical 1MB SPI flash memory in approximately 23 seconds, with the main limitation being the flash memory's page commit time rather than the adapter's transfer speed.
Development Environment Integration
Cross-platform API support enables seamless integration into existing development workflows. The Cheetah API provides comprehensive control over all adapter functions, with example code available for C/C++, Python, C#, and LabVIEW development environments.
For automated testing and production environments, XML batch scripting capabilities in Control Center Serial Software enable complex test sequences to be executed without manual intervention, improving both efficiency and repeatability.
Quality and Compliance
Manufactured to professional standards with CE, REACH, and RoHS compliance, the Cheetah adapter meets international regulatory requirements for professional and industrial applications. Each unit includes a comprehensive one-year warranty backed by Total Phase's professional support team.