PEmicro Blog

Cyclone Multi-Channel Programmer Preview (Updated with Video Demo)

Nov 22, 2024

Update: PEmicro will be demonstrating the Multi-Channel Programmer at Embedded World in Nuremberg, Germany, March 11-13, Hall 4, Booth 150. Stop by and say hello!

PEmicro is expanding its popular line of Cyclone production programmers in Spring 2025 with the addition of a new Cyclone Multi-Channel Programmer.

Video with Overview, Features, and Demonstration of Cyclone Multi-Channel Programmer

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Limited-Time Promotion: 50% Discount. Upgrade V1 Licenses to V2 Licenses.

Aug 19, 2024

Over the years many customers have requested that PEmicro should instead use node-licensing for its flexibility and utility. We listened and the V2 Hardware License was born. The V2 Hardware License is activated once and stored inside the Multilink or Cyclone. This allows the user to take the hardware with them to any computer and share the hardware and software with colleagues. It's no longer necessary to activate per user and per computer. 

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PEmicro Debug and Programming Tools Support NXP's MCX C-Series Devices

Jul 26, 2024

PEmicro's development and production tools have added support for NXP's MCX C-Series microcontrollers. The MCX C-Series features Arm® Cortex®-M0+ and is designed to be both efficient and cost-effective, Because of this the devices are ideal for general-purpose applications. They suit a wide array of use cases, and feature USB and segment LCD options. They are intended to provide flexible and scalable memory and packages.

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Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with Rust

Jul 01, 2024

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 Rust application.

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STMicroelectronics: Provisioning/Securing STM32H573 Devices with OBKeys (Certificate and Password Authentication)

Jun 25, 2024

PEmicro's development tools and production programmers now support OBK programming for STMicroelectronics' STM32H573 series product line. With all the features of the STM32H563 line, including enhanced performance, better power efficiency and more embedded peripherals, STM32H573 devices also include a secure key storage mechanism which adds an additional layer of security for OBKeys. 

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STMicroelectronics: Provisioning/Securing STM32H563 Devices with TrustZone Enabled (Certificate Authentication)

Jun 14, 2024

PEmicro's programming tools support provisioning and securing of STMicroelectronics' STM32H563 devices in both TrustZone enabled and TrustZone disabled configurations. This tutorial demonstrates a sequence for programming the device into a secure, TrustZone enabled state. Secure and non-secure code and data images are programmed, Debug Authentication is enabled with certificate access, and the OEM-iRoT is provisioned. 

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STMicroelectronics: Provisioning/Securing STM32H503 Devices with Password Regression

Jun 14, 2024

STMicroelectronics' STM32H503 devices are based on the ARM Cortex M33 and offer high performance and power efficiency suitable for a wide range of applications. In addition, the STM32H5 product life-cycle adds a layer of security, allowing the user to secure/unsecure a device by moving it through product states. The following example details how to step through a simple product lifecycle.

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Automation Using the Cyclone Control SDK (C, C#, Labview, Python, Rust, and more)

Jun 03, 2024

PEmicro's Cyclone Control SDK features a comprehensive API that allows multiple Cyclones to be managed simultaneously from a user-developed custom application that loads the provided Cyclone Control DLL. The DLL can be loaded from many programming languages that are able to load a DLL (C, C++, Java, Python, Rust, Delphi, C#, etc) as well as environments such as LabView.

Support for both 32-bit and 64-bit is available. Examples and interface code are provided for several platforms. Please see our available walkthroughs below.

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Generation of a Programming Image

Jun 03, 2024

PEmicro's Cyclone in-system programmers use stand-alone programming (SAP) images that are created by the user. 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
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Generating a Programming Image/Job From The Command-Line

Apr 15, 2024

Users who are managing production programming may have to work with a large number of stand-alone programming (SAP) image files, and may face the need to continually regenerate these images with new binaries, which can pose problems. PEMicro's Cyclone Control Suite offers a powerful yet flexible set of utilities to automate control of the Cyclones on the production line and help address this type of issue. This article describes how to 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.

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How to Configure WiFi Communications for Cyclone FX Programmers

Apr 09, 2024

PEmicro includes WiFi communications with its flagship Cyclone FX stand-alone programmers, so in addition to USB, Serial, and Ethernet connectivity, the Cyclone FX can also be controlled wirelessly over a WiFi network. This simplifies cabling requirements and allows untethered debug/program of targets. The WiFi feature is available in the latest versions of PEmicro software and is supported by Cyclone FX Rev. C and higher.

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PEmicro adds iMXRT11xx and LPC55Sxx PRINCE to Secure Boot Utility

Apr 09, 2024

PEmicro's Secure Boot Utility is now updated to support NXP's iMXRT11xx devices and PRINCE encryption for LPC55Sxx devices. The Secure Boot Utility greatly simplifies the steps needed to enable security on NXP's iMX and LPC55Sxx processors, including certificate generation, signing of the user application, and setting the necessary non-volatile security settings in flash memory.

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STMicroelectronics: Provisioning/Securing STM32H563 Devices with TrustZone Disabled (Password Authentication)

Apr 08, 2024

PEmicro's programming tools support provisioning and securing STMicroelectronics STM32H563 devices in both TrustZone enabled and TrustZone disabled configurations. This article gives an example of how to program the device in the TrustZone disabled configuration. A password is programmed which allows the device to be regressed to the Open (non-secure) state.

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PEmicro Adds Support for Renesas RA8

Mar 14, 2024

PEmicro's development and production programmers now support Renesas RA8 series MCUs.  

The Renesas RA8M1 group features the industry's first 32-bit microcontrollers based on the ARM Cortex-M85 (CM85) core, delivering breakthrough performance of over 3000 CoreMark points at 480 MHz, with fully deterministic, low latency, real-time operation that enables customers’ most demanding application needs. 

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Guide for Users Transitioning From Legacy Hardware

Mar 05, 2024

As technology evolves over time, PEmicro occasionally retires hardware and software products and classifies them as Legacy items, which are no longer sold or actively supported. When this happens there will almost always be a newer product available as a replacement part, accompanied by a substantial grace period that gives customers time to plan and adapt as necessary. PEmicro tries to make the transition to newer products as painless as possible, so our new products are often drop-in replacements with few additional updates required.

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PEmicro Adds Support for STMicroelectronics BlueNRG-LP and BlueNRG-LPS

Feb 26, 2024

PEmicro's  development and production programmers now support STMicroelectronics' BlueNRG-LP and BlueNRG-LPS microcontrollers based on ARM Cortex®-M0+. The BlueNRG series provides an ultra low-power programmable Bluetooth SoC solution to help bring wireless products to market.

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Renesas: Securing Renesas RA/Synergy Devices via ID Code Protection

Feb 23, 2024

It is crucial to be able to prevent access by third parties to on-chip flash memory. Renesas RA and Synergy devices offer several means of security, one of which is called ID Code protection. After the MCU starts up in boot mode, ID authentication is performed when a host such as a PC is connected, in order to prevent unauthorized access. PEmicro's tools allow users to take advantage of ID Code protection within the OCD/Serial Programmer ID Setting Register (OSIS) of supported Renesas ARM processors.

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PEmicro Adds Support for STMicroelectronics STM32H5

Feb 23, 2024

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.

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Texas Instruments' MSPM0x Devices Supported, Factory Reset Ability Added

Feb 20, 2024

Update: as of Feb 20th, 2024, MSPM0L1345 & MSPM0L1346 supported, MSPM0C device family supported, and Factory Reset support added.

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.

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PEmicro Adds Support for .BIN Data Files to Programming Tools

Dec 20, 2023

PEmicro has announced support for binary (.BIN) data files for its popular Cyclone stand-alone programmers and PROG & CPROG flash programming software. Previously users would need to convert this type of file to the .S19 format using a free utility. This new support for binary files comes in the form of the "QB" command, which together with the "QO" command highlights a new queue-based approach towards programming data files. 

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Combining Multiple Data Files for Programming via Queuing

Dec 20, 2023

PEmicro's PROG and CPROG flash programming software supports binary (.BIN) data files. This support is implemented by using the "QB" command, which together with the "QO" command constitutes a queue-based approach in PROG/CPROG software that allows the user to combine multiple data files. This article will help the user understand this approach, and how to use the "QO" and "QB" commands, and their counterpart. "CQ" (Clear Queue).

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Cyclone Programming: Adding Unique Data to be Programmed Into Each Target Device

Nov 03, 2023

Cyclone production programming images are comprehensive archives containing all the essential information required to program a set of data into a target device. This information encompasses application binaries, programming algorithms, configuration settings, serialization specifics, programming instructions, and more. These archives are encrypted and designed to resist corruption. Utilizing these programming images offers an efficient and dependable method for programming a substantial amount of identical data into multiple target devices.

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PEmicro Adds Debug and Programming Support For OMNIVISION's OMX14X Devices

Sep 28, 2023

PEmicro's development and production tools now support OMX14X microcontrollers from OMNIVISION. OMNIVISION’s core strengths are its proprietary image sensing, state-of-the-art CMOS processing, and packaging technologies. Through outstanding pixel design, semiconductor manufacturing processes and package development, OMNIVISION sensors enable customers to capture images at higher resolutions, lower light levels, with better image quality, and in less space than previously.

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User-Specific Image Encryption and Count/Date Usage Restrictions

Sep 14, 2023

PEmicro's 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.  

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Cloud Setup

Aug 23, 2023

This blog post walks through the setup to be able to use 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. 

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PEmicro Supports Debug and Programming of Yuntu YTM32B1LD0 Devices

Aug 21, 2023

Update: As of September 28 2023, YTM32B1LE0, YTM32B1ME0, and YTM32B1MD1 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.

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

Jul 28, 2023

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.

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Flagchip as Flagship Devices Now Supported by PEmicro Tools

Jul 20, 2023

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.

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Renesas: Debugging with Renesas' e² studio IDE and RDPM

Jul 12, 2023

PEmicro's Multilink and Cyclone tools are supported in 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 article demonstrates the procedures needed to install and then configure PEMicro Multilink and Cyclone debug support in Renesas e2Studio.

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PEmicro Tools Add Support for Blue Whale CVM0116 & CVM0118 Devices

Jul 11, 2023

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.

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PEmicro Displays Latest Tech at NXP Connects 2023

Jun 07, 2023

PEmicro is proud to be a sponsor of NXP Connects in Silicon Valley, which takes place Tues., June 13 and Weds., June 14. NXP Connects is NXP's flagship training event that brings together many industry leaders in the embedded systems field. Attendees are encouraged to visit PEmicro's booth at E36 in the Tech Lab area to see Senior Design Engineer Takao Yamada demonstrate some of our latest features and technology. 

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Renesas: RA Family - Device Lifecycle Programming Support

May 18, 2023

PEmicro's Cyclone FX programmers offer production programming support for the Renesas RA family Device Lifecycle Management (DLM) and TrustZone boundary settings. Device Lifecycle Management and TrustZone boundary settings are used to secure access to the on-chip Flash and RAM both from external debug/bootloader access as well as untrusted code running internal to the device on devices with DLM Technology and TrustZone support (such as Cortex-M33 devices). Configuration and programming of these settings are made simple with PEmicro's stand-alone programmers.

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

May 17, 2023

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.

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

Apr 20, 2023

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.

Previously the Cyclone used only SAP (Stand-Alone Programming) Images. Now Cloud-Connected 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. Users can upload programming Jobs to PEcloud, which provides an easy-to-use online interface to manage workflow. Or a Job can also be loaded onto a local Cyclone without use of the cloud, but the cloud can still be used to monitor and manage it. 

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An Overview of PEcloud

Apr 20, 2023

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. 

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Stand-Alone Programming Images vs Cloud-Connect Programming Images

Apr 20, 2023

In addition to Stand-Alone Programming (SAP) images, Cyclone Programmers also support Cloud-Connected programming images.   Cloud-Connected programming images operate in a very similar way to stand-alone images while using the PEcloud to provide additional visibility and control to the IP owner, as well as facilitate sharing of data (serial numbers, programming restriction counts, logs, etc.) to make programming across Cyclones and Locations easier.

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The Magic of SAPOBJ

Apr 20, 2023

PEmicro Cyclone programmers are sophisticated production programming tools that use programming images generated in PEmicro’s Image Creation Utility. An image combines 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.

Image Creation Utility offers the ability to save an intermediate non-executable object file, SAPOBj, that stores all the content together in a single object. Later, the user can generate a programming image which wraps encryption or programming restrictions around this archived SAPOBJ.  This is useful when users want to create identical programming files for production but that use different encryption or programming restrictions.

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MindMotion Devices Now Supported by Cyclone and Multilink Tools

Apr 05, 2023

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.

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PEmicro Supports Infineon 32-bit XMC7000 Industrial Microcontrollers

Mar 22, 2023

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.

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Cyclone Standalone Demo at GigaDevice Booth EW2023

Mar 12, 2023


 At Embedded World 2023 March 14th to the 16th a PEmicro x GigaDevice collaboration brings you a
Cyclone FX ARM standalone demo of the GD32350R-EVAL board. Please visit Gigadevice's booth at Hall 3A Booth 527 and experiment with the Cyclone's touch screen and START button.

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Debug Authentication and Lifecycle Management

Mar 10, 2023

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. 

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PEmicro Development & Production Tools Are RISC-V Ready

Mar 10, 2023

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

Mar 10, 2023

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.  

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How To Configure PEmicro Tools for JetBrains CLion IDE

Dec 23, 2022

PEmicro's popular Multilink and Cyclone tools are 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.

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

Dec 20, 2022

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

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PEmicro at ST Technology Tour in Burlington, MA (and Cyclone FX Giveaway)

Oct 27, 2022

PEmicro is attending ST Technology Tour 2022 - Burlington on  Weds., November 2. Our demonstration will use a Cyclone FX to program and run a series of custom test applications, query a remote server for data and then use the data retrieved to perform key Injection on the target,  and program dynamic data.

We'll have a booth running this demo at certain points during the day:

  • Breakfast demo: 9 to10:30am 
  • Lunch demo: 11:45am to 1:30pm 
  • Afternoon demo: 3 to 4:30pm

Please come visit us!

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indie Semiconductor Devices Now Supported by PEmicro Tools

Oct 25, 2022

PEmicro's development and production tools now support indie Semiconductors' iND832xx, ind87300 and iND83208/iND83207 devices. The iND832xx family consists of two automotive-grade LED-lighting ICs that integrate a powerful 32-bit Arm® Cortex® M0 processor together with everything necessary to implement an interior lighting system. The ICs include a flexible power management system and many cutting-edge features.

PEmicro's Cyclone programmers can be used for secure production programming of iND832xx 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.

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PEmicro at NXP Technology Days in Detroit (and Cyclone FX Giveaway)

Oct 14, 2022

PEmicro is attending NXP Technology Days 2022 - Detroit on Tues., October 18 and Weds., October 19.  We'll be demonstrating a possible upcoming Cyclone FX feature - the concept that the Cyclone could query a server for dynamic data including private and public keys, install a key and run a test application on the target device, and then if testing is successful, program the final image onto the target. We'll have a booth running this demo during lunch and dinner Tech Labs - please come visit us!

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Raspberry Pi RP2040 Now Supported by PEMicro Development and Programming Tools

Sep 30, 2022

Raspberry Pi's RP2040 device is now supported by PEmicro's development and production tools. Raspberry Pi designed the RP2040 to be able to speak to almost any external device. It is a high-performance, low-cost solution with six independent banks of RAM and a fully connected switch.

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

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Advanced Automation Features Now Included On All Cyclones (Update Download Available)

Sep 21, 2022

Automation features have always been central to PEmicro's Cyclone programmers because of the customization and control they give users over the crucial production programming process. The right features implemented well can result in significant savings of time and money.

PEmicro now makes all of our advanced control/automation features standard with every Cyclone. Cyclone LC users (PEmicro part#s Cylcone-LC-UNIV and Cyclone-LC-ARM) can update their Cyclone software now to immediately add these powerful features at no additional cost. The updated software can be downloaded here: Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX Installation Software.

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PEMicro Development and Programming Tools Now Support Geehy Devices

Aug 25, 2022

PEmicro's development and production tools now support Geehy Semiconductors' APM32F0, APM32F00, APM32F1, APM32E1, APM32S1 and APM32F4 devices. Visit Geehy's product page website for more detailed information on each families capabilities and features.

PEmicro's Cyclone programmers can be used for secure production programming of APM32F0, APM32F00, APM32F1, APM32E1, APM32S1 and APM32F4 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.

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Cyclone Control Suite Adds Windows 64-bit Library

Aug 11, 2022

PEmicro has added 64-bit Windows libraries to the Cyclone Control Suite. Now available in the Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX Installation Software.

The 32-bit library and other deliverables are located in: 

C:\PEMicro\cyclone\cycloneControl\controlsdk\deploy\win32

The 64-bit library and other deliverables are located in 

C:\PEMicro\cyclone\cycloneControl\controlsdk\deploy\win64

In addition, the python example has been updated to automatically load the appropriate DLL depending on your platform. Please note that the CycloneControlGUI and CycloneControlConsole applications remain 32-bit.

Please contact technical-info@pemicro.com if you have any questions about our 64 bit support.


PEMicro Development and Programming Tools Now Support Qorvo Semi Devices

Jul 13, 2022

Qorvo's PAC52xx and PAC55xx devices are now supported by PEmicro's development and production tools. These ar part of Qorvo's broad portfolio of full-featured Power Application Controller® (PAC) products that are highly optimized for controlling and powering next generation smart energy appliances, devices, and equipment.

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

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NXP: Secure Boot Programming for NXP LPC55Sxx Processors

Jun 14, 2022

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.

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PEMicro Development and Programming Tools Now Support ZHIXIN Semi Devices

May 27, 2022

PEmicro's development and production tools now support ZHIXIN Semi's Z20K11xM and Z20K14xM devices. ZHIXIN Semi produces high-reliability controllers and processor chips for automotive systems.

PEmicro's Cyclone programmers can be used for secure production programming of Z20K11xM & Z20K14xM  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.

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Cyclone Programming Overview for STMicroelectronics Devices

Apr 19, 2022

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. 

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

Feb 25, 2022

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. 

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PEmicro Adds Support for Nordic Semiconductors' nRF53 Devices

Jan 27, 2022

PEmicro's Cyclone programmers and Multilink debug probes now support Nordic Semiconductors' nRF53 devices. These are low-energy, short-range devices capable of both perfomance and efficiency.

The nRF5340 SoC, for example, is the world’s first wireless SoC with two Arm® Cortex®-M33 processors. It's an excellent choice for LE Audio, professional lighting, advanced wearables, and other complex IoT applications, due to those two flexible processors, its advanced feature set, and an operating temp up to 105 °C.

It also includes Bluetooth 5.3 SoC which supports Bluetooth LE, Bluetooth mesh, NFC, Thread and Zigbee.

Launch Cyclone Programming Via The 10-pin Control Port (With a Raspberry Pi Example)

Jan 19, 2022

PEmicro Cyclones feature "Cyclone Programming Control Port" functionality via the 10-pin expansion I/O interface on the Cyclone, which allows 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. 

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Cyclone Incorporates Automated Run Test Prior to Final Application Programming

Jan 19, 2022

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. 

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PEmicro Adds Support For Nuvoton NuMicro® M45x Devices

Jan 19, 2022

PEmicro's tools now support Nuvoton's NuMicro® M45x devices. Nuvoton M45x devices are innovative ARM processors designed for a variety of applications, including Industrial Automation, PLCs, Inverters, Home Automation, Portable Data Collector, USB Accessories, Smart Card Readers, and Motor Control.

Read more...

Cyclone & Multilink Now Support Renesas' SmartBond TINY™ DA14531

Jan 19, 2022

Renesas' SmartBond TINY™ DA14531 is now supported by PEmicro's popular Cyclone and Multilink tools. The SmartBond DA14531 device is based on the world’s smallest and lowest power Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 SoC. It's an innovative ARM processor, suitable for battery-powered wearable devices, that can provide significant savings in development cost and time-to-market.

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PEmicro Hardware Adds Support for Renesas’ RA Family of Arm® Cortex®-M based MCUs

Jan 19, 2022

Cyclone and Multilink products from PEmicro now support Renesas’ RA device family. RA processors provide stronger embedded security, superior CoreMark® performance and ultra-low power operation.

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Renesas Synergy S1/S3/S5/S7 Devices Now Supported by Cyclone & Multilink

Jan 19, 2022

PEmicro's Cyclone in-system programmers and Multilink debug probes now support programming of the Renesas Synergy™  S1, S3, S5 and S7 series of MCUs. Renesas Synergy Platform MCUs offer a variety of performance and feature sets and are ideal for IoT products and mobile devices.  The S5 series focuses on high integration and the S7 series focuses on high performance.

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PEmicro Not Affected By Log4j Vulnerability

Dec 21, 2021

PEmicro's website and our shipped software are not affected by the recent Apache log4j vulnerability. Users with additional questions or concerns may contact us at: technical-info (at) pemicro.com

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

Nov 16, 2021

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.

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NXP: Using PEmicro Tools to Enable S32K3xx Secure Debug Support

Nov 16, 2021

NXP's scalable S32K3xx device family features an advanced secure debug mechanism, and is 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. This article will walk the user through that process.

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STMicroelectronics: Using PEmicro Tools to Update the Wireless Stack on STMicroelectronics' STM32WB Devices

Nov 05, 2021

PEmicro tools can be used 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.

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

Oct 01, 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
Read more...

Update to ICD & PKG Software Licensing

Jul 23, 2021

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.

Read more...

AutoChips AC780x and AC781x Devices Now Supported by Multilink and Cyclone

Jun 24, 2021

PEmicro's tools now support AutoChips' MCU AC780x and AC781x devices. AutoChips offers innovative ARM processors designed for automotive electronics and high reliability industrial applications. These include BCM, T-BOX, BLDC motor control, industrial control, AC charging piles, and others.

PEmicro offers compatible development tools (Multilink debug probes with PROGACMP programmer, GDB Server Eclipse IDE plug-in) and production programming tools (Cyclone in-system programmers) to help make AutoChips projects easier and more cost-effective.

Read more...

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

Jun 21, 2021

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).    

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PEmicro Launches Support for ON Semiconductor Devices

Feb 26, 2021

PEmicro's development and production tools now support ON Semiconductors RSL10 family of  microcontrollers. RSL10 devices are Bluetooth 5 capable, multi-protocol radio Systems on Chip (SoC) that feature extremely efficient Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless applications. An RSL10 Software Development Kit (SDK) is available to aid in fast development of ultra-low power Bluetooth Low Energy applications.

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GigaDevice MCUs Now Supported by PEmicro Tools

Feb 26, 2021

PEmicro's development and production tools now support GigaDevice's GD32™ family of  microcontrollers. GD32 devices are fast, efficient, and cost-effective MCUs featuring ARM® Cortex®-M3 cores. They showcase GigaDevice’s advanced gFlash memory technology to extend functionality and increase design flexibility. GD32 Evaluation Boards & Starter Kits are available to assist with application prototyping.

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

Feb 25, 2021

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.

Read more...

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

Dec 02, 2020

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 GCCMicrosoft Visual CMicrosoft Visual C#, Delphi/FPC, Labview, Rust, and Python.

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

NXP: Using PEmicro's Secure Boot Utility for NXP's i.MX RT10xx/RT11xx

Nov 02, 2020

NXP’s i.MX RT10xx and RT11xx 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 these 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.

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NXP: Production Programming NXP i.MX RT10xx/RT11xx devices with Secure Boot

Nov 02, 2020

PEmicro's Cyclone production programmers make programming NXP i.MX RT10xx and RT11xx devices with Secure Boot enabled extremely easy and secure. The Secure Boot Utility, which comes with the programmer, handles application signing, encryption, as well as the details of security fuse configuration and locking for these specific devices. 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 secureso 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/RT11xx programming image.

Read more...

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

Oct 01, 2020

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.

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Covid-19 Update

Sep 29, 2020

Updated Sept. 29, 2020.

PEmicro remains open, however most of our employees are working remotely. Our shipping status is as follows: 

  • We ship software orders on the same day they are received, delivered electronically. 
  • Overnight orders received before 3pm are usually shipped same day (must fit in large rectangular FedEx box or smaller). Larger orders or orders that are not overnight usually ship on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 
  • We are only shipping via FedEx 
  • For domestic orders, DigiKey will ship some of our product on the same day they receive an order. 
  • For international orders, contact our resellers for their shipping availability. 

The best way to contact us during this time is via email. Our forums are also available for support: 

  • Sales Support: sales-info@pemicro.com 
  • Technical Support: technical-info@pemicro.com 
  • Support Forums: pemicro.com/forums 

We hope you and your loved ones remain safe.

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

Aug 27, 2020

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.

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Infineon TriCore™ Devices (DAP only) Now Supported by Cyclone LC/FX Universal Programmers

Aug 21, 2020

PEmicro's Cyclone LC Universal and Cyclone FX Universal programmers have added support for Infineon's AUDO™ TC1xx and AURIX™ TC2xx and TC3xx TriCore devices, which are are ideal for optimized motor control applications and signal processing tasks. This makes them a preferred choice for many automotive and industrial applications. 

Read more...

Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with Python

Aug 18, 2020

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.

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Verify SAP Image Integrity Via Checksum with Cyclone Programmers

Jul 17, 2020

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. 

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Verify a Programmed Device via Checksum

Jun 30, 2020

The most common mechanism for verifying a programmed device is via the Verify Module command which verifies programmed memory against object files on a byte-by-byte basis. PEmicro also has several verification mechanisms which use Checksums/CRCs.

The Verify Checksum (VC) command automatically calculates checksum values for all flash memory ranges in a user's object files. The programmer then runs an algorithm to calculate checksums for these device regions and compares it to the ones calculated from the object file. The advantage of this method is that it is faster than byte by byte verification when the debug connection is slow.

The Verify Module CRC to Value (VV) command calculates a checksum for the entire device and compares it to a value provided by the user. This is often used as an addition step after byte by byte verification to check the state of the entire flash (even unprogrammed regions). 

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PEmicro Adds Support for WIZnet W7500x Devices

Jun 05, 2020

PEmicro has added support for WIZnet's W7500x devices to the Cyclone in-system programmer, Multilink debug probes, and PROG for ARM Cortex devices programming software. WIZnet's W7500x devices offer a hardwired TCP/IP core and are ideal for internet-connected (IoT) applications.

Current users of the Cyclone and Multilink/PROG can access PEmicro flash programming algorithms, including those for WIZnet's W7500x devices, on PEmicro's flash algorithm support page.

PEmicro Discusses Cyclone Programmer Security in Embedded Online Conference Presentation

May 19, 2020

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.

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SD Card Security for Cyclone Programming

May 13, 2020

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.

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Update to PROG Software Licensing

Apr 25, 2020

PEmicro is changing its licensing for PROG software. Effective Monday, April 27, 2020 any licenses purchased from PEmicro, or from an official distributor, 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.

Read more...

STMicroelectronics: Multilink/Cyclone Debug with STM32CubeIDE from STMicroelectronics

Jan 09, 2020

STM32CubeIDE from STMicroelectronics is an Eclipse-based enablement platform which supports development and debugging of code on STM32 ARM microprocessors. PEmicro's Multilink debug probes and Cyclone programmers can be leveraged for advanced debug capabilities via an Eclipse GDB plugin installed into any Eclipse IDE. 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.

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Programming MCU Fuses, OTP, and Option Bytes

Jan 07, 2020

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.

Read more...

Renesas Programming - A Look At Cyclone Universal FX Features

Dec 10, 2019

PEmicro has now upgraded the production programming capabilities for Renesas devices. PEmicro's original Renesas programming solution, Cyclone for Renesas, has been replaced by the Cyclone FX Universal with a Renesas adapter.  The Cyclone Universal FX provides a significant upgrade in programming technology over the legacy programmer. This article will walk the user through this new technology and look at some of the powerful features that are now available when using the Cyclone FX Universal to program Renesas devices.

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Cyclone FX Universal Now Supports Renesas Devices via Adapter

Dec 04, 2019

A Renesas adapter is now available that allows the Cyclone FX Universal production programmer to program all Renesas devices supported by PEmicro.  Cyclone for Renesas users who wish to upgrade to the Cyclone FX Universal programmer may receive a discount by taking advantage of PEmicro's Cyclone trade-in program.

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Cypress, NXP: Custom Clock Trimming/Calibration During Programming

Nov 21, 2019

Many MCU devices come with an uncalibrated internal clock which can have a center frequency which varies substantially from device to device.  Manufacturing tolerances generally guarantee that a processor’s clock speed is accurate within a wide percentage. Trimming the clock can allow users to calibrate the clocks to within a fairly accurate percentage (often within 0.2%). PEmicro hardware supports the process for auto-calculating and programming the trim values into many different Arm, RS08, HCS08, and ColdFire devices. 

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

Nov 19, 2019

Note: The Classic Automated Control Package is no longer available, neither in its paid nor free editions, as it was tied to the legacy V1 license model. Information on updating to the current Cyclone models, which include free automation and control features for one or more Cyclones, is available on the Legacy Harware Transition page.

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?
Read more...

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

Nov 06, 2019

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. 

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

Sep 17, 2019

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.

Read more...

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

Sep 12, 2019

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.

Read more...

Cyclone Tutorial: Generation of a Stand-Alone Programming Image

Aug 29, 2019

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 
Read more...

A Step by Step Example of Using Image Encryption and Usage Restrictions

Jul 09, 2019

This article features 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
Read more...

Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with C#

Jun 27, 2019

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, Rust, and Microsoft Visual Basic.

Read more...

Programming STM32Fx and STM32Lx Option Bytes

Jun 05, 2019

Note: 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

Read more...

How to Configure and Write Microchip/Atmel Emulated EEPROM

May 24, 2019

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.

Read more...

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

Mar 25, 2019

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, PEmicro software supports secure, unsecure, and mass-erase for Silicon Labs devices with these debug time-sensitivities, which can help users keep their valuable data safe.

Read more...

PEmicro Expands Support for Cypress PSoC® 4, PSoC 5, & PSoC 6 Devices

Mar 23, 2019

PEmicro has expanded its ARM® device support of Cypress’ current PSoC 4, PSoC 5, and PSoC 6 devices. 

PEmicro's popular Multilink debug probes and Cyclone ISP programmers now include support for the following Cypress device families: 4000, 4000S, 4100, 4100S, 4100PS, 4100S Plus, 4100M, 4100BLE, 4200, 4200M, 4200L, 4XX8_BLE, 5200, 5400, 5600, and 5800, as well as Cypress’ new PSoC 6xx6 and 6xx7 series microcontrollers. 

Read more...

Microchip: How to Secure/Unsecure Microchip SAM-Series MCU

Mar 22, 2019

PEmicro prioritizes the safety of users’ intellectual property. 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. In this article we'll explore utilizing the “Chip Protect” function of processors, which prevents data from being read or written from an external source. This helps keep data secure. Our example here is the Microchip SAM-Series MCU.

Read more...

Cypress: Enabling and Disabling ECC on Cypress PSoC5 Devices

Mar 21, 2019

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.

Read more...

Cypress: How To Secure/Unsecure A Cypress PSoC 4 MCU

Mar 20, 2019

Cypress’ PSoC 4 Cortex-M0 processor-based microcontrollers offer 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 article will detail fo the user the secure and unsecure process for Cypress PSoC 4 devices. 

Read more...

Using Automatically Counting Serial Numbers Managed on the Cyclone

Jan 22, 2019

PEmicro's Cyclone programmers are able to program and increment sophisticated serial numbers which are automatically shared between programming images though the use of unique serial number IDs.  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. Serial numbers are automatically shared by images within a Cyclone and can be easily shared globally across Cyclones if the programming image is cloud connected.

Read more...

JTAG Daisy Chaining MCUs With PEmicro Multilink & Cyclone

Dec 14, 2018

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.

Read more...

PEmicro Adds Support for STMicroelectronics' STM8AL Devices

Oct 18, 2018

PEmicro has announced the addition of support and features for a new set of STMicroelectronics’ STM8 devices to PEmicro's diverse line of embedded systems tools.

STMicroelectronics’ STM8AL ultra-low-power series for automotive applications stresses green energy, application safety and power efficiency with the use of these microcontrollers. PEmicro’s powerful Cyclone Universal and Cyclone Universal FX stand-alone programmers now support these and many other families of STMicroelectronics’ devices.

Current users of compatible PEmicro products can update their product firmware to add support for these devices. The corresponding programming algorithms can be downloaded from PEmicro's online support center.

Cyclone Programmers Overview Video

Oct 11, 2018

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.

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Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with LabVIEW®

Oct 08, 2018

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®. 

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High Speed ARM Cortex Download, Programming, and Verification

Jul 19, 2018

PEmicro's CYCLONE FX programmer provides extremely high-speed and robust debug communications rates for ARM® Cortex® devices. With debug shift speeds reaching 75 Mbits/s, the download and verification rates achieved for almost every ARM Cortex device, even low-speed Cortex M0 parts, are in the MBytes per second range. 

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

Jun 27, 2018

Download the latest package for PEmicro ARM support for IAR IDE

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/.

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Good Corporate Citizenship

Jun 06, 2018

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.

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

Apr 13, 2018

Download the Installer for PEmicro support under Keil uVision 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/.

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STMicroelectronics' STM8 Device Support Added to PEmicro's Universal Cyclone Programmers

Feb 19, 2018

PEmicro's CYCLONE_UNIVERSAL and CYCLONE_UNIVERSAL_FX programmers now support STMicroelectronics' STM8 devices via the Cyclone's PORT F 6-pin header. For convenience, we also offer an STM8 Adapter, sold separately, which converts those signals to a 4-pin ERNI connector.  

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Gang Programming with Cyclone Programmmers

Jan 26, 2018

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.  

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Cyclone Control Suite: Cyclone Control Console

Dec 05, 2017

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.

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Overview: Cyclone Control and Automation

Oct 18, 2017

PEmicro's Cyclones all include a powerful set of automated control software, the Cyclone Control Suite, which support PC based control of these 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.

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Cyclone Control SDK: Automated Flash Programming with C

Oct 18, 2017

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, Rust, and Microsoft Visual Basic.

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Using the Cyclone Control GUI To Load Images Onto Cyclones, And More

Oct 18, 2017

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.

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PEmicro Introduces Cyclone Trade-In Program

Oct 18, 2017

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 LC or Cyclone FX programmer.

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

Oct 18, 2017

April 2024 - We've updated this blog post to re-direct the user to a specific Legacy HardwareTransition page.

Migrating from the legacy Cyclone PRO and Cyclone MAX to the Cyclone LC Universal or Cyclone FX Universal is easy. The Universal programmers are close to drop-in replacements for the PRO and MAX, albeit more powerful. 

The user should please visit Hardware Legacy Products - Transition and Support for the most up-to-date guidance.

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PEmicro's GDB Server Adds Support for many new ARM device Manufacturers

Jun 13, 2017

PEMicro is pleased to announce the release of a new expansion plugin for PEmicro's Eclipse GDB Server. With this release, PEmicro has added extensive new device support for a wide variety of ARM device manufacturers. Support now includes devices from NXP, Atmel, Cypress, Infineon, Maxim, Nordic, Silicon Labs, STMicro, Texas Instruments, and Toshiba. For a complete listing of supported devices, see PEmicro's supported ARM devices page..

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How To Regenerate a Stand Alone Programming Image

Apr 18, 2017

Note: The Cyclone Image Creation Utility has changed in signficant ways since this article was originally published, but the explanation remains useful in general terms.

PEmicro 's Cyclone Image Creation Utility 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.

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

Mar 29, 2017

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.

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Insight Into Barcode Driven Flash Programming with Cyclone FX

Feb 14, 2017

The Cyclone FX has the capability to automatically select and launch a programming image based upon a scanned barcode. This can generate an error if more than one image corresponds to the barcode or no images correspond to the barcode. The CYCLONE FX includes a way to quickly gain insight into the issue. A log file is created every time the barcode scanner operates and it details the scanned barcode as well as the analysis process used to select the appropriate programming image.

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5 Different Ways to Power a Target With a Cyclone Programmer

Feb 07, 2017

Different targets may require different power schemes which could depend on the design of the target board, target voltages, and even the device architecture. The Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX programmers are designed 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.

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

Feb 02, 2017

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.

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Using A Barcode Scanner to Select & Launch Cyclone FX Programming Images

Jan 17, 2017

Automatic selection and launch of a specific flash programming image based on a scanned barcode can improve the speed and accuracy of production programming, especially when there is a varied product mix being programmed. Barcode scanning improves accuracy by making the process of selecting a programming image fast, automatic, and less vulnerable to user error. PEmicro's Cyclone FX programmers have the ability to use a barcode scanner, connected via the Cyclone's host USB port, to initiate programming. When a barcode is scanned, the Cyclone selects a specific programming image based on the barcode and programs the target board accordingly.

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macOS™ Support added to PEmicro’s Eclipse GDB Server for ARM® devices

Dec 14, 2016

PEmicro has announced the release of support for macOS in PEmicro’s Eclipse GDB Server. PEmicro offers a downloadable GDB server plug-in for Eclipse-based 3rd party IDE’s including NXP MCUXpresso, Kinetis Design Studio, and CodeWarrior. It also features full support for PEmicro's Multilink debug probes and Cyclone production programmers, plus NXP’s openSDA series of debuggers and programmers. Apple® users are now able to take advantage of PEmicro's versatile hardware solutions using NXP’s software tools and PEmicro’s GDB server in their preferred operating system.

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PEmicro Launches New Debug & Programming Tools for ARM devices

Oct 20, 2016

PEmicro has announced the release of a new Multilink development tool and a new Cyclone manufacturing tool, both focused specifically on ARM Cortex devices.

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Cyclone ProCryption Security Supports Programming Count and Date Restrictions

Jun 20, 2016

PEmicro's ProCryption Security feature for Cyclone programmers offers user the ability to add usage restrictions to programming images. These usage restrictions include the ability to limit programming to a specific date range and also to set a maximum number of programming operations which can occur. The effect of this is that the user can limit the duration and amount of programming allowed by an image. This can be useful for protecting the IP contained within a programming image as well as making sure that programming images in production are not too far out of date. These restrictions persist even when the images are deleted/restored on a Cyclone unit's internal memory or SD card. Images are encoded in such a way as to deter tampering.

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Cyclone Universal FX Now Shipping

Mar 15, 2016

PEmicro is now shipping the Cyclone Universal FX, which is the flagship model of PEmicro's next-generation Cyclone programmers. PEmicro's Cyclones have set the standard for powerful, versatile production programming and debug. The Cyclone Universal FX was designed to offer the very best of the Cyclone platform with a focus on enhanced security, extremely fast performance, test, and expandability.

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Cyclone Universal & Cyclone Universal FX Now Available For Pre-Order

Jul 14, 2015

Supported Architectures

  • Kinetis®
  • S32
  • LPCxxxx
  • ColdFire® V2/V3/V4
  • ColdFire+/V1
  • MPC5xx/8xx
  • Qorivva® (MPC5xxx, SPC5xxx)
  • DSC
  • MAC7xxx
  • S12Z
  • HC(S)12(X)
  • HCS08
  • HC08
  • RS08
  • ARM® Cortex® processors

BOSTON, MA – July 14, 2015 - Following their debut at the 2015 Freescale Technology Forum, PEmicro's soon-to-be-released Cyclone Universal and Cyclone Universal FX are now available to pre-order. Production quantitites of both new Cyclone programmers are expected to ship by Sept. 15 (subject to change). Those interested in placing a pre-order or simply reviewing the features of our next-generation production programming, test, and debug interfaces may do so at the Cyclones' PEmicro product page. These new Cyclones each support many architectures and offer impressive feature sets that may include:

  • Large internal memory: 1GB+ secure memory storage.
  • Focus on security: Internal memory protection & encryption, anti-tampering technology, tie images to specific Cyclones, programming count limits, date range limits, logging, etc.
  • Extremely fast target communications: 25mb/s+
  • Enhanced Interface: 4.3" Touch Screen, 1M touch Start Button.
  • External memory: SDHC port for external memory cards (now FX only)
  • Test Support: Images can run test code before programming
  •  And more! Launch port, battery backed clock, provides and switches power to target, expanded architecture support, bar code scanner support, current & voltage measurement, etc.

Join Us On Facebook & Twitter

  
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news about the upcoming release of the Cyclone Universal & Cyclone Universal FX.

Click to pre-order, or to learn more about the Cyclone Universal & Cyclone Universal FX.

ARM and Cortex are registered trademarks of ARM Limited (or its subsidiaries).
 Freescale, Qorivva, Kinetis, and ColdFire are registered trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

JM60-OSBDM Firmware Update Utility

Aug 23, 2010

Freescale offers certain development boards with an integrated debug circuit based on Open Source BDM. The Open Source BDM circuit design is an open source, community-driven design. It has been published on Freescale's website, and full documentation can be found in the Community Forums.

P&E Microcomputer Systems has released a free utility that allows the user to upgrade the firmware on the current JM60-OSBDM development board design. The utility may be downloaded at: www.pemicro.com/osbdm

P&E's USB Multilink (part# USB-ML-12E) hardware interface is required to perform this firmware update.  The process of updating the firmware via this utility is very simple. Please follow these steps:

1. Plug the USB Multilink into the 6-pin BDM header for a JM60 device in the OSBDM design.

2. Click the "Select" button to browse for the firmware file that you would like to download to the OSBDM design.

3. Click the "Update Firmware" button to complete the firmware update.

 

New! Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/pemicro!

PEmicro Launches Cyclone for Renesas

Nov 06, 2009


P&E Microcomputer Systems INSIDER
 Since 1980, P&E Microcomputer Systems has been providing industry leading hardware and software development tools for the microcontroller industry. 

November 2009

IN THIS ISSUE
 P&E Launches Cyclone Programmer For Renesas Devices
FEATURES
FAQs
Get Help
Buy at P&E 
RESOURCES
P&E Website


 P&E Launches Cyclone Programmer For Renesas Devices
 
 The power of P&E's Cyclone programmers is now available for Renesas! P&E's Cyclone for Renesas is a flexible, affordable in-circuit flash programming solution for Renesas devices that excels in a demanding production environment. After configuration, operation is as simple as one touch

 The Cyclone for Renesas includes these features:

  
Support is currently available for the R8C, M16C, and H8 families. A complete listing of supported devices is available here. Please contact us for information about support for other devices. 

 

 
LCD Menu Display
LCD Menu Display The Cyclone for Renesas includes an extremely useful LCD Menu Display that greatly enhances the Cyclone's stand-alone capabilities. The LCD Menu Display allows the user to:
 
  •  
    • Configure the Cyclone without a PC 
     
    • Quickly view and select from multiple programming images 
     
    • Easily perform programming operations in stand-alone mode 
     
    • Get direct feedback about programming results 
     
  

 
Multiple Image Support
 No need to swap programming images! The internal memory of the Cyclone for Renesas manages multiple images. Load several different programming images onto the Cyclone and choose between them using either the PC software or the LCD Menu on the unit itself. The Cyclone's memory can also be expanded with optional CompactFlash activation. Multiple Cyclone Images

 
Control Multiple Cyclones
Control Multiple Cyclones Automation can yield a big increase in productivity. P&E includes software with the Cyclone for Renesas that allows the user to automate control of a single Cyclone via a command-line executable or a .dll. 

NOW AVAILABLE  - P&E has introduced the Cyclone Automated Control Package, which allows users to manage multiple Cyclones simultaneously. Any supported devices can be programmed in parallel, even if they are different devices with different data.

Please visit P&E's website for information on the Cyclone Automated Control Package (available separately). 


 
Optional CompactFlash Support
 Expand the memory of your Cyclone for Renesas with P&E's new Compact Flash support. Store more images and larger images while adding flexibility and efficiency by reducing your need to be connected to the PC. 

P&E's new CompactFlash Activation License activates the Manage Images Utility on the Cyclone interface so that it can be used with CompactFlash cards. 

CompactFlash
 



Video Demonstration: Loading An Image Onto Cyclone CompactFlash

Aug 10, 2009

This video gives a demonstration of how to load a programming image onto a CompactFlash card in the expansion port of P&E's Cyclone products. CompactFlash activation is a powerful feature that lets users expand the memory and versatility of their Cyclone:

 

Expert's Corner: Cyclone CompactFlash - Managing Mulitple Images

Aug 10, 2009

Overview

PEmicro’s Cyclone PRO/MAX Stand Alone Programmers offer an impressive array of capabilities such as in-circuit flash programming, stand-alone programming, and as much as 7MB internal non-volatile memory for storing programming images. And now this memory space can be expanded via optional software which enables the Cyclones’ CompactFlash interface. The expanded storage feature simplifies management of Stand-Alone Programming images. This Expert’s Corner explains how to take advantage of the CompactFlash card feature to facilitate the Stand-Alone Programming process.

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Expert's Corner: Cyclone Automated Control Package

Dec 16, 2008

Cyclone ACP, Rev. C

NOTE: For  CYCLONE and CYCLONE FX programmers, the Cyclone Automated Control Package has been replaced by the Cyclone Control Suite. The Classic Cyclone Automated Control Package will remain available but not updated.

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 command-line executable, UDP/Serial communications, or the .DLL included in PEmicro's new Cyclone Automated Control Software Package. In this article, we discuss automated control using the automated control package and the unprecedented level of power and flexibility that it offers.


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Recommended SAP Sequence for Targets with Trim

Nov 04, 2008

This tip concerns PEmicro's Cyclone automated programmers. We've noticed that on rare occasions some users have observed that although a "PT" (program trim) command has been specified in the SAP programming sequence, the trim value is not programmed. By working closely with Cyclone users, we've discovered that the issue is not that the Cyclone receives the command and fails to program the trim value to the target, but rather the PT operation was accidentally pre-empted by the user. How could this happen if the operation is configured in the Cyclone and all a user needs to do is wait for the operations to finish?

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Debug Shift Frequency Demystified

Oct 23, 2008

When using a Cyclone Programmer, customers often ask whether programming a target through Ethernet is faster than USB or vice versa.  While it's certainly true that the transfer time of data from the PC to the Cyclone occurs faster over an Ethernet link, the actual programming time is bottlenecked by the BDM Shift Frequency.

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CRC8 Calculation while Controlling Cyclone PRO via RS232 protocol

Oct 20, 2008

P&E offers an easy and reliable way to control a Cyclone PRO via the built-in RS232 protocol. If you would like to follow along with our example, please pre-program your Cyclone PRO with a stand-alone image and configure your RS232 host device to operate at an 115200 baud rate, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit mode. You are now ready to enjoy the flexibility of controlling your Cyclone PRO by sending it a pre-defined set of byte strings. These commands cover full range of Cyclone PRO functionality, beginning with Executing All Commands of an Image (Same as Pressing the "Start" button) and ending with Dynamically Programming Data to Target.

In order to ensure that a given command reaches the Cyclone PRO without getting corrupted, each command is concluded by a CRC8 byte. Below is the command structure that should be followed every time the RS232 command is sent: [LENGTH] [COMMAND TYPE] [COMMAND ID] [PARAMETERS] [CRC8]. The user should calculate CRC8 and append it to all commands that are sent from a host system to a Cyclone PRO.

Let's go through a step-by-step example of CRC8 calculation for Execute All command:

The command consists of 4 bytes that include the CRC of $88: $03 $18 $11 $88.

Given an array of pre-calculated CRC values of:

const    crc8tab : array[0..255] of WORD = (
            $00,$07,$0E,$09,$1C,$1B,$12,$15,$38,$3F,$36,$31,$24,$23,$2A,$2D,
            $70,$77,$7E,$79,$6C,$6B,$62,$65,$48,$4F,$46,$41,$54,$53,$5A,$5D,
            $E0,$E7,$EE,$E9,$FC,$FB,$F2,$F5,$D8,$DF,$D6,$D1,$C4,$C3,$CA,$CD,
            $90,$97,$9E,$99,$8C,$8B,$82,$85,$A8,$AF,$A6,$A1,$B4,$B3,$BA,$BD,
            $C7,$C0,$C9,$CE,$DB,$DC,$D5,$D2,$FF,$F8,$F1,$F6,$E3,$E4,$ED,$EA,
            $B7,$B0,$B9,$BE,$AB,$AC,$A5,$A2,$8F,$88,$81,$86,$93,$94,$9D,$9A,
            $27,$20,$29,$2E,$3B,$3C,$35,$32,$1F,$18,$11,$16,$03,$04,$0D,$0A,
            $57,$50,$59,$5E,$4B,$4C,$45,$42,$6F,$68,$61,$66,$73,$74,$7D,$7A,
            $89,$8E,$87,$80,$95,$92,$9B,$9C,$B1,$B6,$BF,$B8,$AD,$AA,$A3,$A4,
            $F9,$FE,$F7,$F0,$E5,$E2,$EB,$EC,$C1,$C6,$CF,$C8,$DD,$DA,$D3,$D4,
            $69,$6E,$67,$60,$75,$72,$7B,$7C,$51,$56,$5F,$58,$4D,$4A,$43,$44,
            $19,$1E,$17,$10,$05,$02,$0B,$0C,$21,$26,$2F,$28,$3D,$3A,$33,$34,
            $4E,$49,$40,$47,$52,$55,$5C,$5B,$76,$71,$78,$7F,$6A,$6D,$64,$63,
            $3E,$39,$30,$37,$22,$25,$2C,$2B,$06,$01,$08,$0F,$1A,$1D,$14,$13,
            $AE,$A9,$A0,$A7,$B2,$B5,$BC,$BB,$96,$91,$98,$9F,$8A,$8D,$84,$83,
            $DE,$D9,$D0,$D7,$C2,$C5,$CC,$CB,$E6,$E1,$E8,$EF,$FA,$FD,$F4,$F3);

the following function should be executed with the initial CRC variable initialized to 0.

procedure ArrayCRC8(const a: array of byte; const len : byte; var crc: byte);
var
  i : byte;
begin
     for i := 0 to (len-1) do
         crc := crc8tab[crc xor a[i]];
end;

The first byte in the command representing its length should be omitted from CRC calculation.

Step 1: 0 xor $18 = $18. Retrieve CRC value from 24th location in our lookup table

                                 crc8tab[$18] = $48

Step 2: $48 xor $11 = $59. Retrieve CRC value from 89th location in our lookup table

                                    crc8tab[$59] = $88

Append the calculated CRC8 value of $88 to the end of your command to validate the correctness of the transmission.

 

 

 

 

 

Save Data From Erase Module Using Preserve Range

Oct 10, 2008

The Erase Module function of PEmicro programming algorithms generally erases all data in a flash module. Sometimes a user may not wish to fully erase the flash. On algorithms which support selective erase functions (like Erase Object Ranges or Erase Range), those mechanisms can be used instead to only erase the regions desired. On algorithms which only support Erase Module, the algorithm itself can be modified to preserve certain ranges of flash memory. Before erasing the flash, the programmer looks at the ranges to be preserved, saves it, and reprograms it automatically after the Flash/EEPROM has been erased. Some settings in some flashes (like timing TRIM parameters) are automatically preserved.

Read more...

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

Oct 03, 2008

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.
The debug signals for some ColdFire devices such as the MCF5272 and MCF5206(e) have to be synchronized before reaching the microprocessor. This additional requirement must be kept in mind.

 

Easy Field Service Updates

Sep 29, 2008

P&E's Cyclone programmers are sophisticated and flexible tools designed for in-circuit flash programming.  Field service updates, an important part of a field system, often occur in places where there is no access to a PC or power outlet.  However, P&E's Cyclones are lightweight, compact programmers that have been designed to operate in stand-alone mode – i.e. they can be loaded with a programming image, detached from the PC, and then be controlled via the LCD menu and control buttons. This makes it simple to update the firmware of a field system, for example. In the field, the Cyclone unit may be powered by using a Cyclone_PowerPack, which is a lightweight and compact lithium ion battery.  The combination of the Cyclone programmer and the battery pack creates a fully operational field programming setup that is lightweight, compact, and extremely portable. 

All that is required for a field update is to connect the battery-powered, pre-programmed Cyclone to the target. Flash programming occurs directly from the Cyclone image to the target by a simple touch of the Start button. Once initiated, programming launches and the on-board LCD displays the current state of the programming process. The final result, which is displayed on the LCD screen and with highly visible LEDs, clearly indicates a successful programming result.

Expert's Corner: Simplify Product Testing With PEmicro Tools

Nov 01, 2005

Product testing is a critical yet often complex and expensive process. Taking advantage of embedded processors with on-chip debug capability has made it easier to complete a simple internal test of a product. The following explains how you can take advantage of these capabilities to create your own product test. We’ll examine these four areas to improve your testing process:

  1. Use of Debug Mode (BDM) to control processor operation
  2. Application of PEmicro’s DLLs on a PC to make test applications which control the processor and run tests via debug mode
  3. Using the Processor to test as much of the board hardware as possible
  4. Creating a test fixture to add more complex test capabilities

Continue reading this Expert's Corner...

Expert's Corner: Programming Serial Numbers into Flash

Aug 01, 2005

Did you know that you can improve tracking of your products by placing serial numbers in flash during programming using P&E's FLASH/EEPROM programming products? There are commands in both the GUI (PROGxxZ) and command line (CPROGxxZ) versions of P&E's programming software for selecting a particular serial number file and for programming the next serial number. The serial number is incremented by one after it is programmed into your device. Complex serial numbers with up to 16 bytes are supported. Each byte of a serial number can be restricted to a range of values. This allows you to create such things as printable, numeric, upper case alphabetic, lower case alphabetic, and constant characters in your serial number.

Continue reading this Expert's Corner