Renesas Flash Programmer: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are working with Renesas microcontrollers, you may need a tool to program the on-chip flash memory of your devices. Whether you are in the development or mass production phase, you want a tool that is easy to use, reliable, and versatile. In this article, we will introduce you to one such tool: the Renesas Flash Programmer.

We will explain what is Renesas Flash Programmer, why you should use it, what features it offers, how to download and install it, how to use it, how to troubleshoot common issues with it, and what alternatives are available. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to use Renesas Flash Programmer for your flash programming needs.

What is Renesas Flash Programmer?

Renesas Flash Programmer is a flash memory programming software for Renesas microcontrollers. It supports various families of Renesas microcontrollers, such as RL78, RX, RH850, Renesas Synergy, V850, 78K0R, and 78K0. It allows you to program the on-chip flash memory of your devices under PC control via different methods, such as E2 emulator, E2 emulator Lite, E20 emulator, Segger J-Link debug probes, serial or USB connection.

Renesas Flash Programmer has a simple graphical user interface (GUI) that makes operations easy, even for first-time developers. It also supports command line control for automated programming using scripts. You can save your programming settings in workspace files and reuse them later. You can also program a unique code to a designated area of flash memory for identification or security purposes.

Why use Renesas Flash Programmer?

Renesas Flash Programmer is a convenient and powerful tool for flash programming of Renesas microcontrollers. Here are some of the benefits of using it:

• It supports a wide range of Renesas microcontrollers, so you can use it for different projects and products.
• It supports different programming modes and methods, so you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.
• It supports automated programming using scripts, so you can save time and reduce human errors.
• It supports programming a unique code to flash memory, so you can add identification or security features to your devices.
• It has a simple GUI that makes operations easy, even for first-time developers.
• It has a comprehensive user manual that provides detailed instructions and examples on how to use it.
• It has technical support from Renesas Electronics if you purchase a software license.

Features of Renesas Flash Programmer

Renesas Flash Programmer has many features that make it a useful and versatile tool for flash programming of Renesas microcontrollers. Here are some of the main features:

Support for various Renesas microcontrollers

Renesas Flash Programmer supports various families of Renesas microcontrollers, such as RL78, RX, RH850, Renesas Synergy, V850, 78K0R, and 78K0. You can check the list of supported devices on the Renesas website. You can also request support for new devices by contacting Renesas Electronics.

Support for different programming modes and methods

Renesas Flash Programmer supports different programming modes and methods, so you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. The programming modes are:

• Basic mode: This mode allows you to program the flash memory of a single device using a simple GUI. You can select the device, the programming method, the data file, and the programming options. You can also verify the programming result and erase the flash memory.
• Full mode: This mode allows you to program the flash memory of multiple devices using a more advanced GUI. You can create and manage multiple workspaces, each with its own settings and data files. You can also use various functions, such as batch programming, unique code programming, checksum calculation, and log output.
• Command line control: This mode allows you to program the flash memory of multiple devices using scripts. You can use command line parameters to specify the settings and data files. You can also use batch files or other tools to automate the programming process.

The programming methods are:

• E2 emulator: This method allows you to program the flash memory of your device using an E2 emulator or an E2 emulator Lite connected to your PC via USB. You can use this method for both development and mass production.
• E20 emulator: This method allows you to program the flash memory of your device using an E20 emulator connected to your PC via USB. You can use this method for both development and mass production.
• Segger J-Link: This method allows you to program the flash memory of your device using a Segger J-Link debug probe connected to your PC via USB. You can use this method for development only.
• Serial or USB connection: This method allows you to program the flash memory of your device using a serial or USB connection between your PC and your device. You need to install a bootloader on your device before using this method. You can use this method for both development and mass production.

Support for automated programming using scripts

Renesas Flash Programmer supports automated programming using scripts, so you can save time and reduce human errors. You can use command line control mode to program the flash memory of multiple devices using scripts. You can use command line parameters to specify the settings and data files. You can also use batch files or other tools to automate the programming process.

For example, you can create a batch file that calls Renesas Flash Programmer with different parameters for each device. You can then run the batch file to program all the devices in one go. Alternatively, you can use other tools, such as Renesas Flash Development Toolkit or Renesas e² studio, to create and execute scripts that call Renesas Flash Programmer.

Support for programming a unique code to flash memory

Renesas Flash Programmer supports programming a unique code to a designated area of flash memory, so you can add identification or security features to your devices. You can use this feature in full mode or command line control mode.

You can specify the unique code in various ways, such as:

• A fixed value that is common to all devices.
• A serial number that is incremented for each device.
• A random number that is generated for each device.
• A value that is read from an external file or device.
• A value that is calculated from other data in flash memory.

You can also specify the location and size of the unique code area in flash memory. You can program the unique code before or after programming the main data file.

How to download and install Renesas Flash Programmer

If you want to use Renesas Flash Programmer, you need to download and install it on your PC. Here are the steps:

Downloading the evaluation software

You can download the evaluation software of Renesas Flash Programmer from the Renesas website. The evaluation software is free of charge, but it has some limitations, such as:

• It expires after 60 days from installation.
• It does not support command line control mode.
• It does not support unique code programming.
• It does not support programming a checksum to flash memory.
• It does not support programming a user boot option to flash memory.
• It does not support programming a user area protection to flash memory.
• It does not support programming a security ID to flash memory.

To download the evaluation software, you need to register on the Renesas website and agree to the terms and conditions. You will receive an email with a download link and a license key. You can use the license key to activate the evaluation software after installation.

Purchasing a software license

If you want to use the full features of Renesas Flash Programmer, you need to purchase a software license from Renesas Electronics or its distributors. The software license is valid for one PC and one user. You can purchase multiple licenses if you need to use Renesas Flash Programmer on multiple PCs or by multiple users.

To purchase a software license, you need to contact Renesas Electronics or its distributors and provide your information, such as your name, company name, address, email, phone number, and the number of licenses you need. You will receive an invoice and a payment method. After you make the payment, you will receive an email with a download link and a license key. You can use the license key to activate the full software after installation.

Installing the software and drivers

After you download the software, you need to install it on your PC. You also need to install the drivers for the programming method that you want to use. Here are the steps:

1. Run the installer file that you downloaded and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to accept the license agreement, select the installation folder, and enter the license key that you received.
2. Select the components that you want to install. You can choose between basic mode, full mode, command line control mode, and drivers for E2 emulator, E20 emulator, Segger J-Link, and serial or USB connection.
3. Wait for the installation to complete and click Finish.
4. If you installed the drivers for E2 emulator, E20 emulator, Segger J-Link, or serial or USB connection, you may need to restart your PC.
5. If you installed the drivers for serial or USB connection, you may need to install a bootloader on your device before using this method. You can find the bootloader files and instructions on the Renesas website.

How to use Renesas Flash Programmer

After you install Renesas Flash Programmer, you can start using it for flash programming of your devices. You can choose between basic mode, full mode, and command line control mode depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some tips on how to use each mode:

Basic mode

This mode allows you to program the flash memory of a single device using a simple GUI. Here are the steps:

1. Connect your device to your PC using the programming method that you want to use. Make sure that your device is powered on and in programming mode.
2. Launch Renesas Flash Programmer and select Basic Mode from the menu bar.
3. Select your device from the drop-down list. If your device is not listed, click Add Device and browse for the device information file (DIF) that matches your device. You can find the DIF files on the Renesas website or in the installation folder of Renesas Flash Programmer.
4. Select your programming method from the drop-down list. If you are using E2 emulator, E20 emulator, or Segger J-Link, you may need to specify some settings, such as communication speed, interface type, and target voltage.
5. Browse for the data file that contains the data that you want to program to flash memory. You can use various formats, such as Intel HEX, Motorola S-record, binary, or ELF/DWARF.
6. Select the programming options that you want to use. You can choose between erase before programming, verify after programming, or blank check. You can also specify the address range and the data size that you want to program.
7. Click Start to begin the programming process. You will see the progress and the result on the screen. You can also view the log file for more details.
8. If you want to erase the flash memory, click Erase. If you want to verify the flash memory, click Verify. If you want to read the flash memory, click Read.

Full mode

This mode allows you to program the flash memory of multiple devices using a more advanced GUI. Here are the steps:

1. Connect your devices to your PC using the programming method that you want to use. Make sure that your devices are powered on and in programming mode.
2. Launch Renesas Flash Programmer and select Full Mode from the menu bar.
3. Create a new workspace or open an existing one. A workspace is a file that contains all the settings and data files for your programming project. You can create and manage multiple workspaces for different projects and products.
4. Add your devices to the workspace. You can add up to 32 devices per workspace. For each device, you need to specify the device name, the device information file (DIF), the programming method, and the data file.
5. Select the programming options that you want to use. You can choose between erase before programming, verify after programming, blank check, unique code programming, checksum calculation, user boot option programming, user area protection programming, security ID programming, and log output. You can also specify the address range and the data size that you want to program.
6. Click Start to begin the programming process. You will see the progress and the result for each device on the screen. You can also view the log file for more details.
7. If you want to erase, verify, read, or write a specific device, you can right-click on it and select the desired option from the menu.

Command line control

This mode allows you to program the flash memory of multiple devices using scripts. Here are the steps:

1. Connect your devices to your PC using the programming method that you want to use. Make sure that your devices are powered on and in programming mode.
2. Create a script file that contains the command line parameters for Renesas Flash Programmer. You can use various parameters to specify the settings and data files for each device. You can also use batch files or other tools to create and execute scripts.
3. Run Renesas Flash Programmer with your script file as an argument. For example, if your script file is named script.txt, you can run Renesas Flash Programmer as follows: RFP.exe script.txt
4. Wait for the programming process to complete. You will see the progress and the result on the screen. You can also view the log file for more details.

How to troubleshoot common issues with Renesas Flash Programmer

Sometimes, you may encounter some issues when using Renesas Flash Programmer, such as connection errors, programming errors, or software errors. Here are some tips on how to troubleshoot common issues with Renesas Flash Programmer:

Checking the connection and settings

If you have trouble connecting or communicating with your device, you should check the following:

• Make sure that your device is powered on and in programming mode.
• Make sure that your device is connected to your PC properly using the programming method that you want to use.
• Make sure that you have installed the drivers for the programming method that you want to use.
• Make sure that you have selected the correct device, programming method, and data file in Renesas Flash Programmer.
• Make sure that you have specified the correct settings, such as communication speed, interface type, target voltage, and address range in Renesas Flash Programmer.
• Make sure that your device is compatible with the programming method that you want to use.

Updating the software and firmware

If you have trouble programming or verifying your device, you should check the following:

• Make sure that you have the latest version of Renesas Flash Programmer. You can check for updates on the Renesas website or in the software itself.
• Make sure that you have the latest version of the device information file (DIF) for your device. You can download the DIF files from the Renesas website or in the software itself.
• Make sure that you have the latest version of the firmware for your programming tool, such as E2 emulator, E20 emulator, or Segger J-Link. You can update the firmware using the software that came with your programming tool.

Contacting technical support

If you still have issues with Renesas Flash Programmer, you can contact technical support from Renesas Electronics. You can do so by:

• Filling out an online inquiry form on the Renesas website.
• Sending an email to rfp_support@lm.renesas.com.
• Calling the toll-free number 1-800-RENESAS (1-800-736-3727) in North America.

You will need to provide your information, such as your name, company name, email, phone number, and software license number. You will also need to provide details about your issue, such as your device model, programming method, data file, error message, and log file.

Alternatives to Renesas Flash Programmer

Renesas Flash Programmer is a convenient and powerful tool for flash programming of Renesas microcontrollers. However, it is not the only tool available. Here are some alternatives to Renesas Flash Programmer:

Flash programming without using Renesas Flash Programmer

You can program the flash memory of your device without using Renesas Flash Programmer if your device supports self-programming or boot mode. Self-programming is a feature that allows your device to write data to its own flash memory using a user program. Boot mode is a feature that allows your device to receive data from an external source and write it to its flash memory using a built-in bootloader. You can use these features with various tools, such as Renesas Flash Development Toolkit or Renesas e² studio.

Other flash programming tools and software

You can also use other flash programming tools and software from third-party vendors or open-source projects. Some examples are:

• IAR Embedded Workbench: This is an integrated development environment (IDE) that supports various Renesas microcontrollers. It has a built-in flash programmer that allows you to program and debug your devices using various methods.
• Flash Magic: This is a flash programming software that supports various microcontrollers from different vendors. It allows you to program your devices using serial or USB connection.
• OpenOCD: This is an open-source project that provides on-chip debugging and in-system programming for various microcontrollers. It supports various programming tools, such as JTAG or SWD debug probes.

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced you to Renesas Flash Programmer, a flash memory programming software for Renesas microcontrollers. We have explained what it is, why you should use it, what features it offers, how to download and install it, how to use it, how to troubleshoot common issues with it, and what alternatives are available.

We hope that this article has helped you understand how to use Renesas Flash Programmer for your flash programming needs. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Renesas Flash Programmer:

Q: How much does Renesas Flash Programmer cost?

A: The evaluation software of Renesas Flash Programmer is free of charge, but it has some limitations, such as expiration date and feature restrictions. The full software of Renesas Flash Programmer requires a software license that costs $500 per PC and per user. You can purchase a software license from Renesas Electronics or its distributors.

Q: How can I update Renesas Flash Programmer?

A: You can check for updates on the Renesas website or in the software itself. If there is a new version available, you can download and install it on your PC. You will need to enter your license key again to activate the updated software.

Q: How can I program a unique code to flash memory using Renesas Flash Programmer?

A: You can program a unique code to a designated area of flash memory using Renesas Flash Programmer in full mode or command line control mode. You can specify the unique code in various ways, such as a fixed value, a serial number, a random number, a value from an external file or device, or a value calculated from other data in flash memory. You can also specify the location and size of the unique code area in flash memory. You can program the unique code before or after programming the main data file.

Q: How can I program a checksum to flash memory using Renesas Flash Programmer?

A: You can program a checksum to a designated area of flash memory using Renesas Flash Programmer in full mode or command line control mode. A checksum is a value that is calculated from the data in flash memory and used to verify the integrity of the data. You can specify the location and size of the checksum area in flash memory. You can also specify the algorithm and the endianness of the checksum calculation. You can program the checksum after programming the main data file.

Q: How can I contact technical support for Renesas Flash Programmer?

A: You can contact technical support for Renesas Flash Programmer by filling out an online inquiry form on the Renesas website, sending an email to rfp_support@lm.renesas.com, or calling the toll-free number 1-800-RENESAS (1-800-736-3727) in North America. You will need to provide your information, such as your name, company name, email, phone number, and software license number. You will also need to provide details about your issue, such as your device model, programming method, data file, error message, and log file.

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