Cyclone ProCryption Security: RSA/AES Encryption Added for Production Programming

This post was updated on 14 Sept., 2023 to include security information as it relates to the PEcloud cloud-based flash programming platform.

PEmicro's new ProCryption Security feature on Cyclone programmers allows for easy-to-use custom encryption of programming images as well as control over how and when programming images are used. By taking advantage of these security features a user can send their programming images electronically with the confidence that their valuable IP will remain safe and only usable on their own Cyclone programmers. It is also possible to control how many times an image is programmed and when, such that unwarranted programming does not occur.  When used along with our PECloud service, it allows for remote supervision and control of your IP. Once implemented, these security measures are also easy to maintain.  

With ProCryption Security, Cyclone users can:

1. Create RSA/AES encrypted programming images (eSAP images) that use their own uniquely generated ImageKey(s). These programming images may only be used on Cyclones that are pre-configured with the same ImageKey(s). 
2. Restrict the use of programming images by programming count and date range. 
3. Use Cloud-managed Jobs for remote monitoring and control of the manufacturing process.

Cloud Setup

This blog post shows the steps needed to prepare for using cloud-connected programming jobs with Cyclone Programmers.

In order to create a cloud connected programming job, the user's local software needs to be connected to their Virtual Factory in PEcloud. This allows job information, and optionally the job binary, to be uploaded to the PEcloud during creation.

For a Cyclone to be able to execute the job, the Cyclone needs to be provisioned to the same PEcloud Virtual Factory.  This gives the Cyclone access to the Job information. Additionally, if the job binary is delivered through the PEcloud, the Cyclone needs to be pre-loaded with a copy of the PEImageKey used to encrypt the job. 

Steps to using cloud-connected programming jobs:

1. Link PEmicro Cyclone Software to the user’s PEcloud account (To allow job creation).
2. Provision Cyclones to the user’s Virtual Factory in PEcloud (To allow job execution/download).  
3. Pre-load the user's PEImageKey(s) to the Cyclones (To allow job decryption/execution). 

PEmicro Supports Debug and Programming of Yuntu YTM32B1LD0 Devices

Update: As of September 2023, YTM32B1LE0 and YTM32B1ME0 are also supported.

PEmicro's development and production tools now support YTM32B1LD0 microcontrollers from Yuntu. Yuntu is a semiconductor and integrated circuit design company specializing in automotive-grade chips without wafer fabrication. It provides comprehensive solutions for automotive-grade chips to customers and ensuring innovation in global intelligent transportation technologies. Their YTM32B1LD0 processors are high-performance devices with a rich selection of peripherals and safety features.

PEmicro Adds Supports for Infineon 32-bit TRAVEO(tm) T2G ARM® Cortex® Microcontrollers

Update, July 28, 2023: PEmicro now supports entire Traveo T2G family including 32-bit Traveo T2G Arm Cortex for Cluster.

PEmicro's development and production tools now support Infineon's 32-bit Traveo(tm) T2G ARM® Cortex® devices. This includes both subfamilies Traveo T2G Arm Cortex for Body and Traveo T2G Arm Cortex for Cluster.

T2G microcontrollers are based on ARM Cortex-M4 (Single core) / M7 (Single core/Dual core) and deliver high-performance, enhanced human-machine interfaces, high security, and advanced networking protocols tailored for a broad range of automotive applications such as electrification, body control modules, gateway, and infotainment applications.

Flagchip as Flagship Devices Now Supported by PEmicro Tools

Update, July 20, 2023: PEmicro will be adding support for Flagchip as Flagship's FC7300F devices to those mentioned below.

PEmicro's development and production tools now support Flagchip as Flagship devices. The FC4150 device features a Cortex-M4 with FPU/DSP, 8K Cache, with 8MPU region. The Feature List available on the device webpage includes many impressive additional features, including support for 3xCAN with FD and 3xCAN without FD.

PEmicro's Cyclone programmers can be used for secure production programming of FC4150 devices, including control and automation. In addition, Multilink debug probes with PROGACMP programmer, and GDB Server Eclipse IDE plug-in are ideally suited for the development process.

PEMicro Supports Debugging with Renesas' e² studio IDE and RDPM

This blog post was updated July 12, 2023 to include Cyclone FX support in the Renesas Device Partition Manager (RDPM) GUI within e2 Studio and command-line.

PEmicro has added support for its Multilink and Cyclone tools to Renesas' e² studio IDE. e² studio is an Eclipse-based IDE created by Renesas which supports development and debugging of code on Renesas' Synergy and RA devices. This blog demonstrates the procedures needed to install and then configure PEMicro Multilink and Cyclone debug support in Renesas e2Studio.

PEmicro Tools Add Support for Blue Whale CVM0116 & CVM0118 Devices

PEmicro's development and production tools now support Blue Whale devices. The M01xx devices are designed for automotive electronic control applications, with a focus on high reliability, flexibility, and versatility.

PEmicro's Cyclone programmers can be used for secure production programming of M01xx devices, including control and automation. In addition, Multilink debug probes with PROGACMP programmer, and GDB Server Eclipse IDE plug-in are ideally suited for the development process.

Texas Instruments' MSPM0x Devices Now Supported by PEmicro

PEmicro's development and production tools now support MSPM0L and MSPM0G ARM Cortex-M0+ MCUs from Texas Instruments. ARM Cortex-M0+ MCUs are highly scalable and deliver the sensing and processing features that developers are seeking.

Infineon's MOTIX™ TLE9844 and TLE9879 Devices Now Supported By PEmicro Tools

PEmicro's development and production tools now support TLE9844 (Cortex M0) and TLE9879 (Cortex M3) devices from Infineon. These MOTIX™ Embedded Power ICs are highly integrated products that save space and energy, improve the overall system reliability through advanced diagnosis features and reduce the overall cost due to a minimum number of components. They fit with a range of motor control applications where a small package form factor and a minimum number of external components are essential, such as window lift, sunroof, wiper, auxiliary pumps, HVAC fans and engine cooling fan applications.

PEcloud Launches: A Cloud-Based, Production Programming Management Platform

PEmicro has announced the launch of PEcloud, a cutting-edge platform that offers unparalleled control and visibility into users' production programming Jobs which run worldwide on Cyclone programmers.

Users upload programming Jobs to PEcloud, which provides an easy-to-use online interface to manage workflow. Jobs are a new type of programming image that use a secure connection from the Cyclone to the PEcloud platform to provide additional control, features, and visibility to the user. PEcloud users manage these Jobs in their own Virtual Factories (VFs). Each VF space can be organized as the user sees fit in order to connect specific Cyclones, programming Jobs, and PEcloud users together logistically. 

PEcloud then allows for unprecedented visibility of, and control over, programming operations. Jobs being used in manufacturing can be paused, deleted, or updated. Programming logs for Jobs can be viewed, and unique device and dynamic programming data can be inspected. Serial numbers, programming count restrictions, and shared dynamic data are managed across all Cyclones running a Job. This system reduces distribution overhead and minimizes the risk of errors while increasing security.

An Overview of PEcloud

PEmicro has launched PEcloud, a cloud-based production programming Platform for the management of remote production.  Along with PEcloud, an updated version of the Image Creation utility has been released that now has the ability to generate PEcloud connected programming images (Jobs).

PEcloud gives the user a secure delivery method to send programming images to remote Cyclones, enhanced control over their IP being programmed, as well as insight into the production programming process.  It is designed with security in mind, so no matter where in the world the production programming is done, from generation of the programming image on the PC to deployment to PEcloud to downloading onto the Cyclone Production Programmer, customer Firmware IP remains safe. 

The Difference Between SAP Images and Job Images

PEmicro has launched PEcloud, a cloud-based production programming Platform, along with an updated version of the Cyclone Image Creation utility.  In addition to Stand-Alone Programming (SAP) images, the Image creation utility now has the ability to generate Cloud-Connected programming images (Jobs).   

SAP images and Job Images have a lot in common in terms of their base functionality, but the cloud-connected programming Jobs offer some really expanded capabilities that sets them apart. 

PEcloud: The Magic of SAPOBJ

PEmicro Cyclone programmers are sophisticated production programming tools that are designed to operate in StandAlone mode.  PEmicro’s Image Creation Utility generates these StandAlone programming images. They might combine an algorithm, binaries, and a programming script which could include  erase, program and verify of their binaries, as well as more complicated scripts along with other features like serial numbers, dynamic data, or running test commands and saving data for programming.  

Users often save a configuration file (.CFG) so they can later regenerate a new SAP image from the same configuration and reference files.  However, if any of the files have changed or been lost, like the binary file or the serial file, then it is not possible to recreate and image the programs with exactly the same data. The latest version of Image Creation Utility addresses this by adding the ability to build a SAP object file (.SAPOBJ).

MindMotion Devices Now Supported by Cyclone and Multilink Tools

Note: This blog post was updated on 05 April 2023 to reflect new support for the MindMotion MM32F Series.

PEmicro's development and production tools now support MindMotion's MM32 SPIN and MM32F family of microcontrollers. MindMotion products and solutions are widely used in industrial control systems, smart homes, wearable applications, automotive electronics, instrumentations, and many other fields. MM32SPIN is designed for motor drive and control.  MM32F is designed for the general purpose and high performance market.

PEmicro Supports Infineon 32-bit XMC7000 Industrial Microcontrollers

PEmicro's development and production tools now support Infineon's 32-bit XMC7000 Industrial Microcontrollers (Arm® Cortex®-M7). The XMC7000 architecture is built on a low-power 40-nm process technology and the MCUs offer best-in-class compute performance addressing high-end industrial applications.

Debug Authentication and Lifecycle Management

PEmicro will show its latest debug authorization technologies at Embedded World 2023, March 14-16 -- Hall 4, Booth 648.

Silicon Manufacturers like NXP, ST, and Renesas are placing security aspects at the forefront, including a secure debug connection. 

With tools like its Secure Boot Management Utility (for NXP's i.MX and LPC devices), PEmicro has been taking the lead in creating solutions that go above and beyond those provided by the manufacturer in order to make the development process as hassle-free and error-proof as possible. 

PEmicro Development & Production Tools Are RISC-V Ready

See PEmicro demonstrate RISC-V readiness at Embedded World 2023, March 14-16 -- Hall 4, Booth 648.

The RISC-V architecture, which offers some similarities to the ARM architecture but with a different set of advantages and disadvantages, is positioned to become a bigger part of the marketplace in the coming years. PEmicro is finalizing support for RISC-V devices, including the GD32VF103 from manufacturer GigaDevices. 

Users with plans to work with RISC-V devices are welcome to send us questions and concerns about specific parts they would be interested in programming. 

Cyclone Control Suite Supported on Linux/macOS

Watch PEmicro demonstrate a first-look into this new feature at Embedded World 2023, March 14-16 -- Hall 4, Booth 648.

Check for updates soon for when this will be publicly released in the cyclone software installer.

PEmicro's Cyclone programmers will soon support advanced control and automation features in both Linux and macOS. This support extends to all the three components of the Cyclone Control Suite - the Control GUI, Control Console, and Control SDK - which gives the user a great deal of flexibility when planning a solution.  

PEMicro Adds Support for STM32H5 Device from STMicroelectronics

PEmicro's development and production tools now support STMicroelectronics' STM32H5 microcontrollers based on ARM Cortex-M33.  The H5 devices are intended to offer a compelling combination of performance and security at a reasonable price.

PROG Update: "QO" (Queue Object Data) Command Replaces "SS" Command

Historically, PEmicro's PROG has limited the user to specifying one object file at a time to be programmed. But users occasionally encounter situations where they would want to program their bootloader, application, and some additional security settings, all at the same time. Such a configuration was possible using PROG, but quite cumbersome. So PEmicro has implemented a solution that allows programming of multiple object files using a single “PM” and “VM”. This solution is the new “QO” (Queue Object Data) command, which replaces the legacy "SS" command.

PEmicro Tools Now Supported in JetBrains CLion IDE

PEmicro is pleased to announce that our popular Multilink and Cyclone tools are now supported in JetBrains' CLion IDE. CLion is a smart, cross-platform IDE for C and C++ that includes code assistance and generation, on the fly code analysis, safe refactoring, and an integrated debugger with many powerful features. PEmicro's plugin allows the user to debug a broad range of ARM devices from many silicon manufacturers. For the complete list of ARM devices that PEMicro supports, please visit the following page: http://www.pemicro.com/arm/.

Below we have included a setup guide to get users up and running with PEmicro tools in CLion 2022.3.1 Build #CL-223.8214.51 running on Windows 10 Pro x64.

SiliconLabs Simplicity Studio 4 and 5 : Installing PEmicro Multilink and Cyclone Support

Simplicity Studio 4 and 5 are Eclipse-based IDEs by Silicon Labs which support development and debugging of code on EFM32 devices. PEmicro provides hardware debug probes which provide sophisticated debug of these same EFM32 devices. This blog demonstrates the three steps needed to install and configure PEmicro Multilink and Cyclone debug support in Simplicity Studio. 

UPDATE: All following steps now apply to Simplicity Studio 5

Secure Boot Programming for NXP LPC55Sxx Processors

PEmicro's Secure Boot Utility is now updated to support NXP's LPC55Sxx processors. The LPC55Sxx secure boot feature is a key component in protecting embedded devices as security threats increase both in volume and complexity. PEmicro’s Secure Boot Utility is a graphical user interface which configures Secure Boot for applications running on LPC55Sxx devices and sets device security features to inhibit copying or misuse.  Functionality includes signing applications, generating keys and certificates, setting security options, and running a security analysis of all settings.

The Secure Boot Utility automates building secure boot binary files and is used in the process of generating encrypted secure boot programming images for manufacturing.  The goal is to make sure the user's application data is secure in both the manufacturing stage and when devices are deployed in the field. The tool includes a security analyzer which grades the user's security choices based on how secure it will leave the device after programming.

The Secure Boot Utility is integrated into the Cyclone production programming software and included with the PROGARM programming software.

Cyclone Programming Overview for STMicroelectronics Devices

The process of setting up Cyclone programmers to perform production programming at a local or remote facility is simple and straightforward. PEmicro's Cyclones support programming of STMicroelectronics' popular STM32 and Bluetooth Low-Energy (BlueNRG) devices, as well as the SPC5 automotive and STM8 8-bit families.

In addition, Cyclone programmers leverage PEmicro's ProCryption Security to use industry-standard RSA/AES cryptography to safeguard programming images containing valuable IP. The IP owner also gains added control over factors like when and how many devices can be programmed, and how many errors are allowed.

This article will provide an overview of Cyclone programming - what the various components are and how they interact - and then explore the security aspect of the production programming process, in order to show that IP security does not need to be unduly complicated or expensive to be effective. 

Updated "GO" Command Enables Improved Control of MCU Reset Type

PEmicro has improved user reset capabilities after a flash programming sequence. With the updated implementation of the ‘GO’ command (available with most ARM Cortex processors) in both PEmicro's Cyclone and PROGACMP (v8.76 and up) software-based programming solutions, the user is able to specify the use of a software or hardware reset to reset the MCU. 

Cyclone Programming Control Port (ATE Compatible) Added

PEmicro has added "Cyclone Programming Control Port" functionality to the 10-pin expansion I/O interface on the Cyclone allowing external signal control of programming operations. The Cyclone Programming Control Port may be used to launch programming as well as read the IDLE/BUSY state of the cyclone and the SUCCESS/ERROR result of the last programming operation. The port I/O operates from 1.6v-5.5v. These signals can be interfaced to by ATE (Automated Test Equipment), external buttons / LEDs, microcontrollers, etc. 

Cyclone Incorporates Automated Run Tests Prior to Final Application Programming

Note: This article was updated on August 3. 2022 to reflect updates to the Cyclone programmer feature sets.

As part of the production programming process, Cyclone FX programmers have the ability to program and run a series of custom test applications in the target processor before final programming is allowed to occur. These custom test applications are written by the end user and include any functionality desired including test and calibration of the target system. The custom test applications indicate to the Cyclone through the debug interface whether they were successful or not and also optionally return generated data to the Cyclone for use later in the programming process. If all of the custom test applications pass, the final application is programmed into the target. This advanced control/automation feature is exclusive to the Cyclone FX programmer model. 

PEmicro Announces Development Tool Support for NXP’s New S32K3 Automotive MCU Family

PEmicro, an NXP® Semiconductors Gold Partner, has announced a range of development tool support for the S32K3 Automotive MCU family for next generation body, zone, and domain control applications. Tightly integrated with NXP’s evaluation boards and S32 Design Studio IDE, PEmicro tools provide a powerful platform for the evaluation, development, and production programming stages of the product cycle.

S32K3xx Secure Debug Support

NXP has released a new, scalable S32K3xx device family, featuring an advanced secure debug mechanism, based on secret keys, to protect user applications throughout the development phase. PEmicro debug tools, which are deeply integrated with NXP’s S32 Design Studio and other IDEs, include Python scripts to enable and use the secure debug feature.

PEmicro Supports STMicroelectronics' STM32WB Wireless Stack Functionality

PEmicro has introduced the ability to update the current flash memory of STMicroelectronics' STM32WB Wireless MCUs with wireless stack information. Deleting current wireless stacks allows for more available flash memory in the processor, while upgrading wireless stacks allows the processor to perform desired wireless functions out of the otherwise inaccessible second core.

PEmicro Legacy Hardware Support Notice (In Effect As of 1 Oct. 2021)

Beginning October 1, 2021 the latest versions of PEmicro software will only be tested against and designed to work with the following PEmicro hardware interfaces:

MULTILINK DEBUG PROBES (2015+)

• USB ML Universal, Rev. C or later
• USB ML Universal FX, Rev. B or later
• USB ML ACP

CYCLONE PROGRAMMERS (2016+)

• Cyclone LC Universal
• Cyclone LC ARM
• Cyclone FX Universal
• Cyclone FX ARM

Update to ICD & PKG Software Licensing

PEmicro is changing its licensing for ICD and PKG software, in the same manner as we previously updated PROG software. Effective today, July 23, 2021, the license that activates ICD and PKG will reside on a Cyclone or Multilink debug probe rather than in the software itself. The user who activates the software will choose a Cyclone or Multilink on which to permanently install the license. This allows that hardware interface to work with ICD and PKG on any machine where a supported version of the software is installed.

Note that the ICD and PKG software itself is unchanged, it is only the licensing which has been updated.

Java SE Dev Kit 11 Support Added to PEmicro's Eclipse-Based ARM IDE Plug-In

PEmicro is pleased to announce our latest Eclipse-based GDB Plugins for ARM devices with Java 11 support compatibility. Java 11 support was introduced in PEmicro's ARM plugin version 4.9.2 in April of 2021, and all ongoing PEmicro plugin releases include Java 11 support, as well as backwards compatibility with Eclipse IDEs that still rely on Java 8-based JDK. Java 11 is a prerequisite for native Eclipse IDEs, starting from version 2020-12, as well as some proprietary Eclipse based IDEs from NXP (MCUXpresso IDE) and STmicroelectronics (STM32CubeIDE).    

Cyclone Control Suite Adds Dynamic Data Programming For ECC Flash

PEmicro has added a new feature to the Cyclone Control Suite that solves a difficult production issue for certain devices with ECC-enabled flash when programming dynamic data.

The Cyclone Control SDK and Cyclone Control Console support a new feature called Specify Overlay Programming that will be very helpful for devices such as the Infineon TriCore, Infineon Traveo-II, or NXP Qorivva. This blog post demonstrates how to use Specify Overlay Programming.

Now available in the latest Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX Installation Software

Cyclone Programming Demo of NXP's New i.MX RT1170 Devices

PEmicro offers launch day support of many NXP devices. NXP has now released the i.MX RT1170 series of crossover devices, which are fast, efficient, secure devices ideal for IoT, automotive, and industrial applications.

For this important MCU launch, PEmicro put together a  demonstration of how quickly and easily the user can create and load a programming image, and program an i.MX RT1176 device, using a Cyclone programmer.

Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with Visual Basic .NET

PEmicro has released a Visual Basic .NET 2019 example utilizing the Cyclone Control SDK API.

The Cyclone Control SDK API allows developers to integrate the Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX into their applications. Using the API calls, you can control multiple Cyclones in stand alone programming operations and to read/update Cyclone settings.

The example project can be downloaded from our Github repository

Cyclone Control SDK also includes example applications for GCC, Microsoft Visual C, Microsoft Visual C#, Delphi/FPC, Labview, and Python.

Learn more about how you can use the Cyclone Control Suite to automate your production.

Using PEmicro's i.MX RT10xx Secure Boot Utility

NXP’s i.MX RT10xx devices come with an advanced set of security features which provide a sophisticated level of protection for devices in the field. PEmicro’s Secure Boot Utility is a graphical user interface which configures Secure Boot for applications running on i.MX RT10xx devices and sets device security features to inhibit copying or misuse.  Functionality includes signing and encrypting applications, generating keys and certificates, setting security fuses, and running a security analysis of all settings.

The Secure Boot Utility automates building secure boot binary files and is used in the process of generating encrypted secure boot programming images for manufacturing.  The goal is to make sure the user's application data is secure in both the manufacturing stage and when devices are deployed in the field. The tool includes a security analyzer which grades the user's security choices based on how secure it will leave the device after programming.

The Secure Boot Utility is integrated into the Cyclone production programming software and included with the PROGARM programming software.

Production Programming NXP i.MX RT10xx devices with Secure Boot

PEmicro's Cyclone production programmers make programming NXP i.MX RT10xx devices with Secure Boot enabled extremely easy and secure. The Secure Boot Utility, which comes with the programmer, handles i.MX RT10xx application signing, encryption, as well as the details of security fuse configuration and locking. The programmer supports an extremely fast Secure JTAG connection to the target i.MX device.  

PEmicro's Production Programming Images are heavily encoded, and optionally cryptographically secure, so the user’s firmware files, encryption keys, fuse settings, and passwords are safely protected from the moment the image is generated through the manufacturing process. Programming images can be restricted for use on specific cyclones, with specified date ranges and programming counts.

Learn about i.MX security features as well as see a demonstration of creating a secure i.MX RT10xx programming image.

Python Support for ARM® Cortex™-M processors UNIT Library Routines Now Available

PEmicro has expanded its line of UNIT Library Interface Routines by adding a package for Python support for ARM® Cortex™-M processors. PEmicro's UNIT Libraries allow the user to create custom Windows applications that can fully control an ARM® Cortex™-M processor using either PEmicro's Cyclone programmers or Multilink debug probes.

Multilink/Cyclone Debug with NXP's S32 Design Studio for ARM IDE

NXP 's S32 Design Studio for ARM provides a comprehensive enablement platform for ARM development with full integration of PEmicro’s GDB Server for ARM devices. This provides advanced debug capabilities via PEmicro’s Multilink, Cyclone, and embedded OpenSDA debug interfaces.

Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with Python

The Cyclone Control SDK is a software development kit with a comprehensive API that allows developers to seamlessly integrate Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX programmers into their applications. They can manipulate SAP images, launch SAP images, retrieve programming results, and update settings. This blog post demonstrates the use of the SDK in a Python application.

SAP Image Integrity Via Checksum with Cyclone Programmers

PEmicro’s software can calculate a checksum to help verify the data integrity of a SAP (Stand-Alone Programming) or eSAP (encrypted Stand-Alone Programming) image file. This checksum is a 32-bit hexadecimal number such as 0x0123ABCD. This number is unique to the SAP file, which is created by the user via the Image Creation Utility. If there are any differences (algorithms, object files, paths to these files, scripts, settings, description, name of the SAP files, or path of the SAP files) in how two SAP images are built, their checksums will also be different. The checksum should be recorded for a SAP image once it has been validated and becomes a golden file that is used for production. 

Device Data Integrity Via Checksum With Cyclone Programmers

A common method that our clients use to verify the data integrity of a device under test is to calculate a checksum and then compare it against a known good value. To help make this task easier, PEmicro has added the ability to calculate and retrieve the checksum of a device under test. This feature is available on Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX programmers, starting with software release v.10.49. The most recent Cyclone software is always available on the Support & Downloads tab of the Cyclone product pages.

PEmicro Discusses Cyclone Programmer Security in Embedded Online Conference Presentation

The Embedded Online Conference is a virtual conference for Embedded Systems, DSP, Machine Learning and FPGA Engineers, which is taking place on Weds. May 20 & Thurs. May 21, 2020. PEmicro is offering a presentation that describes the security measures that are used on Cyclone programmers to protect valuable IP. PEmicro president Kevin Perreault discusses Cyclone cryptography, restrictions on programming images, the ease with which a user can implement these security features, and more. Watch the presentation on the Show Floor page.

SD Card Security for Cyclone Programming

External memory, in the form of SD Cards, has proven to be very useful for some users as a physical way to distribute programming images to Cyclone programmers. This can be a convenient way to deliver images in scenarios where the Cyclone is not connected to the internet or a PC. 

In order to be used with a Cyclone, SD Cards are first formatted and encrypted at the sector level using industry standard AES encryption. The SD Card AES keys used are a blend of different information, and encryption happens in such a way that each SDCard is uniquely encrypted; only a Cyclone programmer has the knowledge to decrypt it. This means that any Cyclone FX can read the data inside the SD Card, which allows the SD Card to be moved around to different Cyclone FX units while also inhibiting a user from being able to copy the images.

Update to PROG Software Licensing

PEmicro is changing its licensing for PROG software. Effective Monday, April 27, 2020 the license that activates PROG will reside on a Multilink debug probe rather than in the software itself. The user who activates the software will choose a Multilink on which to permanently install the license. This allows that Multilink to work with PROG on any machine where a supported version of the software is installed.

Note that the PROG software itself is unchanged, it is only the licensing which has been updated.

Multilink/Cyclone Debug with STM32CubeIDE from STMicroelectronics

STM32CubeIDE from STMicroelectronics is an Eclipse-based enablement platform which supports development and debugging of code on STM32 ARM microprocessors. PEmicro hardware interfaces: Multilink and Cyclone can be leveraged for advanced debug capabilities via an Eclipse GDB plugin that is freely available for installation into any Eclipse IDE from PEmicro update site (https://www.pemicro.com/eclipse/updates). This blog demonstrates the steps needed to install and configure PEmicro Multilink and Cyclone debug support in STM32CubeIDE to the point of launching a debug session.

WORKAROUND for newer STM32CUBE IDEs with CDT version 10.6 and greater

The workaround is to disable the CDT update site. In STM32CubeIDE, go to Help->Install New Software -> Manage...

In the "Preferences" dialog, uncheck the checkbox next to CDT:

Then install the PEMICRO plugin.

Programming MCU Fuses, OTP, and Option Bytes

Article updated Aug. 2021 to describe automatic fuse generation for NXP i,MX RT devices.

Some ARM devices have areas of flash memory dedicated to programming user configuration data. Writes to such areas can be sensitive or permanent for some devices, so it is important that the developer is able to write these options in an intuitive way in order to minimizes human error. PEmicro's PROGACMP v7.78 and Cyclone software installer v10.41 introduce a set of new "user options" commands:

• Create/Modify User Options File (CU)
• Specify User Options File (SU)
• Program User Options (PU)

These commands allow the developer to individually program user options through the use of an IDE.

Custom Clock Trimming for Compatible ARM devices with Cyclone & PROGACMP

Along with clock multiplier and dividers, clock trimming offers a way for users to control the frequency of internal clocks in their target processors. Unlike multipliers and dividers, digital clock trimming allows changes to the internal clock through specific registers. Trim resolution can be any number of bits and different manufacturers provide different levels of trimming. Clocks are typically  trimmed to a specific value from the factory and are within a specific tolerance.

Comparison of the Classic Automated Control Package and the Cyclone Control SDK

PEmicro's Classic Automated Control Package is an older product that enables users to to control and automate the production process with PEmicro's legacy Cyclones (Cyclone PRO, Cyclone MAX, Cyclone for Renesas, Cyclone for ARM devices, Cyclone for STMicro). PEmicro most recent control package is the Cyclone Control Suite, which is included with all next generation touchscreen Cyclones (Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX). Like the Classic Automated Control Package, the newer Cyclone Control Suite also includes an SDK (called the Cyclone Control SDK).

Those who use the Classic Automated Control Package but are upgrading to a Cyclone LC or Cyclone FX programmer might have questions about the new Cyclone Control SDK, such as: 

• What are the differences between the two SDKs?
• Can the classic SDK be used with the new Cyclones?

Changing the Infineon XMC1000-Series BMI (Boot Mode Index)

The Boot Mode Index (BMI) is a 2-Byte value stored in Flash that holds information about the start-up mode and debug configuration of an Infineon XMC1000  device. From the factory, XMC1000 series devices are configured with ASC_BSL (ASC Bootstrap Load) mode by default. In ASC_BSL mode, ARM Serial Wire Debug (SWD) capabilities are disabled. During debug entry, PEmicro tools will automatically change the Boot Mode Index (BMI) to "User mode with debug enabled (UMD) SWD", allowing the user to communicate with the Infineon XMC 1000 series through SWD. 

Multilink/Cyclone Debug with NXP's S32 Design Studio for Power IDE

The "S32 Design Studio for Power IDE" from NXP provides a comprehensive enablement platform for Power Architecture with full integration of PEmicro’s GDB Server for Power Devices. This provides advanced debug capabilities via PEmicro’s Multilink, Cyclone, and embedded OpenSDA debug interfaces.

Infineon's DAVE™ IDE: Installing PEmicro Multilink and Cyclone Support

DAVE™ is an Eclipse-based IDE by Infineon which supports development and debugging of code on XMC1000 and XMC4000 devices. PEmicro's Multilink debug probes and Cyclone programmers can provide sophisticated debug for these Infineon devices via the DAVE™ IDE.  To use PEmicro's debug probes the user can simply install PEmicro's GDB Server Plug-In for ARM devices and then create a launch configuration.

Cyclone Programming Images Overview Video

Note: The Cyclone Image Creation Utility has changed in significant ways since the creation of this video, although the settings concepts that are discussed remain helpful. We hope to create an updated video soon.

PEmicro's Cyclone stand-alone programmers use Stand-Alone Programming (SAP) images that are created by the user to in-system program a target. This video provides an overview of what constitutes a programming image and demonstrates how to set up a basic SAP image using the Cyclone Image Creation Utility.

Topics covered during setup include:

• Target Power & Voltage Settings
• Communication Settings
• SAP image protection, including RSA/AES encryption that will only allow your SAP image to be decrypted on specific Cyclones 

Cyclone ProCryption Security: A Step by Step Example

This blog post gives a step-by-step example of a company that wants to use the ProCryption Security features of custom encryption and image limitations to: 

• Secure their programming images/IP from their own source computers all the way to their own Cyclone programmers at an external manufacturer
• Limit production programming to occur only in a specific date range
• Generate their own custom Encryption Keys and provision Cyclones with them

Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with C#

The Cyclone Control SDK is a software development kit with a comprehensive API that allows custom applications to control multiple Cyclones in stand alone programming operations and to read/update Cyclone settings. This blog post demonstrates the use of the SDK in the Microsoft Visual C# language. 

NOTE: The examples in this blog are shown in Microsoft Visual C#. The Cyclone Control SDK includes interface code and demo applications for GCC, Microsoft Visual C, Microsoft Visual C#, Delphi/FPC, Labview, Python, and Microsoft Visual Basic.

Programming STM32Fx and STM32Lx Option Bytes

As of January 2020, PEmicro now offers a new method of programming user configuration data through the new Program User Options command. Click here for more details about this command.

PEmicro supports a wide selection of STMicroelectronics' STM32 device families. Many STM32 devices include a set of user configurable option bytes that can control features such as HW/SW watchdog, read protection, and write protection. These options give users a convenient way of changing the settings of their device. Configuring option bytes of a STM32Fx or STM32Lx device is made easy with our PROG software and Cyclone Image Creation Utility software. 

How to Configure and Write Microchip/Atmel Emulated EEPROM

Some Microchip/Atmel's SAM-Series devices allow rows of non-volatile flash memory (NVM) to be configured as EEPROM, so that users can treat NVM pages as EEPROM with Atmel's software, and let Atmel's back-end take care of keeping peripheral data safe.

PEmicro's Cyclone in-system programmers and PROGACMP flash programming software each allow users to set up NVM main flash space as emulated EEPROM by programming the EEPROM FUSE bits in the device's User Row. Our latest Microchip/Atmel algorithms support single-byte writes to the User Row, to preserve adjacent User Row settings.

Flash Secure/Unsecure Support for Silicon Labs Gecko Devices with Time-Sensitive AAPs

PEmicro considers the privacy of its customers' intellectual property to be of utmost importance. Silicon Labs' 32-bit devices feature an Authentication Access Port (AAP) as part of their security features, and for some of these devices, a debugger may have a limited time to access this port when communicating with an unsecured device. With that in mind, recent PROG software (v6.94) and Cyclone firmware (v10.04) releases now provide support to secure, unsecure, and mass-erase Silicon Labs devices with these debug time-sensitivities, which can help users keep their valuable data safe.

How to Secure/Unsecure Microchip SAM-Series MCU

The safety of users’ intellectual property is a top priority for PEmicro. Utilizing the “Chip Protect” function of processors prevents data from being read or written from an external source, which helps keep your data secure. PEmicro is constantly expanding its compatibility with different manufacturers’ device security methods. Each manufacturer may employ multiple methods for securing or unsecuring a processor, so the goal is to make this process as simple and easy as possible for the user.

Enabling and Disabling ECC on Cypress PSoC5 Devices

Cypress’ PSoC5 line of microcontrollers are a great option for high performance at a low cost. The PSoC 5 provides an Error Correcting Code (ECC) feature to help detect errors in operations that manipulate the flash memory. The ECC peripheral can be enabled or disabled by writing to the Nonvolatile Latch (NVL). The advantage of disabling ECC is that each row of flash gains 32 bytes for data storage, extending the row from 256 to 288 bytes.

How To Secure/Unsecure A Cypress PSoC 4 MCU

PEmicro is constantly expanding its support for device security methods. The Cypress’ PSoC 4 Cortex-M0 processor-based microcontrollers have a few device features to prevent external flash access. Enabling device security features on products prevents third party sources from accessing or manipulating program code and data. This post aims to detail the secure and unsecure process for Cypress PSoC 4 devices. 

Cyclone Programming with Shared Serial Numbers

PEmicro has expanded the capabilities of Cyclone programmers to allow them to internally store and track serial numbers though the use of a unique serial number ID.  This increased sophistication allows Stand-Alone Programming (SAP) images stored on a Cyclone to share serial numbers that reference the same unique serial number ID. There are several cases where this is very useful. The first is when a user may want to update their firmware for a product to a new version but the serial number to have persistence.  The user may also have different products that need to be programmed with different firmware, but still want have those products draw from the same serialization sequence.  

JTAG Daisy Chaining MCUs With PEmicro Multilink & Cyclone

Dec. 2018 - We've updated this blog post with more info about Multilink and Cyclone implementation...

The JTAG specification introduced daisy chaining of MCUs in order to reduce the number of headers required to debug and program multiple MCUs. JTAG daisy chaining allows multiple MCU’s (and other JTAG compatible hardware, such as FPGAs) to share a single debug header. PEmicro currently supports daisy chaining of ARM-Cortex MCUs via our Cyclone programmers and Multilink debug probes. The same is true for most PEmicro software, including our Eclipse plugin GDB Server, and our Cyclone automation and control packages.

Cyclone Programmers Overview Video

Note: Some of the material in this video is outdated, however it still successfully explains how the Cyclone functions in a general sense. PEmicro hopes to produce an updated version soon. 

PEmicro has designed our Cyclone LC programmers, and more advanced Cyclone FX programmers, to be helpful tools for for a broad range of production programming situations. In this video Edison Tam, one of PEmicro's senior design engineers, provides a quick and useful overview of these Cyclone programmers that will help those interested in production programming understand the Cyclone features, as well as how these features can provide specific benefits to a project or production line that save the user time and money. He demonstrates a typical configuration and use case for manual programming, as well as an overview of the control and automation features available with the Cyclone Control Suite.

Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with LabVIEW®

April 2021 - We've updated this blog post with more information about gang operation.

PEmicro is excited to announce the release of a library of LabVIEW VI components as well as a sample project as part of the Cyclone Control Suite. This new feature facilitates easy integration of CYCLONE stand alone programmers into production applications developed in LabVIEW®. 

How to use PEMicro's Multilink and Cyclone Interfaces with IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM

PEmicro's run control and FLASH programming support is fully integrated into IAR’s Embedded Workbench for ARM microcontrollers. This provides debug capabilities via PEmicro's Multilink, Cyclone and embedded OpenSDA debug interfaces, which support a broad range of ARM devices from NXP, STMicroelectronics, Atmel, Cypress, Infineon, Silicon Labs and many others. For complete list of ARM devices that PEMicro supports, please visit the following page: http://www.pemicro.com/arm/.

Good Corporate Citizenship

PEmicro takes its responsibility as a corporate citizen seriously, both as it relates to our products and our footprint as a company. RoHS, CE, Conflict Minerals and other certifications and programs help us to make sure our products live up to our own and industry standards. We believe environmental compliance is an essential part of doing business and strive to meet regulations and certifications that make the world a safer and healthier place for all.

How to use PEMicro's Multilink and Cyclone Interfaces with Keil's MDK-ARM IDE

PEmicro's run control and FLASH programming support is fully integrated into ARM's MDK-ARM Keil uVision Integrated Development Environment v5.25 for ARM microcontrollers. This provides debug capabilities via PEmicro's Multilink, Cyclone and embedded OpenSDA debug interfaces for a broad range of ARM devices from NXP, STMicroelectronics, Atmel, Cypress, Infineon, Silicon Labs and many others. For complete list of ARM devices that PEMicro supports, please visit the following page: http://www.pemicro.com/arm/.

How To Automate Cyclone Stand-Alone Programming Image Generation

April 2021 - We've updated this blog post with steps to perform an automated silent install of the Cyclone software package. See Section 7 below.

PEMicro has released the Cyclone Control Suite which offers a powerful yet flexible set of utilities to automate control of the Cyclones on your production line. Many of our users have to work with a very large number of stand-alone programming (SAP) image files and have to continually regenerate these images with new binaries. This blog post shows how they can also fully automate the process of generating stand-alone programming (SAP) image files to remove the chance of errors that could occur when the process is done manually.

Gang Programming with Cyclone Programmmers

A volume production solution often relies on simultaneous gang programming of different target boards to meet speed and throughput requirements. This programming scenario may integrate Cyclone programmers into a fixture which interfaces to a panel of boards to be programmed. Programming is commonly controlled and monitored from a local computer, especially when customized dynamic data is being added to the main binary image that is being programmed into each target.

PEmicro’s gang programming solution is to control many Cyclone programmers simultaneously via the Cyclone Control Suite. A mix of programming images, targets, and data can be simultaneously programmed into many devices while maintaining a high level of performance because each Cyclone is itself an independently operating programmer.  

Cyclone Control Suite: Cyclone Control Console

Note: This blog post was updated io August 2, 2022 following a reorganization of Cyclone features..

The Cyclone Control Console is a powerful command-line application that allows simultaneous control of one or more Cyclones. Programming images can be added/removed, settings read/set, programming operations launched, and dynamic data programmed. The command-line application displays comprehensive status messages and also returns an error code indicating success or failure. The application can be launched from a script, a console, or another application. It is one of the three main components of the Cyclone Control Suite including : the Cyclone Control Console, the Cyclone Control GUI, and the Cyclone Control SDK.

Cyclone Control Suite: Overview

Note: This article was updated August 2, 2022 to reflect a re-organization of Cyclone features.

PEmicro has released a powerful new set of automated control software, the Cyclone Control Suite, to support PC based control of our popular Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX stand-alone programmers.

The suite provides comprehensive control of one or more Cyclones from the PC via the following components: the Cyclone Control GUI application, the Cyclone Control Console application, and via custom PC applications built using the Cyclone Control SDK. Ways to control the Cyclone include programming launch, recovering results, managing images resident on a Cyclone, adding unique programming data for each target, as well as recovering descriptive errors.

Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with C

PEmicro’s product line of Cyclone stand-alone programmers provides a fast, robust, and automated solution for production-scale programming of microprocessors. However, production facilities may desire an even higher level of automation than the single-button touch capability that is offered by the Cyclone. PEmicro offers several means of automating control, including a console application, Ethernet/Serial protocol communications, or the SDK included in PEmicro's new Cyclone Control Suite. In this article, we discuss using the SDK to automate programmer control and the levels of flexibility and scalability that it offers our customers.

NOTE: This example is shown in C. The Cyclone Control SDK interface code and demo applications are included for GCC, LabView, Microsoft Visual C, Microsoft Visual C#, Delphi/FPC, Python, and Microsoft Visual Basic.

Cyclone Control Suite: Cyclone Control GUI

Note: This blog post was updated in July 2019 with new information regarding Cyclone image encryption (part of the ProCryption Security feature).

As part of the Cyclone Control Suite, PEmicro includes a graphical application called the Cyclone Control GUI that allows the user to add and remove images, access Cyclone settings, read Programming Image properties and statistics, and remote access a Cyclone's display. It also provides the user with tools to manage ImageKeys (for encrypted images), serial files, and optional Cyclone licenses.

PEmicro Introduces Cyclone Trade-In Program

PEmicro is pleased to introduce our Cyclone Trade-in Program which is a simple upgrade path to trade-in an old or non-functional Cyclone unit for a discount on a new CYCLONE or CYCLONE FX programmer.

Migrate to the Next Generation Cyclones From Cyclone PRO & Cyclone MAX

August 2, 2022 - We've updated this blog post to reflect the re-organization of touchscreen Cyclone features.

Migrating from the legacy Cyclone PRO and Cyclone MAX to the Cyclone LC Universal or Cyclone FX Universal is extremely easy. The Universal programmers are close to drop-in replacements for the PRO and MAX, albeit more powerful. Learn what to look out for when making the transition.

How To Regenerate a Stand Alone Programming Image

Note: The Cyclone Image Creation Utility has changed in signficant ways since this blog post was originally published, but the explanation remains useful in general terms. PEmicro hopes to update this soon.

PEmicro has just released a new version of the Cyclone Image Creation Utility that allows the user to retrieve the configuration for a Stand Alone Programming (SAP) image directly from a previously saved image. Once the image configuration settings have been retrieved from an image file, the user can then regenerate the image, or modify the settings and generate a new file, or even use those settings with other .s19 files to generate a SAP image with different source but the same configuration.

Transitioning from the Cyclone PRO & Cyclone MAX to Cyclone LC & Cyclone FX Programmers

PEmicro's Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX programmers represent our effort to bring next-gen technology to the popular Cyclone platform. Some of the many improvements we were able to incorporate include better usability (via the 4.3" color touchscreen display), enhanced security, larger storage, and faster communications. The first of these new programmers launched in November 2015, and we now offer two models at each of the Cyclone LC  and Cyclone FX  levels - one that supports ARM devices plus many other NXP devices, and a more economical option that supports ARM devices only.

5 Different Ways to Power a Target With a Cyclone Programmer

Different targets require a different power schemes that depend on the design of the target board, target voltages, and even the device architecture. PEmicro has designed their Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX to optionally power a target before, during, and after programming. Power can be sourced at many voltage levels from the Cyclone itself or sourced by an external power supply and switched by the Cyclone.

Tip: How to Remotely View and Interact with the Cyclone Touchscreen

The CYCLONE LC and CYCLONE FX programmers from PEmicro have large 4.3” touchscreens which allow the user to see the Cyclone’s current status, select programming images, configure settings, and more. However, sometimes the Cyclone may be either at a remote location or physically inaccessible. For example, Cyclone programmers are often mounted within enclosed test fixtures and sometimes even have the screens physically removed to save space. In any of these cases, the touchscreen can also be accessed remotely, via Ethernet and USB.

Expert's Corner: Cyclone CompactFlash - Managing Mulitple Images

Overview

How To Use Longer Cables To Extend The Reach Of PEmicro Products

Certain test procedures and production environments require the use of a cable longer than the typical 9-inch flat ribbon cable typically included with PEMicro hardware interfaces. Extending the cable length requires special considerations for signal integrity, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference. Simply using a longer cable without understanding these topics will usually produce a setup that does not work reliably, if at all. Extending the ribbon cable should be the option only if you determine that you cannot make longer the length of the USB, Ethernet, or Serial cable that connects the PEMicro hardware interface to your PC. The cables for the communication ports already have some shielding.

If it is necessary to use a longer ribbon cable, PEMicro recommends using a shielded jacketed cable . This cable configuration is excellent at reducing crosstalk as well as minimizing electromagnetic interference from other devices. Further improvement can be obtained if the wires are also arranged in twisted pairs.

Shielded USB cables are inexpensive and easy to rework. The four wires provided can be used to create a cable for the standard 6-pin BDM header used by many NXP microcontrollers (such as the HCS08, RS08, CFV1, HCS12, and S12Z). Additional shielded USB cables can be used for other devices that require more debug pins.

Thicker wires offer less resistance to current which will reduce the voltage drop of the signal across the length of the wire. Our current 6 pin and other ribbon cables are AWG 28. Using a thicker wire (smaller AWG number) you may get some improvements in signal integrity.

In general, these guidelines should be followed for all cables between the target microcontroller and the PEMicro hardware interface:

1. Use the shortest cable possible

    

2. Use shielded cable configurations to reduce electrical parasitic effects

    

3. Lower the communication frequency. For the ColdFire or Qorivva architectures, the communication frequency is controlled by the BDM Debug Shift Frequency setting. For other architectures, the communication speed is only dependent on the processor's bus frequency. Reducing the bus frequency (ie. disabling the PLL) should improve results.