Understanding the Principles of Flashing: Writing Binary Data into Non-Volatile Memory

What is burning/programming?

Burning/programming is the process of writing data or programs into programmable devices. These devices can be various types of chips or memories, such as microcontrollers, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), etc. Burning/programming enables these devices to execute specific functions.

The burning/programming process involves writing target data into programmable devices using specific software and hardware tools. The programmable devices can be electronic chips, memories, etc., and the data being burned/programmed can include firmware, software programs, media files, etc. Through burning/programming, we can write data to the target devices, enabling them to perform the desired functions.

Principle of burning/programming:

The principle of burning/programming involves using specialized software and hardware devices to transmit target data as programming signals to the programmable devices. These programming signals can change the electronic state inside the programmable devices, thereby writing or modifying specific data.

During the burning/programming process, dedicated firmware or software tools are typically used to interact with the target devices. The firmware or software tools convert the target data into specific programming signals and transmit them to the target devices through communication interfaces. The target devices receiving the programming signals will write the data into their internal storage units based on the signal instructions to achieve data updates or modifications.

Different burning/programming techniques and programming interfaces have different working principles. For example, when using the JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface for burning/programming, the programmer interacts with the target device's boundary scan chain by setting specific signal sequences, sending instructions, and receiving responses to accomplish data writing. In contrast, when using SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) interfaces, the programmer transmits data to the target device in a serial manner to complete the data writing.

Applications of burning/programming:

Burning/programming is widely used in electronic device manufacturing and embedded system development. Through burning/programming, specific firmware, software programs, media files, and configuration data can be loaded into chips or memories.

In electronic device manufacturing, burning/programming is a crucial step. It allows the loading of operating systems, firmware, driver programs, etc., into chips, enabling devices to function properly. For example, the operating system and applications on a smartphone are loaded into chips through burning/programming.

Embedded system development also relies on the burning/programming process. Embedded systems such as automotive control systems, IoT devices, industrial automation, etc., require burning/programming during the development stage to write specific software programs or configuration data into devices to achieve the desired functionality.

Tools for programming:

Programming tools are hardware devices used for the process of programming or flashing. Common programming tools include burners, programmers, debuggers, etc. These tools usually have specific interfaces and protocols to interact with the target devices.

A burner is a common programming tool that typically has functions such as a screen, keys, and communication interfaces to control and manage the programming operation. A programmer is a device specifically used for chip programming, selecting appropriate programming interfaces and protocols based on the chip type for programming. A debugger is a tool used to debug and verify the programming result, helping developers detect and solve potential programming issues.

These programming tools can be selected based on specific programming requirements, such as choosing a burner that supports the JTAG interface for JTAG-based programming.

Programming process:

The general programming process includes preparing the target data, connecting the programming device, selecting the appropriate programming mode, starting the programming process, and verifying the programming result.

Before programming, it is necessary to prepare the target data, typically by storing the data in a file. This data can be firmware, software programs, media files, etc., depending on the purpose and requirements of programming.

Next, the programming device needs to be connected to the target device. There are various connection methods, such as using dedicated cables to directly connect the programming device to the target device. Different devices and programming tools may require different connection methods and interfaces.

Selecting the appropriate programming mode is also an important step in the programming process. The programming mode is determined based on the characteristics of the target device and programming tool. For example, for some chips, it may be necessary to set them to a specific mode before programming to receive the programming signal.

Once everything is prepared, the programming process can be initiated. Through programming software or operations on the programming device, the target data is sent to the target device to complete the writing process. After programming, the programming result can be verified to ensure the written data is correct and complete in the target device.

Considerations for programming:

During the programming operation, it is important to ensure the correctness and completeness of the data to avoid device damage or malfunctions caused by programming errors.

First, it is necessary to ensure that the prepared target data matches the target device for programming. Different devices may have different data formats and requirements, so it is important to ensure that the selected target data is compatible with the target device.

Second, be careful when connecting the programming device and the target device. Ensure that the connection cables are correctly plugged in, the interface orientations are correct, and maintain stable connections.

Choosing the appropriate programming mode and settings is also important. For specific devices and programming tools, some configurations or settings may need to be done before programming to ensure the transmission and reception of programming signals are correct.

During the programming process, it is recommended to backup the original data for recovery if needed. This can help avoid accidental data loss or issues caused by erroneous programming.

Lastly, for critical devices or systems, it is advisable to verify the programming result. This can be done by reading the programmed data and comparing it with the original data to ensure the consistency of the programming result with the expected outcome.

In summary, programming is the process of writing data or programs into programmable devices, involving multiple steps and considerations. Understanding the principles and process of programming, selecting the appropriate programming tools and interfaces, and following the programming operation considerations can ensure successful programming and the correctness of the programming result.