This blog post was updated May 18, 2023 to include Renesas DLM Key Injection and User Key support. Other updates include running an application after DLM programming and updated flowchart and images.

PEmicro has added production programming support for the Renesas RA family Device Lifecycle Management (DLM) and TrustZone boundary settings to the Cyclone FX programmer. 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

PEmicro'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.

 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.

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. 

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

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

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

PEmicro'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.

PEmicro's development and production tools now support Infineon's 32-bit TRAVEO™ T2G ARM® Cortex® devices. TRAVEO 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.

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

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

PEmicro 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!

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.

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!

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PEmicro supports external flash connected to an MCU via the SPI and Address/Data bus interfaces. When performing this type of programming, the algorithm needs to be set up specifically for our programmers to be able to communicate with the flash via the MCU. What must be configured depends on which external bus interface has been chosen for the connection. When using the Address/Data bus, the user will need to configure the external address, data, and bus control pins of the MCU. In the case of the SPI bus, the user will need to configure GPIO pins connected to the external SPI device properly. The modifications are made in the header of the algorithm file. PEmicro's PROGACMP software, as of version 8.84, has an SPI Diagnostic mode that provides the user with a new method to easily test the GPIO configuration in order to help troubleshoot programming issues.

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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

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

PEmicro'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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Note: This blog post was updated on 24 June 2022 to reflect a change to the Console command.

Note: This blog post was updated on 10 October 26 to reflect a change in the licensing for Cyclone LC.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

The example project can be downloaded from our Github repository

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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

PEmicro 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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. 

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.

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 

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

With ProCryption Security, Cyclone users can:

1. Create RSA/AES encrypted programming images (eSAP images) that use their own uniquely generated ImageKey(s). These programming images may only be used on Cyclones that are pre-configured with the same ImageKey(s). 
2. Restrict the use of programming images by programming count and date range. 

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

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

The Cyclone FX comes standard with many advanced features which aren't available by default on the Cyclone LC series of programmers. PEmicro offers a licensing mechanism to add three of these advanced Cyclone FX features to the Cyclone LC : ProCryption programming protection and encryption, Advanced Automation, and external SD card storage for images. 

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

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

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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

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.

PEmicro has designed our CYCLONE 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.

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®. 

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. 

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

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

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.  

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.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to supporting the flash that resides in many different microcontrollers, PEmicro supports flash connected to an MCU via the SPI, I2C, and Address/Data bus interfaces. Depending on how the flash device is connected to the MCU, the programming algorithm may need to be set up to properly configure the external address, data, and bus control pins of the MCU. If you are not sure if you selected the right algorithm for your flash memory, please also read this blog post on selecting a flash algorithm.

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.

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

PEmicro has just released pipelined programming algorithms for a variety of Power Architecture devices. These new pipelined algorithms can be huge time-savers for those who program Power Architecture devices either in development or on their manufacturing lines, as they result in 50% to 100% faster programming times than using non-pipelined algorithms.

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.

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.

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.

PEmicro is now shipping the Cyclone Universal, which is the first of PEmicro's next-generation Cyclone programmers. PEmicro's Cyclones have set the standard for powerful, versatile production programming and debug. The Cyclone Universal was designed as the first in a next-generation Cyclone platform with a focus on security, performance, test, and expandability.

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
• 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.

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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.

PEmicro is now providing serial SPI memory device programming algorithms for devices attached to ARM® Cortex-M microcontrollers. There are many reasons to use PEmicro’s algorithms for your programming requirements. Some of the more significant reasons are:

PEmicro has developed a new pipelined version of its flash programming engine for Kinetis and other ARM® Cortex™ devices with more than 4KB of RAM by leveraging some unique aspects of the architecture. This pipelining mechanism improves already fast programming rates by up to 50%.

PEmicro announced the addition of several new features to its popular Cyclone MAX stand-alone/automated flash programmer.

Qorivva MPC574x Support
The Cyclone MAX now includes stand-alone programming and device support for Freescale's Qorivva MPC5748G cut 2 and MPC5746C devices with its popular Cyclone MAX production programmer.

User Control of MCU Reset
Version 7.84 of the Cyclone MAX software also provides the ability to hold the reset line low upon a target device power up, a feature that is especially useful for devices such as Freescale's Kinetis KE02 that implement a multiplexed reset line.

Cyclone MAX users may download the updated Cyclone MAX software from PEmicro's support center.

PEmicro announced the addition of support for Freescale's high-performance S12Z devices to its popular Cyclone PRO stand-alone/automated in-circuit programmer. Freescale's S12Z devices include the S12ZVC, S12ZVH, S12ZVL and S12ZVM families. This further expands the range of Freescale architectures that the Cyclone PRO is able to program, which includes HC(S)12(X), RS08, HCS08, HC08 and ColdFire+/V1 devices.

Cyclone PRO users may download the latest Cyclone PRO software, which includes updates for S12Z support, from PEmicro's support center.

PEmicro announced the addition of stand-alone programming support for Freescale's Qorivva MPC57xx devices to its popular Cyclone MAX production programmer. Version 7.81 of the Cyclone MAX software includes support for the following Qorivva devices:

BOSTON – September 25, 2013 - P&E Microcomputer Systems announced support for a group of Renesas' RX family of devices in Rev. C of the Cyclone for Renesas® In-Circuit Flash Programmer. P&E has implemented support for Renesas' RX600 devices and will continue to add support for other RX devices in the near future. RX is a range of 32-bit Renesas microcontrollers that feature high performance and code efficiency while also offering low power consumption and new/enhanced peripherals. The latest version of P&E's Cyclone for Renesas adds RX to existing support for RL78, R8C, M16C and M16C/80, M32C, H8 and H8S/Tiny devices.

Renesas is a registered trademark of Renesas Electronics Corporation.

BOSTON – August 2, 2013 - P&E Microcomputer Systems announced the release of Rev. C of its Cyclone for Renesas® In-Circuit Flash Programmer, which adds support for Renesas' RL78 devices. RL78 is a new family of Renesas microcontrollers that are compact, low-cost, and designed for extremely low power applications. Renesas offers RL78 devices that are tailored towards general purpose, lighting, automotive, and other applications. The latest version of P&E's Cyclone for Renesas adds RL78 to existing support for R8C, M16C and M16C/80, M32C, H8 and H8S/Tiny devices, and opens the path for future support of additional devices such as the RX family.

Renesas is a registered trademark of Renesas Electronics Corporation.

BOSTON - May 17, 2013 - P&E Microcomputer Systems announced the newest addition to their line of powerful Cyclone automated/stand-alone programmers: the Cyclone for ARM® devices. The Cyclone for ARM devices is a production-ready programmer with support for ARM devices from Freescale (Kinetis K-series & L-series) , STMicroelectronics (STM32), NXP (LPC1xxx) , and Texas Instruments (Stellaris™ LM3S/LM4).

The Cyclone's on-board memory and intuitive setup software make it easy to configure the programmer and load programming images. Configuration and operation are extemely flexible, with Ethernet, USB, and Serial communications options. Cyclone operations can be fully automated, or programming tasks can be accomplushed manually. The LCD menu and buttons offer complete stand-alone functionality. P&E maintains a frequently updated library of programming algorithms for compatible devices on the P&E support page and will continously be adding support for additional architectures.

ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
Texas Instruments is a registered trademark and Stellaris is a trademark of Texas Instruments Incorporated.
Kinetis is a registered trademark of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
NXP is a registered trademark of NXP Semiconductors.
STMicroelectronics is a registered trademark of STMicroelectronics, Inc.

BOSTON – Mar. 15, 2012 - P&E Microcomputer Systems Inc., a leading developer of third-party tools for Freescale microcontrollers, has announced the addition of support for Freescale DSCs (digital-signal controllers) to key P&E development and production programming interfaces. Freescale DSCs are designed to blend processing power with specific, optimized control loop capabilities. P&E's DSC-compatible products represent a range of feature sets and price points in order to accommodate projects of any scope and budget.

P&E's Cyclone MAX, a flagship Automated Programmer and Debug Interface that is designed to handle a variety of tasks, including low and high volume programming in demanding production environments, now offers support for the following Freescale DSC families: MC56F80xx, 56F82xx, MC56F83xx, and MC56F84xxx. In addition, the new Cyclone MAX firmware (v.7.70) streamlines the unit's LCD display and provides more user selected and customized information. 

The USB Multilink Universal and the high-speed USB Multilink Universal FX also support Freescale's MC56F80xx, 56F82xx, MC56F83xx, and MC56F84xxx DSC families as part of an "all-in-one" approach that includes support for many other Freescale MCU architectures. The USB Multilink Universal is P&E's entry-level all-in-one development interface, and the USB Multilink Universal FX features up to 10x faster download speed and the ability to supply target power, while remaining an excellent overall value.

All three of these DSC-compatible interfaces are natively supported by Freescale's Codewarrior 10.2. More information on the Cyclone MAX, USB Multilink Universal, USB Multilink Universal FX, and compatible software is available at www.pemicro.com.

For users of our Cyclone for Renesas stand-alone programmer, we've made our library of programming algorithms for supported Renesas devices available for download here. As always, if you do not see the algorithm you need for a supported device, you can use this link to request a custom algorithm. The Cyclone for Renesas currently supports the H8, R8C, and M16C families.  

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:

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.

P&E engineer Edison Tam demonstrates how to program Freescale's QE128 with P&E's Cyclone PRO stand-alone automated programmer, and gives an overview of the development and production capabilities of the Cyclone PRO. To learn more, please visit the Cyclone PRO product page:

 Systems that use memory-mapped external flash require special considerations from a programming perspective. Because there are so many variables, questions about external flash are among the most common types of technical support inquiries that we receive. In this article, we provide an overview of how the PEmicro PROG software handles external flash and offer some tips to help debug a system.  The examples in this article relate to Freescale ColdFire devices, but the concepts can be applied to most microprocessor systems.

Hardware connections
The following is the minimum set of signals required to access a memory-mapped external flash:

A[X:0] – Address signals
D[Y:0] – Data signals
CS – Chip Select
WE or R/W – Write Enable
OE – Output Enable

How PROG works
PEmicro’s PROG software forces the processor into background (or "debug") mode, where it gains full access to the processor’s resources. The flash programming algorithm is then loaded into the processor’s RAM. The algorithm contains all of the routines necessary to erase and program the external flash.

PROG always moves the external flash so that it begins at address 0 for programming. If your own memory map is different, PROG will need to account for this with the correct base address. 

Accessing the external flash
The PROG software uses the processor to access the external flash. This means that from the processor’s perspective, it must be able to read and write to the external flash. Usually, this is all handled by the processor’s external bus interface. Most of the external flash algorithms provided by PEmicro assume that this configuration is already handled by the user.

For example, most processors automatically start up with CS0 as the global chip select. The processor uses this chip select for all external memory accesses until it is reconfigured by the user. Likewise, the processor checks certain signals during bootup to determine the width of the data bus on CS0.

Extra initialization
Depending on the processor and external flash used, there may be some extra initialization that is not automatically performed by the processor on bootup, but is necessary before flash programming can take place. Users may perform this extra initialization by adding commands to the beginning of the algorithm itself. The algorithms may be edited with a simple text editor such as Notepad. Refer to the PROG help file for more detailed information on these commands.

Some examples:

1) Processor’s internal SRAM needs to be enabled, because it is disabled at bootup
NO_ON_CHIP_RAM
CONTROL=80000001/0C05/             ;set up rambar to place ram at $80000000

2) Processor has a software watchdog that needs to be disabled
WRITE_WORD=0000/40140000/          ;kill extra sw watchdog

3) External bus interface is not properly configured after bootup
WRITE_WORD=0000/40000080/       ;CSAR0 - CS0 at address 0
WRITE_LONG=00000101/40000084/       ;CSMR0 - Enable CS0
WRITE_WORD=3D80/4000008A/       ;CSCR0 16-bit data bus

Troubleshooting
- Make sure you are using the correct algorithm. Please refer to this previous blog post for more information about algorithm selection.
- Double check hardware connections between the processor and the external flash.
- Check if the processor is actually able to access the external flash. The PROG software has a command called “Show Module” which will attempt to read the contents of the flash. If the data is displayed as XX, then the processor was unable to read the external flash.
-  If the hardware connections are good but the processor’s external bus configuration needs tweaking, a debugger will allow you to check the processor’s settings on bootup to make sure they match up with the external flash.

P&E has updated its Cyclone PRO Image Creation Utility to provide a way for users to set a custom trim frequency for HCS08, RS08, and CFV1 devices that have an internal reference clock. To use this feature, the user must first select a programming algorithm, because not all devices have the same maximum and minimum internal reference clock frequencies.

Once the programming algorithm has been selected, the utility will determine the allowed frequency range from which the user can choose. The user also has the option of enabling or disabling this feature. When it is enabled, the user can input a desired frequency. If the user does not enable this feature and input a frequency, or if this feature is disabled, the utility will simply select the default trim frequency as specified in the device reference manual.

Please note that this feature is only effective if the "PT ; Program Trim" command is included in the programming sequence. This custom trim feature in the updated Cyclone PRO Image Creation Utility is similar to the one available in CodeWarrior for Microcontrollers (RS08/HC(S)08/ColdFire V1).

To download the latest updates, please visit our Cyclone PRO product page.

P&E's Cyclone PRO makes it very simple to program both the Flash and EEPROM on your HC(S)12(X) device.  There is a unique algorithm for each device and the type of memory, so the first step is to determine the correct algorithm for your setup.  A list of all of our algorithms is located here.  If you need help indentifying the correct algorithm, please refer to our previous post, Choosing The Right Programming Algorithm.

The following is a demonstration of how to program the 9S12DP256B microcontroller with P&E's Cyclone PRO,  first in Interactive and then in Stand-Alone mode. 

The 9S12DP256B has 4KB of EEPROM and 256KB (4 blocks of 64KB) Flash, so the algorithm files that you are need are:

Freescale_9S12DP256B_1x16x2k_4k_EEPROM.12P - Internal EEPROM algortihm

Freescale_9S12DP256B_1x16x128k_256k_Linear_16k_page.12P - Internal Flash algorithm

You can place your code for EEPROM and Flash in seperate S-Record files or combine it into one.  The P&E programming software will ignore any addresses in the S-Record that are out of memory range.  Note that Freescale's Codewarrior Develoopment Kit automatically outputs an S-Record file and PHY file that contain both the Flash and EEPROM code.  You can load the PHY file directly with either algorithm for programming.

INTERACTIVE MODE

When using the Cyclone PRO in Interactive Mode, open up the CyclonePro_PROG12Z Flash programming software and connect to the target board. 

STANDALONE MODE

If you're using the Cyclone in Stand-Alone mode you'll need to configure the following programming sequence in the Cyclone PRO Image Creation Utility.  If you don't have this utility, you can download the software here. 

When using PEmicro's PROG family of programming software, it's necessary to specify the correct programming algorithm to match your hardware setup. Because PEmicro provides thousands of different programming algorithms this can seem like a duanting task. In this article we discuss how to quickly determine the programming algorithm that correctly matches a specific hardware setup.

Did you know you can safeguard data while erasing your Flash/EEPROM module during programming? PEmicro has added a “preserve range” function that can be used in a programming algorithm to preserve memory ranges. The function looks at the range to be preserved, saves it, and restores it after the Flash/EEPROM has been erased. The user can easily preserve code segments stored in flash with a couple of modifications to the header of the programming algorithm.

A flash programming algorithm is a text file which describes how a particular flash block is to be programmed. The algorithm contains a configuration section as well as some s-record data which implements the programming process. User's commonly will modify the configuration section to change the behavior of the programming algorithm, such as to add ranges of data to preserve.

Flash algorithms describe flash blocks as having either a fixed address (common for internal flash on a microcontroller) or a variable address (common for flash chips external to a microprocessor). Algorithms which do not have a fixed address for the flash will prompt the user for the base address of the flash at the time of programming. In either case, the algorithm can be used to specify ranges of flash to preserve relative to the start of the flash block.

For an algorithm with a fixed address for the flash block, the following line will indicate the flash block location:

NO_BASE_ADDRESS=NNNNNNNN/     ; NNNNNNNN is a Hexadecimal value indicating the start of flash

Do not modify the NO_BASE_ADDRESS line! You are simply going to add some lines after it which indicate that you wish to preserve certain ranges relative to the base address. The configuration line(s) you should add directly after the NO_BASE_ADDRESS line should have the following format (very strictly formatted - no spaces allowed and include all forward slashes):

PRESERVE_RANGE=SSSSSSSS/EEEEEEEE/     ; SSSSSSSS is the starting offset, EEEEEEEE is ending offset

Adding this line would preserve the following memory range : NNNNNNNN+SSSSSSSS to NNNNNNNN+EEEEEEEE.

Example:

If there was an algorithm which was designed to program a flash block with address range $4000-$FFFF, you would see the following configuration in the flash algorithm:

NO_BASE_ADDRESS=00004000/         ;Fixed at $4000
ADDR_RANGE=00000000/0000BFFF/00/FFFFFFC0/FFFFFE00/     ; $4000-$FFFF

Do not modify these lines! If you wanted to preserve a certain memory range, you would specify it after the line with the NO_BASE_ADDRESS command (which sets the base address) and before the lines with ADDR_RANGE. If you wanted to preserve the memory from address $F000-$F001, you would add the bolded line as follows:

NO_BASE_ADDRESS=00004000/         ;Fixed at $4000
PRESERVE_RANGE=0000B000/0000B001/     ; Preserve $0000F000-$0000F001
ADDR_RANGE=00000000/0000BFFF/00/FFFFFFC0/FFFFFE00/     ; $4000-$FFFF

Note that the preserve_range command requires the offset from the base address of your memory. If you add $4000 to $B000 and $B001, you have $F000 and $F001.

In addition, this functionality does not limit the user to preserving only 1 range or one address. The function can be called several times in the algorithm if several ranges and/or addresses need to be preserved, or if the Flash/EEPROM is segmented into several fields or extended into pages.

Example:

For the flash block above (from $4000 to $FFFF), if the user wished to preserve addresses $5001, $5006 and ranges $CCAA-$CCBB and $D123-$DFFF, the following segment would be added to the algorithm:

NO_BASE_ADDRESS=00004000/         ;Fixed at $4000
PRESERVE_RANGE=00001001/00001001/    ; 5001-4000
PRESERVE_RANGE=00001006/00001006/    ; 5006-4000
PRESERVE_RANGE=00008CAA/00008CBB/    ; CCAA-4000/CCBB-4000
PRESERVE_RANGE=00009123/00009FFF/    ; D123-4000/DFFF-4000
ADDR_RANGE=00000000/0000BFFF/00/FFFFFFC0/FFFFFE00/     ; $4000-$FFFF

Example:

It is also possible to preserve several different segments across different pages of Flash/EEPROM. The user should know how to access each page of memory logically in the software. Let's look at the HCS08 AC128. The paged Flash memory can be accessed with the following ranges. This will typcially be described in the configuration section of the programming algorithm.

NO_BASE_ADDRESS=000020F0/         ;Fixed at $20F0
PRESERVE_RANGE=00005F10/00005F15/    ; Preserve $08000-$08005
PRESERVE_RANGE=00035F10/00035F15/    ; Preserve $38000-$38005
ADDR_RANGE=00000000/0000DF0F/00/FFFFFFC0/FFFFFE00/     ; $20F0-$FFFF

Note again that the offset $20F0 is added to the parameters of the command to calculate the correct paged memory ranges to preserve. Add $20F0 to $5F10 to get $08000 and add $20F0 to $35F10 to get $38000.  

The PROG software will report a checksum error and warn that the algorithm has been modified. This error can be ignored. If you wish to remove the warning, please use our command-line ADDCRC utility to update the checksum.

The Blank Check command will now fail because of the preserved data. Also note that the Verify Module command will ignore the addresses that are preserved when comparing memory against an S-record.

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.