BP Microsystems Actel Silicon Sculptor 3 Programmer Info and Teardown

At Around 4 AM April 27th 2024, my alert on Feebay for an BP Microsystems Actel Silicon Sculptor 3 Programmer pinged me. I couldn’t resist. This unit opens doors to programming a plethora of old Actel and Microsimi FPGA’s, a capability lacking in my current Xeltek and Other programmers.

Unboxing Video

Photo Of the Unit

Compare Silicon Sculpter 3 Size to a Modern Xeltek Superpro 6100N

Photo Of the Internals

CPU Is a Old 486 DX4 100 UG80486DX4100

There is a JTAG Headder But is it Not Populated I may have to Hook in and Check it out.

Pin Driver Stack, Here is 1 Pin Driver I Removed For Photo there are a few Different Part Numbers I will Get Photos of them All…

I promptly installed the most recent BPwin 8.0.2 software from BM Microsystems. Upon completion, I conducted a thorough system test, confirming that all tests passed without issue. At present, the system is running on Bios V2.34, with the option to upgrade to V2.38 readily accessible. However, before initiating the update process, I intend to safeguard V2.34 through a precautionary backup for archival purposes. Amazing that such an old programmer is still supported on software developed by the manufacture in 2024. FTP Archive of BPwin Software.

Having followed the registration instructions diligently, I submitted the BPUNreg.bpr to BPM Microsystems as instructed. In response, I received confirmation that registration for this model is unnecessary. My other corespondents this is required for the 1710 which there is a hefty software support fee. So, With this task resolved, I’m now on the lookout for a couple of adapter sockets to commence testing with some chips at the earliest opportunity.

BP Microsystems Programmer Socket Naming Convention

Additionally, From my searching for info I came across a Small Wiki Page. https://proghq.org/wiki/BPM_Programmer it Appears this Silicon Sculptor 3 may be a Stripped Down BPM 1410\1610\1710 programmer with the Memory Slot Populated.

I am not doing a Full Teardown I no longer have the silicon sculptor 3.

June 02 2025, I did get another SS3 So a Teardown will happen…

This unit passed all tests.

I forgot to post the photos..

Here is TA Board a TA240VLV_FX4 form the firmware backup.

This board has 2 chips with stickers on them generally them are programmable.
U13 is a 93C46

Here is the Buffer it appears to just ID the TA Baord.

Main Board

There is a Chip with a Sticker U38.

This Chip is a 93C66 I backed this up it contains Unknown Data

Main Board Bottom.

Mian Board Flash, AM29LV200BT Assume this is where the firmware resides I did not back it up there is a JTAG port figured I would probe that first and never got around to doing it.

WWAVUSBEPP Board It Appears to be a CY7C68013A EX-USB FX2 USB Controller Being used for a USB to LPT converter

This board has a 24C64wp serial eeprom ( I Did back this up cannot locate image of buffer I will need to make a new one)

I have seen many of these programmers sold as parts and missing the USB Adapter. BPM Microsystems don’t list this part available for sale. So I am Creating an open source one based on the same CY7C68013A and the 24C64 from my probing its very simple and using info from the data sheet. its a Small Board so will be cheap the most expensive part is the MCU about $10.00.

I did find a open source USB Adapter project based on the MCU it seems to be almost identical to this hardware except for the target connector and a few passives.

Tip on reassembly place the 4 center screws in the unit before screwing down the standoffs keeps holes aligned.

Thanks For Looking.