The PRESTO is a powerful, very fast and cost effective programmer for a wide range of popular components - microcontrollers, serial EEPROM and Flash memory chips, CPLDs and others.

High speed
PRESTO is optimized for high speed, for example, as a PIC programmer it programs and verifies a full PIC18F8720 in 6 seconds! (3 seconds for programming and 3 seconds for verification). Complete eCOG1 in less than 3 seconds.

Many devices supported
Hundreds of devices are supported by the UP software and the list is growing continuously. Moreover, many other parts can be programmed using JTAG. For more information, see the paragraph "Wide range of supported devices" below.

Enhanced programming interface
In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) is a very beneficial and frequently used PIC feature. PRESTO directly supports this function using a dedicated connector and an included cable. In comparison to other ASIX' programmers, the ICSP connector has been enhanced - there are two more pins allowing support of a wider range of components such as Atmel's MCUs, devices with JTAG interface and many serially programmable memory chips.

The target application device can be either powered by PRESTO (5 V nominally) or powered by an application within a voltage range of 3 to 5 V (with a ±10% tolerance, i.e. 2.7 to 5.5 V). The voltage range can be extended by two special headers - HPR3V3 (for 3.3 V output) and HPR1V2 (for 1.2 to 3.3 V support).

Overcurrent limitation on target supply and programming voltages remarkably reduces the risk of damaging parts because of operator error. Target supply overvoltage detection is also implemented.

Advanced software
The program UP supports PRESTO as well as other ASIX' programmers. It offers many advanced functions like projects, command line control, Windows message control, workspace setup including user keyboard shortcut definitions, serial number generation by various methods, etc.

Devices with JTAG interface and eCOG microcontrollers are supported by dedicated programs JTAG SVF Player and eCOG Programmer, respectively.

Software upgrades are freely available for all users on the Internet. They contain new device support, new functions and algorithm updates if required.

Now with LINUX support (using WINE) - read more...

Comfortable user interface
GO button allows the user to comfortably start the device programming, without the need for a PC keyboard or a mouse. LEDs indicate programmer status - green LED ON-LINE signals a working USB connection and yellow LED ACTIVE indicates that PRESTO is operating (programming, reading, ...).


PRESTO is powered by the USB bus, so there is no need for any additional supply adaptor.

PRESTO is small, lightweight and compact.