Flasher Compact — The space-efficient programmer
Flasher Compact is the compact sibling of the Flasher PRO, primarily designed for installation into production rigs or automated test equipment (ATE) where production space is limited.
Overview
Flasher Compact is an in-circuit flash programming tool, designed to program the internal and external memory of an MCU or SOC as well as program a (Q)SPI memory chip to which it is directly connected. Users control it in stand alone mode without the need of a PC program. Thanks to its compact nature and the mounting holes, integration into size-limited production setups is easier. Powered by USB, this stand-alone flash programmer has 128 MB of internal memory for storing firmware images and programming configurations.
Flasher comes with the setup and control software for Windows, Linux and macOS. Software and firmware updates are included. Similarly, all supported devices can be used without additional cost. Support for devices added in the future is also included.
Key features
- Compact universal stand-alone programmer
- Holes for mounting make target side assembly easy
- Includes the Flasher software package
- Includes the license to program all supported devices
- No additional licenses required. No hidden costs. No future costs.
- Future proof: Software, firmware updates, and new flash loaders, are free of charge
Supported devices
SEGGER Flashers support a wide range of CPU cores and an even wider range of different devices, such as SPI-Flash devices.
This includes support for tens of thousands of devices in hundreds of device families with billions of devices programmed.
Please note that a device may still be supported even if it is not on the list. Device not listed? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Universal target support
The Flasher Compact can program the internal and external memory of an MCU or SOC as well as program a (Q)SPI memory chip to which it is directly connected. It supports a variety of interfaces, so it can “speak” to almost any target. It can operate in either stand-alone or PC-based programming mode.
Software
All software is included free of charge. It comes with the flash loaders for all supported devices.
For every Flasher, the Flasher Software and Documentation Package is available:
Updates
Future software and firmware updates as well as any new flash loaders for target devices that will be added, are also free of charge.
- No licensing costs, even for newly supported devices.
- No hidden costs.
- No future costs.
Multi-platform
As a multi-platform solution, Flasher Compact comes with the setup and control software for Linux, macOS and Windows. Software and firmware updates are included. Similarly, use on all currently supported target devices, and any that will be added, is also included.
Parallel programming
The Flasher Compact and the modular in-system programmer Flasher ATE are capable of programming multiple devices in parallel, whether these devices are equal or part of a multi-device system. Using the Flasher Hub, multiple Flasher Compacts can gang-up to program up to 24 targets at once. The Flasher Compact's ultra-fast programming speed makes it ideally suited for high-volume mass production.
Serial number assignment
Many modern devices require some pieces of unique information. Flasher Compact allows the programming of data that differs amongst other otherwise identical units. Typical examples are things like serial numbers, ethernet hardware addresses (MAC), and digital signatures, and license keys that enable/disable product features. All these options can be adapted from device to device by applying patch data to the original firmware.
Use cases
Flashing & coding in high-volume mass production
Like many within SEGGER’s Flasher family, the Flasher Compact is capable of programming multiple devices at once. These devices can be equal, or part of a multi-device system. Moreover, several Flasher Compact devices can be stacked on top of each other. That way, more than one microcontroller can be programmed at once.
With SEGGER’s Flasher Hub up to 24 Flasher Compacts can be connected and controlled simultaneously, to create a single, powerful gang programmer for efficient high-speed parallel programming.
- Increased programming capacity
- High throughput
- Parallel programming enabled via Flasher Hub
Programming in size-limited production setups
The Flasher Compact can be placed very close to the device being programmed. It can even be attached directly to the programming fixture, reducing the need for additional space. Processes for serial in-target programming can thus be transferred directly to assembly areas.
- Reduced cable lengths for higher programming speed
- Fits into space-constraint setups such as ATEs
Media gallery
Flasher Compact — J-Flash Tutorial | 6:04 min
Flasher Hub — Intro | 3:15 min
QSPI flash programming | 3:00 min
Flasher Hub — High-volume gang programming
The Flasher Hub is a control unit that enables high-speed gang programming, significantly enhancing the power and effectiveness of the Flasher Compact. It can control up to 24 Flasher Compacts as individual channels, offering greater programming velocity.
Technical specifications
| Specifications | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power supply | USB powered, maximum 130mA (idle) | ||||
| USB host interface | USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed); Micro USB | ||||
| Target interface | 20-pin (14-pin adapter available) | ||||
| Supported target interfaces | SPI, QSPI, 8051 C2, cJTAG, FINE, ICSP, IIC, ISP, JTAG, PDI, SPD, SWD, SWIM, UART, UPDI | ||||
| Max. target cable length | Recommended (delivered): 20cm (8") Max. 2m (6.5") allowed but might reduce max. target interface speed | ||||
| Serial transfer rate between Flasher Compact and target | Depending on target interface; JTAG/SWD: 50MHz | ||||
| Supported target voltage | 1.2 - 5V | ||||
| Current drawn from target voltage sense pin (VTRef) | < 25µA | ||||
| Target supply voltage | 5V | ||||
| Target supply current | Max. 400mA | ||||
| Operating temperature | + 5 °C ... + 60 °C | ||||
| Storage temperature | - 20 °C ... + 65 °C | ||||
| Relative humidity (non-condensing) | < 90% rH | ||||
| Size (without cables) | 70mm x 45mm x 18mm | ||||
| Weight (without cables) | 40g | ||||
| Supported OS | Microsoft Windows (x86/x64), Linux (x86/x64/Arm), macOS (x86/Apple M1) | ||||
Assembly dimensions
The compact variant of the Flasher PRO is designed to mount securely and unobtrusively into production rigs or automated test equipment (ATE). The small size and four mounting holes enable placing the Flasher Compact into existing space-constraint setups.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between Flasher Compact and Flasher PRO?
A: Both the Compact and the PRO are universal in-circuit flash programming tools with the exact same speed and reliability. They are functionally identical and support the same devices, with the PRO having added connectivity.