Flasher Compact
The space-efficient programmer

The Flasher Compact is a space-efficient counterpart to the Flasher PRO that is ideal for integration into production rigs or automated test equipment (ATE) where Ethernet connectivity is not needed. Paired with the Flasher Hub-4 or Flasher Hub-12, it enables highly efficient gang-programming solutions.

Overview

Flasher Compact is the streamlined twin to Flasher PRO and is primarily designed for installation into production rigs or automated test equipment (ATE) where space is limited. It can be used to program both the internal and external memory of an MCU or system on a chip (SoC), as well as memory chips directly connected to it. It operates as a standalone device, eliminating the need for a PC, and its compact size and convenient mounting holes ensure hassle-free integration into any production setup. Powered by a USB and equipped with 128 MB of internal memory, Flasher Compact stores firmware images and programming configurations with ease.

Included with the Flasher Compact is setup and control software for Windows, Linux, and macOS, as well as access to continuous updates for both software and firmware. Furthermore, all supported devices can be used at no additional cost, and support for future devices is also included.

Key features

Flasher Compact combines practical functionality and a compact design with features that make it adaptable to different production needs. Whether users need flexible connectivity, the ability to program unique data, or easy integration into tight setups, Flasher Compact improves efficiency and simplifies programming.

USB-C connectivity

Flasher Compact is equipped with a modern USB-C interface, ensuring reliable, high-speed communication and easy integration with contemporary systems. The USB-C port provides both power and data transfer capabilities, simplifying setup and reducing cable clutter in production environments.

Serial-number assignment

Many modern devices require unique data. Flasher Compact enables programming of variable information, such as serial numbers, Ethernet hardware addresses (MAC), digital signatures, and license keys. These options can be customized for each device by applying patch data to the original firmware.

Compact housing

Flasher Compact packs a powerful, adptable universal programming tool into a slim, lightweight housing. Its space-efficient design and its mounting holes allow for easy integration into production rigs or ATE.

Use cases

Flasher Compact is designed to meet the demands of high-volume production environments and provide flexibility and efficiency across a wide range of use cases. Its compact size, versatility, and ability to operate both independently and in parallel with other units make it an ideal choice for a variety of programming tasks.

Several Flasher Compacts programming targets at the same time

Flashing in high-volume mass production

Flasher Compact enables manufacturers to program multiple targets simultaneously, ensuring rapid and efficient firmware installation. By running several devices through the programming process at the same time, overall production speed is significantly increased.

By stacking multiple Flasher Compacts and combining them with SEGGER’s Flasher Hub-4 or Flasher Hub-12, manufacturers can program up to 24 devices in parallel. This setup maximizes throughput, optimizes the production process, and helps ensure tight deadlines are met with no compromise in quality.

Microcontroller in space-limited environment

Optimized programming through proximity to the target

Flasher Compact’s small size allows it to be placed directly next to a target device, minimizing the distance between the device and a programmer. The resulting proximity enhances signal quality, reducing transmission delays and improving overall programming reliability.

With shorter-than-average cable lengths, Flasher Compact maximizes programming speed and efficiency, ensuring higher effective throughput. This makes it an ideal choice for production setups, where fast and reliable in-target programming is essential.

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments

Flasher Compact’s small form factor and dedicated physical mounting points make it an ideal solution for HIL test environments. Its compact size allows it to be securely mounted on test rigs where space is at a premium, ensuring seamless integration.

During automated tests, it provides reliable flash programming, ensuring efficient testing and validation processes. Flasher Compact is a perfect fit for environments where a minimized footprint, high performance, and functionality are essential.

Latest news

2025

Jun.26

J-Link

With the release of the V8.46 version of the J-Link and Flasher Software and Documentation Packs, SEGGER has added debug and flash-programming support for GigaDevice's general purpose ARM® Cortex®-M23-based GD32C2 range of microcontrollers.

[Read more...]

All news

How Flasher Compact works

Flasher Compact offers three boot modes: PC-based, standalone, and file-access mode. In standalone mode, the device functions as a JTAG/SWD programmer, allowing it to operate independently, with no need for a PC. Powered via USB, it requires no external power supply.

With 128 MB of internal memory for storing target programs, Flasher Compact supports both internal and external flash devices. Data files can be updated via USB, Ethernet (using J-Flash/U-Flash software), or through file-access mode. Flasher Compact offers flexibility for an extensive range of programming needs.

One compact solution for single-unit and gang programming

Flasher Compact is a powerful and reliable solution for single-unit programming of individual devices, as well as for gang programming multiple devices in parallel. For the latter, Flasher Compact combined with a Flasher Hub-4 or Flasher Hub-12 constitutes a high-performance means for managing large-scale programming needs in various production environments.

One blue Flasher programming one target device

Single-unit programming

For single-unit programming, Flasher Compact provides a reliable and efficient solution tailored to production environments with individual microcontrollers, SoCs, and memory chips. The space-efficient counterpart to Flasher PRO, Flasher Compact offers the same high-performance features as its sibling, but with a slimmed design that allows for seamless integration into space-constrained setups. Whether used for in-field updates or production testing, Flasher Compact’s versatile flash-device-management capabilities make it a dependable tool for precision programming.

One Flasher Hub-12 connected to 12 Flasher Compacts

Gang programming

When programming multiple devices in parallel, the combination of a Flasher Compact and a Flasher Hub-4 or Flasher Hub-12 constitutes an efficient gang-programming solution. By connecting several Flasher Compact units to these hubs, users can program up to 24 devices simultaneously, significantly increasing throughput for high-volume production runs. This parallel programming setup allows for synchronized, rapid programming that ensures that all connected devices receive the same firmware at the same time. The ability to handle multiple devices with speed and accuracy makes this gang-programming approach ideal for industries requiring fast, large-scale programming with minimal manual intervention.

Supported devices

The list of supported manufacturers, families, devices, and SoCs includes tens of thousands of devices in hundreds of device families.

Device not listed? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Software

Flasher Compact comes with SEGGER's Flasher Software and Documentation Package for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It provides the tools and resources necessary for configuring, managing, and using the Flasher Compact effectively. It also includes flash loaders for all supported devices, including a wide range of target microcontrollers. The list of supported manufacturers, families and devices, and SoCs provides a detailed overview.

The software package can be downloaded free of charge, and it includes future software and firmware updates, as well as all new flash loaders for target devices added in the future.

Technical specifications

Specifications
Power supply	USB powered, maximum 130 mA (idle)
USB host interface	USB 2.0 (hi-speed); USB-C
Target interface	Male 20-pin IDC keyed box header with 0.1" pitch (2.54mm); optional adapters available
Supported target interfaces	SPI, QSPI, 8051 C2, cJTAG, FINE, ICSP, IIC, ISP, JTAG, PDI, SPD, SWD, SWIM, UART, UPDI
Internal flash memory	128 MB (TBW: 10 TB)
Memory expansion	Possible with Flasher PRO XL
Max. target cable length	Recommended (delivered): 20 cm (8") Max. 2 m (6.5") allowed, but might reduce max. target-interface speed
Serial transfer rate between Flasher Compact and target	Dependent on target interface; JTAG/SWD: 50MHz
Supported target voltage	1.2-5 V
Current drawn from target voltage sense pin (VT_Ref)	< 25 µA
Target supply voltage	5 V
Target supply current	Max. 400 mA
Reset type	Open drain with 100-ohm series resistor. Can be pulled low or tristated
Operating temperature	+ 5 °C ... + 60 °C
Storage temperature	- 20 °C ... + 65 °C
Relative humidity (non-condensing)	< 90% rH
Size (without cables)	70 mm x 45 mm x 18 mm
Weight (without cables)	40 g
Supported OS	Microsoft Windows (x64/Arm), Linux (x64/Arm), macOS (x64/Apple Silicon)

Assembly dimensions

Flasher Compact is designed to mount securely and unobtrusively in production rigs or automated test equipment (ATE). Its small size and four mounting holes enable easy integration into existing space-constrained setups.

Download housing dimensions

Download PCB dimensions

Download PCB STEP data

Support

Flasher Compact comes with one year (12 months) of Basic Support. Beyond that, SEGGER's Extended Coverage gives users the option to extend the hardware warranty and Basic Support for one additional year (12 months) or two additional years (24 months). These options are only available at the time of purchase, either through the Web Shop or upon request; adding coverage at a later date is not possible.