LPCreFlash is a free utility program for downloading applications firmware to boards based on NXP Semiconductors' ARM microcontroller chips. It is offered as an alternative to FlashMagic, with a different emphasis. LPCreFlash was designed mainly as a tool that can be used by the non-technical end users of equipment that uses an LPC/ARM processor. However, it also has modes that will be useful for developers and production line use.
Features
- End-user mode uses an easy to follow wizard to guide casual, non-technical users (slow and verbose, but comforting)
- Developer mode for savvy users, gets straight to the point for smooth workflow
- Free to use Production mode for fast burning of many boards. One click per board
- Flexible command-line or Windows shortcut parameter options allow behaviour to be tailored to different needs
- Unique "signature" system to reduce the risk of an end user "burning" the wrong firmware into a board
- Uses the chip's native ISP mode
End user mode
The end user mode is desiged specifically for casual, non-technical users. The target audience is the owner of a piece of equipment that contains an LPC processor, and who needs to upgrade the firmware. In end user mode LPCreFlash has a wizard interface that guides the user one little step at a time. There are on-screen prompts, plus a "More help" button that leads to a more expansive online help page. This to provides the novice user with the information required to work through the complexities of COM ports, USB adaptors etc.
Developer mode
Developers know exactly what they are doing and want to get straight to the point and burn the chip. In developer mode LPCreFlash has a single page for selecting file and COM port, plus a BURN button. Plain and simple, with no fuss.
Production mode
Production mode uses the same wizard interface as end user mode to set up the first burn, then goes into a loop with one click per burn. It suits production line use where the operator needs some assistance to get going but can then merrily burn the same program into boards all day long.
More confident production staff can of course also use developer mode.
Command line parameters
LPCreFlash uses a blend of ini file and command line parameters to retain setup information. It is for example possible to set up a Windows shortcut or batch file that will burn the same hex file via a given COM port in developer mode. A Windows desktop could contain several such shortcuts, one per product.
Signature system
LPCreFlash supports an optional, proprietary file signature scheme. In this scheme information about the application, firmware revision number etc is located at a pre-determined address within the file. For end users upgrading an application this provides a mechanism for confirming that the correct firmware is indeed being burned into the chip. LPCreFlash signals any signature violations, though the user is able to do a burn even if there is a mismatch.
ISP (In System Programming)
ISP is the default means of communicating with an LPC chip via a serial link (UART). It uses the chips UART0. ISP mode is invoked by grounding a particular pin during reset, and may also be invoked programmatically. ISP uses the on-chip bootloader, which cannot be erased, so it is always available. Our LPC-based boards will always make UART0 available on a header, capable of using our PC232 programming cable.
LPCreFlash will also be able to reprogram boards made by other companies, so long as they have UART0 accessible.
Chips supported
The initial release has been developed and tested using LPC2368. It has tables for other LPC23xx versions, and should work with those. It also has tables for LPC17xx, LPC11xx and LPC13xx, but has not been tested with those. We appreciate any feedback. (The program generates a detailed log file to aid problem analysis)
System requirements
LPCreFlash works on all Windows versions from Windows XP to Win7. Requires one COM port or USB to COM adaptor. Adaptors based on FTDI chips are preferred.
Installation
- Click the link above, download and save the file where you can find it. You will get an exe file with a name similar to "lpcreflash_setup_1-0-008.exe"
- Double-click the file
- Follow the prompts. The program will install in default folder C:\Program Files\SPLat\NGreFlash.
- In 64-bit operating systems some users have reported that the program may only run if, the first time you run it, you right-click the icon and run it as administrator.
Our testing does not show this problem. Please let us know if you encounter this problem. - Others have reported the following way to make it run in Vista 64:
- Right click the short cut icon
- Select Properties
- In properties, select the Compatibility tab
- Select XP