Flasher PRO XL — The universal flash programmer for huge images
Flasher PRO XL is the extra-large memory version of SEGGER’s universal flash programmer Flasher PRO, including all the same features plus the option of expandable memory.
Overview
The Flasher PRO XL is the extra-large memory version of SEGGER’s Flasher PRO. With all the same features of the Flasher PRO, the Flasher PRO XL expands upon the original’s 128 MB memory with 2 gigabytes—16 times as much internal flash memory. This memory can be used to store a variety of large program images. With its huge memory capacity, Flasher PRO XL can also program target systems running large footprint OSes such as Android, Linux, and Windows IoT.
Flasher PRO XL can be used in stand-alone or PC-based mode. It connects via USB, Ethernet or an RS232 interface. Like the Flasher PRO, the Flasher PRO XL supports a wide range of CPU cores and an even wider range of different devices from various vendors. Software and firmware updates are included. Similarly, use on all target devices currently supported, and on any that will be added, is also included.
Key features
- 2 Gigabytes of memory plus memory expandability
- High speed
- Large number of devices supported
- Flexible programming interface: Almost anything can be programmed
- Multiple status and control options
- Reliability
- Longevity
- Cross platform: Includes setup and control software for Linux, macOS, and Windows
- No license 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
Flasher PRO XL has a very flexible target and programming interface.
Based on an FPGA with an integrated CPU core, it has multiple dedicated soft cores controlling the target interface, and a virtual processor running the flash loader.
This concept makes it possible to adapt to almost any system for ISP programming purposes. Dedicated flash loaders, which can be easily downloaded to the programmer, make it possible to program almost any device. This flexibility allows using the debug or dedicated programming interfaces of microcontrollers to program the on-chip memories as well as the programming of the off-chip parallel or (Q)SPI flashes. (Q)SPI can also be programmed directly.
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.
Cross-platform
As a cross-platform solution, Flasher PRO XL 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.
Extra-large memory
The Flasher PRO XL can program devices with up to 2 GB of memory, even in stand-alone mode, and it comes with the option of memory expansion. If more than 2 GB is needed, it can easily be adapted to the customers' needs using an industrial-grade microSD card to cover even the largest of systems.
High-speed programming
Flasher programmers are designed to achieve top programming speeds, coming very close to the theoretical minimum programming time of the target hardware. In many cases, more than 95 % of the maximum speed can be achieved, often resulting in a programming speed of more than 1 MB/s.
Turbo mode
For microcontrollers which are programmed via debug interface and which allow memory access while the CPU is running, Flasher is able to minimize overhead by simultaneously downloading and programming. This “turbo mode” makes it possible to reach speeds not achievable by other programmers.
Flexible control and monitoring
The Flasher PRO XL is easy to set up and operate using SEGGER software tools. It can be operated in either stand-alone or PC-based programming mode. In stand-alone mode it can be operated via remote control (USB, UART, Ethernet) or by the push of a button or TTL triggers.
Serial number assignment
Many modern devices require some pieces of unique information. Flasher PRO XL 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.
Built-in web server
The Flasher PRO XL offers options to check status information remotely and to configure the device.
Remote monitoring
The Flasher PRO XL comes with SEGGER's built-in web server. It is designed to present important device and current operation data for a quick overview and, additionally, to check the status of the programmer, providing information about:
- Installed firmware version
- Hardware version
- Power consumption
- IP configuration
- Network load
- Current operation and status
- Programming interface in use
This may be important for fast troubleshooting through code verification, for instance, as it is when executing a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) that helps to detect errors during data transmission or storage.
Configuration
If needed, the built-in web server's programmer settings can be checked and adjusted. These could, for example, be parameters like:
- Nickname
- Subnet mask
- Gateway
Built-in FTP server
The Flasher PRO XL also includes the emFTP server to upload firmware and configuration or download log files.
Remote file update
Using the emFTP server enables easy upload of configuration files and firmware images. By connecting to the emFTP server using an FTP client of choice, files can be transferred between client and Flasher.
Having access to the Flasher configuration via FTP enables configuration of multiple Flashers from a central production control server. This interface can be also used to make the production line part of a CI/CD system to push stable releases into the current production.
Log file
Analyzing the reliability of the production line is an important task, when it comes to increasing the production frequency. This purpose is supported by the built-in FTP server, which lets users check the history of past programming cycles via log file download. Each entry provides the following information:
- Result (success/failure)
- Duration
- Serial number (if programmed)
For failed programming cycles, the log file provides additional information for quick troubleshooting (e.g. failed to open Flasher config file).
Use cases
Programming rich user interfaces integrated into complex systems
The Flasher PRO XL can program large data sets. These could be built-in color displays with high resolutions, touch screens integrated into complex in-vehicle infotainment systems, or medical equipment like ultrasonic devices and respirators. Graphics are not generated in the devices themselves but stored as huge image files. If they need to be changed (like during a firmware or design update), fast programming is important to avoid failure.
Hosting multiple firmware images & configuration for mass customization
Mass customization is a marketing and manufacturing technique that requires the flexibility and personalization of custom-made products combined with the unit costs associated with mass production. Different product variants usually also require different firmware versions. Flasher PRO XL production programmers have enough memory to host multiple firmware images and configurations for microcontrollers in parallel. They can easily be switched via the programming interface.
MPUs running a rich OS like Linux or Android
As Industrial, Consumer, Smart Home, Health and Wellness systems are becoming more connected, certain embedded designs are now required to manage high processing loads and complex applications. Designed to offer advanced and flexible multi-core architecture, hybrid general-purpose 32-bit microprocessors (MPUs) based on the heterogeneous architecture combining Arm Cortex-A and Cortex-M Cores is a common solution.
Typically, the Cortex-A CPU with its memory management unit (MMU) will run an operating system such as Linux or Android, while workloads that require real-time conditions with low latencies will be processed on the Cortex-M. Flasher Pro XL memory can be scaled with the intended production by switching the installed SD-Card. Even larger operating systems such as Android or Linux can be stored inside the Flasher in addition to the application itself.
Media gallery
Flasher PRO — Intro | 3:00 min
QSPI flash programming | 3:00 min
Technical specifications
| Specifications | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power supply | USB powered, 500 mA if target is powered by Flasher PRO XL | ||||
| USB host interface | USB 2.0 (High-Speed), USB Type B | ||||
| RS232 host interface | RS232 9-pin | ||||
| Target interface | JTAG 20-pin (14-pin adapter available) | ||||
| 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 PRO XL and target | Max. target interface (JTAG, ...) speed: 50 MHz | ||||
| Supported target voltage | 1.2 - 5 V | ||||
| Current drawn from target voltage sense pin (VTRef) | < 25 µA | ||||
| Target supply voltage | 5 V | ||||
| Target supply current | Max. 400 mA | ||||
| Operating temperature | + 5 °C ... + 60 °C | ||||
| Storage temperature | - 20 °C ... + 65 °C | ||||
| Relative humidity (non-condensing) | < 90 % rH | ||||
| Size (without cables) | 121 mm x 66 mm x 30 mm | ||||
| Weight (without cables) | 120 g | ||||
| Supported OS | Microsoft Windows (x86/x64), Linux (x86/x64/Arm), macOS (x86/Apple M1) | ||||
Package content
Flasher PRO XL
Ethernet cable
20-pin, 0.1" target ribbon cable
RS232 cable 1:1 female / male
USB cable
FAQ — Frequently asked questions
Q: What's the difference between the Flasher PRO-2GB and the Flasher PRO XL?
A: "Flasher PRO-2GB" was the working title of what is now called the "Flasher PRO XL".