Flasher Hub-4

Compact high-volume production programming

1.Overview
2.Key features
1. 2.1.High scalability
2. 2.2.Complete system configurability
3.How Flasher Hub-4 works
4.Built-in web server
1. 4.1.Remote monitoring
2. 4.2.Configuration
3. 4.3.File management
5.Built-in FTP server
1. 5.1.Remote file update
2. 5.2.Log file
6.Flasher Compact — The space-efficient programmer
7.Software
8.Supported devices
9.Customer support
10.Technical specifications
11.Product photos

Overview

As the compact version of the Flasher Hub-12, the Flasher Hub-4 controls multiple Flasher Compacts so that they program simultaneously. Up to 24 Flashers can be connected using one or multiple SEGGER USB Hub-7 units to create a powerful gang programmer for efficient high-volume parallel programming.

SEGGER’s Flasher Hub-4 controls multiple Flasher Compact units serving as individual channels for parallel, high-speed gang programming. Each channel can be configured to program a different device or a different firmware image.

Using a single Flasher Hub-4 and multiple Flasher Compacts is the perfect solution for high-volume multi-panel and multi-target mass production.

Key features

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Stand-alone operation

The Flasher Hub-4/Flasher Compact system is set up once per channel using SEGGER's Flasher software, tailored to the flash chip type. The Flasher Hub-4 can operate independently via TELNET, without the need for a desktop PC.

High scalability

Flasher Hub-4 allows parallel programming of up to 24 programming units, each serving as an individual channel. It can be connected to up to 24 Flasher Compacts using SEGGER’s USB Hub-7. Each Flasher Compact can be configured individually to program different targets with different firmware.

A blue circular icon featuring two white gear symbols, representing tools or settings. The design emphasizes functionality and customization, commonly associated with technical or software applications.

Complete system configurability

Flasher Hub-4 can be controlled and configured via its built-in web server. Thanks to the intuitive user interface, all necessary information about the entire programming system is available to the user at a glance.

How Flasher Hub-4 works

Flasher Hub-4 facilitates efficient, parallel programming of multiple devices through its integration with Flasher Compact units. Designed for high-speed gang programming, the Flasher Hub-4 offers two distinct operating modes: Direct Mode and Flex Mode.

Direct Mode

In Direct Mode, the Flasher Hub-4 manages up to four Flasher Compact modules independently. Each module operates as a separate programming channel, directly connected to the Flasher Hub-4 via USB. This mode is ideal for setups requiring straightforward, individual control of up to four devices simultaneously without the need for additional USB hubs.

Diagram illustrating a system with one central control unit connected to two USB hubs. Each hub supports multiple Flasher Compact devices, totaling 16 devices configured as two groups of seven and one group of two. The diagram indicates the "Flex Mode ON" status.

Flex Mode

Flex Mode expands the capabilities of the Flasher Hub-4 by enabling the connection of up to 24 Flasher Compact modules using USB hubs. This configuration provides scalable programming solutions for high-volume production environments where flexibility and efficiency are paramount. In Flex Mode, each Flasher Compact module can be dynamically assigned to any available programming channel, maximizing throughput and adaptability.

Please note: For optimal operation, we recommend using the SEGGER USB Hub-7. SEGGER only provides technical support for setups with SEGGER USB Hubs.

The Flasher Hub-4 is simple to set up and can be operated via TELNET or RS232, utilizing the built-in ASCII command interface, which is optimized for automation. It also includes a user-friendly web interface that allows for easy manual operation, providing intuitive control and monitoring of all connected devices.

Additionally, the Flasher Hub-4 supports programming of unique data that differs between otherwise identical units. This includes serial numbers, Ethernet hardware addresses (MAC), digital signatures, and license keys that enable or disable product features. These unique data pieces can be applied to the firmware during programming, ensuring that each device is customized according to its specific requirements.

Built-in web server

The built-in web server of the Flasher Hub-4 (using emWeb) simplifies configuration and setup of the programming system. In addition, it offers options to check status information remotely and to manage firmware images.

Remote monitoring

The built-in web server 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 programmer settings can be checked and adjusted. These could, for example, be parameters like:

Subnet mask
Gateway

File management

The built-in web server enables file management for all connected modules. This includes

Firmware images
Setup files

Built-in FTP server

The Flasher Hub-4 also includes a built-in FTP server to upload firmware and configuration or download log files.

The image displays a screenshot of a FileZilla interface showing two file directories. The left side lists local files and folders, including various HEX and JFLASH files. The right side lists remote site files, including folders and a text file. The connection status indicates success.

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 also can be 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 speed and volume. 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).

Flasher Compact — The space-efficient programmer

The Flasher Compact is SEGGER’s high-speed, stand-alone in-system programmer. When connected to a Flasher Hub-4, each unit acts as an individual channel for parallel, high-volume programming. It supports a wide range of devices and allows unique data, such as serial numbers or license keys, to be programmed for each target.

Software

A multi-platform solution, Flasher Hub-4 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 Flasher Hub-4 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.

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.

Customer support

Flasher Hub-4 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.

Technical specifications

Specifications
Power supply	8-30 VDC, reverse polarity protected, max. 30 W ^[1]
Power consumption	Max. 11.5 W ^[1]
USB Flasher interface	USB-C 2.0
Host interfaces	USB Type-B (Upstream), USB Type-A (Downstream), Ethernet, RS232 9-pin
Operating temperature	+ 5 °C ... + 60 °C
Storage temperature	- 20 °C ... + 65 °C
Relative humidity (non-condensing)	< 90 % rH
Size (without cables)	125 mm x 78 mm x 25 mm
Weight (without cables)	135 g