Contents Copyright Information ......................1 Equinox Warranty Information ..................... 2 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance ............. 4 Technical Support........................5 Product Documentation ......................6 i. Overview .......................... 6 ii. Documentation and software for the EPSILON5-MK4 programmer ........ 8 iii. Device algorithm - Application notes ................8 iv.
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2.9 Re-assembling the programmer .................. 37 2.10 USB Driver - Installation Instructions ................ 38 2.10.1 Driver Installation Instructions................38 2.10.2 Selecting the USB – Virtual COM Port (VCP) in EQTools ....... 38 2.11 Hardware - Fault Finding Guide ................40 3.0 Programmer –...
Copyright Information Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the manufacturer. The software described in this document is furnished under license agreement or nondisclosure agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Equinox Warranty Information This product is guaranteed by Equinox Technologies (UK) Limited for a period of 12 months (1 year) after the date of purchase against defects due to faulty workmanship or materials. One guarantee covers both parts and labour. Service under the guarantee is only provided upon presentation of reasonable evidence that the date of the claim is within the guarantee period (e.g.
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Disclaimer Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that programming algorithms are correct at the time of their release, it is always possible that programming problems may be encountered, especially when new devices and their associated algorithms are initially released. It is Equinox’s Company Policy to endeavour to rectify any programming issues as quickly as possible after a validated fault report is received.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance The ‘EPSILON5-MK4 Programmer’ is a CE approved product. It has been designed for use in an ESD controlled environment i.e. in development or production. This means, therefore, that the user must ensure that there is no possibility of damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Since the devices and equipment to which this product is likely to be connected may well themselves be susceptible to ESD, this should not pose any difficulty.
Technical Support If you have a technical support problem regarding this product, please consult the following list for help: i. User Manual ii. On-line help Press <F1> for help at any time when running EQTools or ISP-PRO. The help system is context-sensitive. Simply press <F1> on any error message and the possible causes of the error should be listed.
Product Documentation i. Overview This manual provides an overview of the contents of the 'EPSILON5-MK4' Programming System plus associated hardware and software. References may be made to other hardware and software products which are not covered in detail in this manual. Please refer to the table below for a list of sources of documentation and/or browse to http://www.equinox-tech.com Software:...
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JTAG In-System (ISP) Upgrade – Application Note This license upgrade enables the EPSILON5-MK4 Programmer to support high-speed In-System Programming (ISP) of the Atmel ATmega microcontroller family using the JTAG algorithm. The following sources of documentation are available for this software: •...
ii. Documentation and software for the EPSILON5-MK4 programmer In line with our policy of continuous improvement, the software and associated documentation for this product are updated on a regular basis. You can download the latest software, firmware, User Manuals and application notes for the EPSILON5-MK4 programmer from the following pages on the Equinox website: 1.
iv. Programmer related - Application notes The table below lists the Application Notes available for the EPSILON5-MK4 programmer range which describe the USB driver installation, the different control methods available, firmware update procedure and Oscillator Calibration procedure. Application Description Note AN109 Remote Application Control of Equinox ISP Programmers using ISP-PRO Utility AN110...
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EPSILON5 MKIV - USB Programmer - User Guide V1.05 19/09/12...
1.0 Programmer Overview / Specifications 1.1 Programmers covered in this manual This manual covers the following Equinox programmers: • EPSILON5-MK4 1.2 EPSILON5-MK4 programmer - new features The EPSILON5-MK4 is an upgraded version of the ever-popular EPSILON5 programmer. The new features of the EPSILON5-MK4 programmer are as follows: •...
1.4 EPSILON5-MK4 - Project Compatibility As the EPSILON5-MK4 programmer is based on a similar hardware design to older MK1 / MK2 / MK3 versions, any ‘Standalone Programming Projects’ developed for use on the earlier programmer versions can also be used on the new EPSILON5-MK4 programmer without requiring any modifications.
1.5 EPSILON5-MK4 Programmer - Main Features Wide ranging Device Support capability • Supports In-System Programming (ISP) of many popular FLASH Microcontrollers, Serial EEPROM and serial FLASH Memories High-speed Programming • Optimised algorithms, on-board project data storage and high-speed line-driver circuitry delivers the fastest possible programming times Supports most ISP Protocols •...
1.6 EPSILON5-MK4 - Programmer versions The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer is now available in three different versions, each offering different device support. Please refer to the table below for an overview of each version. Programmer version Description • EPSILON5-MK4(STD) Supports programming of Atmel AVR devices via the SPI interface only.
1.7 EPSILON5-MK4 – Device support for each Programmer version The table below details which device families are supported by each version of the programmer. Device Programming EPSILON5-MK4 EPSILON5-MK4 EPSILON5-MK4 Family Interface (STD) (AVR-JTAG) (ARM) Atmel AVR (SPI): LV SPI - AT90S - AT90USB - AT90CAN - ATmega...
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300 series All manufacturers UPGRADE UPGRADE UPGRADE 24xxx Serial EEPROM Memories EPSILON5 MKIV - USB Programmer - User Guide V1.05 19/09/12...
1.8 Programming Interface to Target Device The programmer supports the following programming interfaces to the Target Device: Programming Device Description / Comment Interface Family LV SPI AT89S Atmel Low Voltage Serial Programming Mode • AT90S Atmel 3-wire SPI interface (SCK, MOSI, MISO ) •...
1.9 System Contents The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer comes complete with various ISP ribbon cables, USB cable and EQTools Driver Software. Please see the full contents list detailed below. Hardware • EPSILON5-MK4 ISP Programmer Cables • USB connection cable (mini-USB to USB-A) •...
1.10 Hardware Overview (external layout) Top Panel ISP Cable Slot The ISP cable plugs into relevant ‘ISP Header’ internally and then exits the case through this slot. Front Panel <Target Vcc> LED - Indicates when ‘Target Vcc’ is ON - Does not indicate ‘Programmer Power’...
1.12 Programmer Specifications Overview The table below details the hardware specifications for the programmer. Please refer to the stated section for further information about any specific parameter. Parameter Description / comment Refer sect Target Device See Device Support List. Support For the latest version please see website.
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PC Control Software The programmer can be controlled using: As standard: • EQTools • Upload Wizard (integrated within EQTools) • 10 PC requirements PC running Windows 95 / 98 / 2000 / ME / NT4 / XP / Vista / Windows 7 •...
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18 Target JTAG The programmer supports a user-defined JTAG frequency: • Frequency SLOW: 0 – 833 kHz • FAST: 1.266 MHz • 19 Target UART Speed This is the Communications Speed (BAUD rate) from the programmer to the Target Device when communicating via a Boot Loader.
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25 Temperature range 0 to 50 deg. C 26 Dimensions 189H x 80L x 31D mm 27 Shipped Weight 0.75 kg EPSILON5 MKIV - USB Programmer - User Guide V1.05 19/09/12...
1.13 DC Power Input Connector (CON1) It is possible to power the programmer from an external power supply by plugging the ‘DC Power Cable’ supplied with the programmer into CON1. This connector is a 2.5mm jack socket. CON1 – pin-out Description Voltage Centre pin...
1.15 J5 – USB Communications Port The programmer communicates with a PC via the USB Communications Port (J5). Bottom Panel 1. mini-USB Connector Port (J5) 2. External DC Power Supply Input (CON1) The programmer features a mini-USB connector. The programmer is supplied with the following cable: USB connection cable (mini-USB to USB-A) 1.
2.0 Hardware Installation 2.1 Overview This section details how to set up the programmer hardware including power supply, earthing requirements, PC Serial Port Connection and ISP Header Selection. The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer is available as three different versions, each with different device support and set up requirements.
2.2 ESD Precautions • Work in a static-free environment. • Wear an earthed wrist strap when handling either the programmer and/or any programmable device. • Ensure that the PC, programmer and Target system are connected to the same EARTH (0V) potential. •...
2.4 Powering the Programmer / Target System 2.4.1 Select the required method of powering the Programmer / Target System The programmer supports the following power supply methods: Sect Power Supply method Jumper Target CON1 Vcc (V) Jack Socket (V) 2.4.2 Powering the Target System at +5.0V from the FITTED 5.0V from 6.2V - 9.0V...
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Fig. 2.4.1 EPSILON5-MK4 – Power Supply Overview Schematic EPSILON5 MKIV - USB Programmer - User Guide V1.05 19/09/12...
2.4.2 Powering the Target System at +5.0V from the programmer (external mains power supply adaptor) • Plug power supply jack into mating jack socket CON 1 on the rear of the programmer. • External power supply must be 9.0 to 12.0V DC regulated (9.0V DC regulated power supply is supplied with the programmer).
2.4.4 Powering the programmer from the Target System at 3.0 – 5.0V • The Target System can supply power to the programmer as long as the Target Voltage is 3.0 – 5.0V. • The Target System must be able to supply the worst case programming current to the programmer (approx 80mA).
2.4.6 Programmer only powered from PC USB port • The programmer electronics (not the Target System) is powered from the PC USB port. • The host PC USB port must be capable of supplying at least 70mA otherwise the programmer will not function correctly. •...
2.5 Selecting the correct ISP (In System Programming) Header Select the required ISP Header and then plug the ISP Cable into this Header. Please refer to section 4 of this manual for full details of all the available headers. Connect the ISP cable to the ISP Header on your Target System Make sure the programmer and Target System Power are switched OFF ! Make sure that the ISP Cable plug is inserted the correct way around into the ISP Header on the Target System.
2.6 Earthing requirements 2.6.1 Overview When setting up the programmer to In-System Program (ISP) a device on a Target System, extreme care must be taken to ensure that the 0V of the PC, programmer, Target System and any external devices are at the same ‘earth potential’. If you are using the programmer with a laptop computer, please read section 3.2.2 carefully.
2.6.4 Earthing recommendations To avoid catastrophic damage to PC, programmer or target system: • Ensure that both your target system and PC are connected to a common earth point • Make sure that all interconnections are made before applying power to PC and target system •...
2.8 Testing the programmer hardware Programmer circuitry powers up to 5.0V. Apply power to the programmer Target Vcc LED illuminates If you have a ‘Current Limit’ on your power supply, turn it to approximately 20mA and The LED will illuminate if a target voltage then gradually increase it until the between 3.0 and 5.0V is detected.
2.10 USB Driver - Installation Instructions 2.10.1 Driver Installation Instructions 1. Make sure the USB cable is NOT connected between the PC and programmer 2. Install the ‘USB Driver’ – see Application Note AN126 for further instructions. The ‘USB Driver’ can be found as follows…. i.
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Please refer to Application Note AN126 for further instructions on setting up and testing the USB ‘Virtual COM Port’. EPSILON5 MKIV - USB Programmer - User Guide V1.05 19/09/12...
2.11 Hardware - Fault Finding Guide • Target Vcc LED does not illuminate when Switch power off immediately in case of power is applied to the Programmer / a short-circuit ! • Target System Check that you have chosen the correct ISP Header to connect to your Target System.
3.0 Programmer – Getting Started Guide 3.1 Software Overview The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer is supplied with a comprehensive Integrated Development Environment (IDE) called the ‘EQTools Software Suite’. This software supports creation and testing of so-called ‘Standalone Programming Projects’ which can then be uploaded to the programmer for use in ‘Standalone Mode’.
3.2 Programmer Control Mechanisms The programmer can be controlled from EQTools in ‘EDS - Development mode’ or using the programmer keypad / Status LEDs. An overview of the various control mechanisms is given below. EQTools – EDS Development Mode In EDS mode, the programmer can be fully controlled from the PC. It is possible to read / write a target IC, program configuration fuses / security fuses etc via a graphical GUI.
3.3 Software Installation The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer comes with the software suite called EQTools as standard. The latest version of this software which was available at the time of shipping is supplied on CD-ROM with the programmer. However, this software version is likely to have been superseded by a newer version.
3.4 Programmer Operating Modes The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer can be controlled in various different ways as detailed in the table below: # Programmer Connect Control Method Upgrade Functional description Refer Mode to PC / Software License Required section Port 1 Development EQTools - EDS Standard In this mode, the programmer...
3.5 Development Mode (EDS) 3.5.1 Overview In ‘Development Mode’, the programmer is controlled from the EQTools – EDS (Equinox Development Suite) running on a PC. The Development utility is called Equinox Development Suite or EDS for short. In this mode it is NOT necessary to upload the ‘Programming Project’ to the programmer as the EDS utility co-ordinates all programming operations.
• Select EEPROM Data File (optional – you can enter the file name at a later stage in EDS) • At the end of the EDS Wizard: Click the <Test> button Save the EDS file with an appropriate name eg. ATmega163.eds ...
3.5.4 Overview of EDS – Development Mode The EDS Utility consists of a series of tabs. Each tab controls a different area of functionality including FLASH Area Programming, EEPROM Area programming, Configuration Fuse Programming and Security Fuse programming. It is also possible to set up the SPI / JTAG / UART Target Speeds and the Power Supply Settings from EDS.
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Fig.3.5.4.2 FLASH / EEPROM tab – functional description File name and This specifies the ‘File Name / path’ and ‘Last updated’ date of the file to be properties loaded into the Buffer Window. • By default, this will point to the file specified in the associated Programming Project (*.ppm).
3.5.5 Buffer Window - Control Buttons The Buffer Window within EDS is used as a virtual data store which allows data to be transferred from file Buffer Window Target Device and vice-versa. The ‘Buffer – Control Buttons’ support operations on the data in the Buffer Window, including loading a file into Buffer or saving the contents of the Buffer to file.
3.5.6 Example of using EDS Here is an example of how to use EDS: • Select the <FLASH> tab • Click the <Load> button to load a file • Click the <Check Sig> button to check the Device Signature of the Target Chip •...
3.6 Standalone Keypad Mode 3.6.1 Overview In ‘Standalone Mode’, the EPSILON5-MK4 is controlled via the 2 x push buttons on the front panel of the programmer. The programmer ‘LED Status Indicators (PASS / BUSY FAIL)’ are used to display the current status of the programmer. In ‘Standalone Mode’ it is only possible to select from a single previously uploaded ‘Standalone Programming Project’...
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In Standalone Mode you can: • Select 1 x ‘Standalone Programming Projects’ using the keypad • Plug the Programmer ISP cable into a Target System • Program the selected ‘Standalone Programming Project’ into the Target Device • Unplug the Programmer ISP Cable from the Target System •...
3.6.2 Push Button Functions The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer features a two button keypad which is used to control the programmer when it is operating in ‘Standalone Mode’. The function of these buttons is described below. Button Function of button The <YES> button has the following functions: i.
3.6.3 Standalone Keypad Operation – step-by-step guide The instructions below detail how to operate the programmer in ‘Standalone Mode’ using the programmer keypad. A PC is not required while operating in ‘Standalone Mode’. 1. Ensure that you have already uploaded a valid ‘Project Collection’ to the programmer •...
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5. Programming Project – PASS If the ‘Standalone Programming Project’ programs the target device without any errors: User instructions Buttons Status LED Display Press • The PASS LED will FLASH • Press <YES> key to clear the PASS condition and program another device To program another device.
3.6.4 Programmer Status LED’s The current status of the programmer is displayed on the programmer Status LED’s as detailed in the table below. Fig. 3.6.4 Programmer Status LED’s – state descriptions Status LED State State Description Display • WAITING Programmer is now waiting to start an ‘Autoprogram’...
4.0 ISP Header Selection 4.1 Overview The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer caters for many different connection methods to a Target System by featuring FOUR possible ISP Header connectors. Each header provides the necessary signals to program the Target Device plus Vcc (power) and GND (Ground). The choice of which header to use depends on the ‘device type’...
4.2 ISP Header Selection Chart (by header) The FOUR ISP Headers featured on the EPSILON5-MK4 are detailed in the table below. Please refer to the section indicated in the ‘refer to section’ column for specific details of each header. Description / Function Refer to ISP Header Pin-out Header...
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Atmel 10-way JTAG Header Device support: Atmel ATmega32/128 + any new devices with JTAG port The EPSILON5-MK4 programmer can also support programming of many ARM microcontrollers using either the standard 20-way or 10-way ARM Debug connectors. This requires the use of a special ‘ARM ISP Cable’...
4.3 ISP Header Selection Chart (by Device) The table below details which header to choose for a specified device or device family. The information contained in this manual does NOT show the actual connections to the Target Microcontroller. Please refer to the separate Application Notes (see App Note column in table below) for full details of how to implement In-System Programming for your selected device.
4.4 J3 - Atmel 6-way ISP Header (SPI Interface) This connection method is suitable for interfacing the programmer to a Target System which features the following: • Atmel 6-way IDC ISP Header • An Atmel device which features the 3-wire SPI + RESET Programming Interface The 6-way IDC box header is the most compact header i.e.
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PROG_RESET O RESET Target RESET control pin This pin controls the Target Device RESET pin. It will driven HIGH/LOW according to the device type and settings in the ‘Pre-program State Machine’ tab in the Eqtools project. PROG_GND GROUND Ground Connection Common ground connection between PROGRAMMER and Target System.
4.5 J6(a) - Equinox 10-way Header (Generic SPI Interface) This connection method is suitable for interfacing the programmer to a Target System which features the following: • Equinox 10-way IDC ISP Header • An Atmel device which features the 3-wire SPI + RESET Programming Interface This is the favoured ISP connector as it allows the following additional functions: •...
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PROG_TSCK2 O XTAL1 SCK2 Clock Output (*Optional*) This output signal can be used to Only connect this pin if supply an external clock signal you are using the (SCK2) to the target microcontroller. SCK2 Clock Output to This function must be enabled in the clock the Target EQTools <Pre-programming State Device during...
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O - Output from programmer to Target Device I - Input to programmer from Target Device P - Passive eg. GROUND and power rails N/C - Not connected EPSILON5 MKIV - USB Programmer - User Guide V1.05 19/09/12...
4.6 J6(b) - Equinox 10-way Header (ATtiny11/12/15 HV Interface) This connection method is suitable for interfacing the programmer to a Target System which features the following: • Equinox 10-way IDC ISP Header • An Atmel ATtiny microcontroller eg. ATtiny11/12/15 • Suitable connections to implement ‘High Voltage Serial Programming Mode’.
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PROG_SDI Serial Data Input This is the serial data output pin from the programmer. This pin should be connected to the Serial Data Input (SDI) pin on the Target Microcontroller. Not connected PROG_SII SII (Serial Instruction Input) This is the serial data input pin to the programmer from the Target Device.
4.7 J6(c) - Equinox 10-way Header (UART Boot Loader) This connection method is suitable for interfacing the EPSILON5-MK4 programmer to a Target System which features the following: • Equinox 10-way IDC ISP Header • An Atmel Wireless T89C51Rx2 / CC01 microcontroller •...
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PROG_RXD Programmer RXD (Transmit) pin The programmer receives serial data on this pin from the Target Device TXD (Transmit) pin. PROG_GND Ground Target / Programmer GROUND Connection connection Common ground connection between PROGRAMMER and Target System. PROG_ACTIVE LED or Programmer ACTIVE LED Interrupt pin This pin can be driven LOW when a programming action is taking place.
4.8 J7 - Atmel 10-way Header (SPI Interface) This connection method is suitable for interfacing the programmer to a Target System which features the following: • Atmel 10-way IDC ISP Header • An Atmel device which features the 3-wire SPI + RESET Programming Interface This connector is compatible with the Atmel STK200, STK300 and STK500 Starter Kits.
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PROG_RESET O RESET Target RESET control pin This pin controls the Target Device RESET pin. It will be driven HIGH/LOW according to the device type and settings in the ‘Pre-program State Machine’ tab in the Eqtools project. PROG_GND GROUND Ground Connection Common ground connection between the programmer and Target System.
4.9 J8 - Atmel 10-way JTAG Header (JTAG Interface) This connection method is suitable for interfacing the programmer to a Target System which features the following: • An Atmel device which features a JTAG ISP port e.g. ATmega128 / 323 / 64 •...
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PROG_VCC TARGET_VCC Target Vcc Connection - See pin 4 - Pins 4 + 7 are physically connected inside the programmer. Not Connected PROG_TDI JTAG TDI – Test Data Input pin Data signal from programmer to Target Device JTAG port. PROG_GND GROUND Ground Connection Common ground connection between...
4.10 ARM 20-way ISP Cable connector system There is no direct connector for supporting ARM microcontrollers on the EPSILON5-MK4 programmers. Instead a special ‘ARM ISP Cable’ is available which plugs into the standard connectors. Please refer to Appendix 1 for further information about the ‘ARM 20-way ISP Cable’. The pin-out of the 20-way connector cable is shown below: ARM 20-way cable Device support:...
4.11 ARM 10-way ISP Cable connector system There is no direct connector for supporting ARM microcontrollers on the FS2003 / EPSILON5-MK4 programmers. Instead a special ‘ARM ISP Cable’ is available which plugs into the standard connectors. The pin-out of the 20-way connector cable is shown below: ARM 10-way cable Device support: Any ARM device with a JTAG...
4.12 ISP Cable considerations The programmer is supplied with a single 10-way ISP Cable as standard. This cable is terminated with a 10-way IDC 0.1” female polarised plug at each end. The cable is wired as a so-called ‘straight- through’ cable with pin 1-1, 2-2 etc. The polarised ISP Header ensures that the ISP Cable cannot be plugged in the wrong way around by mistake.
Appendix 1 – 20-way ARM ISP Cable 1.0 Overview It is necessary to use a special ‘ARM ISP Cable’ to connect between an FS2003, EPSILON5-MK4 or EPSILON5-MK4 programmer and an ARM ‘Target System’. This cable converts the programmer pin-out to the standard 20-way ARM JTAG pin-out suitable for plugging into a 20-way IDC socket on any ARM Target System.
1.3 Power Supply - Selection Jumper If you have version ‘V1.1’ of the ‘ARM ISP Cable’ then you will find a ‘3-way Jumper Link’ on the circuit board. This jumper is used to configure how the Programmer and Target System are powered. The jumper is labelled ‘IN’...
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EPSILON5 MKIV - USB Programmer - User Guide V1.05 19/09/12...
Important note If you are using the Equinox ‘ARM ISP Cable’ to program an NXP LPC2xxx microcontroller, please check that the resistor R6 is removed from the circuit board. This resistor is connected to a 47k ohm pull-up to Vcc and will pull the RTCK pin HIGH preventing the NXP LPC2xxx device from entering ‘Debug Mode’...
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