topic FRDM-KW38 can't program app_code into flash over 256KB using KinetisFlashTool.exe in Kinetis Microcontrollers

FRDM-KW38 can't program app_code into flash over 256KB using KinetisFlashTool.exe

HCC_T — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 02:20:15 GMT

I have two quesetions please see the below :

Question 1. When I program app_code ( example : frdmkw38_lp_master_bm ) bin file, the KinetisFlashTool show the error message :

and I modify the app_code flash start address [ 0xa000 ] and size (see the below red box ) :

I think this bin file size over the 256KB ( KW38 flash are two bank => 256KB + 256KB ) so it can not jump to next 256KB flash bank to finish program action.

as the title, how to program the bin file size over 256KB using this tool ( KinetisFlashTool.exe ) .

Question 2. I try to modify the app_code flash start address [ 0x40000 ] and size (see the below red box ) :

The tool show the below error:

I think it can not program to KW38 flash bank2 (0x1000000 ~ 0x1003FFFF) ,

Could you give some suggestion for us .

Thanks.

Re: FRDM-KW38 can't program app_code into flash over 256KB using KinetisFlashTool.exe

Julián_AragónM — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:03:38 GMT

Hi @HCC_T,

Firstly, could you please confirm you are using the latest SDK for the KW38?

This seems to be a problem with the memory banks, have you tried uploading the project with a starting location of 0x0?

If this isn't the issue, please help me try the Kinetis Flash Tool with a lighter project (preferably less than 256KB) to confirm this behavior.

If possible, please help me with the use of the GUI Flash Tool. For this, the project needs to be selected before programming the board. When generating the bin file, device and project configurations (such as flash driver) will be inherited from the selected project; therefore, change the parameters in the project to export the bin file.

More information on this can be found in the MCUXpresso IDE User Guide, chapter 14.1: The Advanced GUI Flash Tool.

Please keep me updated, best regards, Julián.

Re: FRDM-KW38 can't program app_code into flash over 256KB using KinetisFlashTool.exe

HCC_T — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 02:05:30 GMT

Hi ,@Julián_AragónM

I using the KW38 latest SDK ( v2.6.15 ) now.

According to what you mentioned , the below items are not problem can work :

1. Uploading the project with a starting location of 0x0 ( Program Success )

2. The Kinetis Flash Tool with a lighter project (preferably less than 256KB) to confirm this behavior. (Program Success)

3. Using MCUxpresso IDE 's GUI Flash tool to program app_code ( Program Success)

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I would like to know the KinetisFlashTool.exe the below function :

a. Our customer want to using factory flashing ( mass production stage ) ,

This tool ( KinetisFlashTool.exe ) can program KW38 bin file size over 256KB ?

b. This tool can progam the bin file with a start location of 0x1000000 ( KW38 flash 2nd bank start address )?

c. if above [ a ] and [ b ] result are "No" , It means the tool not fit to factory flashing ( mass production stage )?

I would like to check with NXP comapny to confirm it.

d. About KW38 factory flashing ( mass production stage ) , could you give some suggestion for us how to do this ?

Thanks for your great technical support.

Re: FRDM-KW38 can't program app_code into flash over 256KB using KinetisFlashTool.exe

Julián_AragónM — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 18:47:18 GMT

Hi @HCC_T,

Thank you for your response and tests. The Kinetis Flash Tool seems to only access into the P-Flash (Programmable) of the device. The KW38 memory map is as follows:

Even if the flash is correctly configured, the flash arrangement is set. For this issue, I recommend flashing or utilizing the GUI Flash Tool included in MCUXpresso.

For this, Kinetis Flash Tool is not fit for mass production stage.

Unfortunately, NXP does not provide flash programmers for mass production. There are some options for debug and flashing probes, as the MCU-Link.

For mass production programming solutions, there are third-party partners who provide, companies like PEMicro, Xeltek and others. For example, PE Micro Cyclone.

I hope you find this helpful! Best regards, Julián.

Re: FRDM-KW38 can't program app_code into flash over 256KB using KinetisFlashTool.exe

HCC_T — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 01:13:13 GMT

Hi, @Julián_AragónM

I got it,

I will advise our customer others solution for factory flashing on mass production stage.

Thank you for your providing information and good technical support.