How to Calibrate Software - Microcontroller software installation

[qualitygoddess - 2010]

I am sure these questions may generate other questions on my part, but I have to start somewhere! Here goes:

1. we program a firmware onto a microcontroller using three types of programming devices that "automatically" verify that the program has been placed on the microcontroller. In one case, the supplier of the programming device provides a calibration service. I get a calibration cert after their visit. In another case, the supplier of a different programming device does not provide a calibration service. Suggestions on how to calibrate in-house??

2. we have programmers who write software, specifically software drivers that control the computer's communication with the microcontrollers. When we do product validation during either beta site testing, or with internal testing, is this calibration? Or to rephrase -- do we need to calibrate the software??

Hoping the metrology gurus will respond!

 

[Al Rosen]

I am sure these questions may generate other questions on my part, but I have to start somewhere! Here goes:

1. we program a firmware onto a microcontroller using three types of programming devices that "automatically" verify that the program has been placed on the microcontroller. In one case, the supplier of the programming device provides a calibration service. I get a calibration cert after their visit. In another case, the supplier of a different programming device does not provide a calibration service. Suggestions on how to calibrate in-house??

2. we have programmers who write software, specifically software drivers that control the computer's communication with the microcontrollers. When we do product validation during either beta site testing, or with internal testing, is this calibration? Or to rephrase -- do we need to calibrate the software??

Hoping the metrology gurus will respond!

I'm not a Metrology Guru but I had some thoughts on this.

Do you do any testing of the microcontoller after programing? If so, why does the programming device need calibration. It may only need to be adjusted or maintained in accordance with the manufacturers recommendation. Just follow the manufacturers instructions for calibration. Has there ever been an issue of the programming device not properly programming the microcontroller? If not, maybe "calibration" is not required.