CooCox CoFlash is a free, lightweight, standalone flash programming software designed specifically for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. It provides an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) alongside a Command Line Interface (CLI). This allows developers to erase, program, and verify flash memory without launching a heavy Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Keil or CoIDE. Key Features of CoFlash
Supported Devices: Wide range of Cortex-M MCUs from vendors like STMicroelectronics (STM32), NXP (LPC), Nuvoton, TI, and Toshiba.
Supported Adapters: Compatible with common debug probes including CoLinkEx, ST-Link (V1/V2), J-Link, and Nu-Link.
File Formats: Directly accepts .BIN and .ELF binary image formats.
Operational Modes: Supports manual GUI control as well as automated batch automation via the CLI. Step-by-Step Programming Guide (GUI Mode) 1. Hardware Connection
Connect your ARM Cortex-M board to your debug probe (e.g., ST-Link or CoLinkEx) using the SWD (Serial Wire Debug) or JTAG interface.
Plug the debug probe into your PC’s USB port. Ensure the correct hardware drivers for your adapter are installed. 2. Configure Target and Hardware Settings
Launch CoFlash. The interface is split into a settings panel and an execution panel.
Select Device: Navigate to the device list and choose your exact microcontroller model (e.g., STM32F103C8).
Adapter Settings: Select your specific debugger probe (e.g., ST-Link V2).
Port & Clock: Choose the interface type (usually SWD for newer Cortex-M chips) and set the max clock speed (typically 1MHz or 2MHz for stable operation).
Reset Mode: Select how the chip resets after flashing (e.g., SYSRESETREQ or VECTRESET). 3. Select the Flash Algorithm Click on the Flash Algorithm tab.
Add the appropriate algorithm from the predefined list matching your MCU’s internal flash size and layout. 4. Load Binary and Program
Under the data configuration pane, browse and load your compiled .bin or .elf file. Click Erase to wipe the internal flash sectors.
Click Program & Verify to write the code into the target memory and confirm it was transferred error-free. Automating with the Command Line (CLI)
CoFlash allows you to automate the process through simple CLI commands, making it ideal for production line programming or custom build scripts. A standard command template looks like this:
coflash.exe –device=[MCU_NAME] –adapter=[ADAPTER_NAME] –port=SWD –erase=affected –program=[FILE_PATH.bin] –verify Use code with caution. Troubleshooting Common Issues
“Communication Format Error” / “No Device Found”: Double-check your SWD wiring. Ensure the target MCU is properly powered by an external source or the debugger.
Driver Missing: Windows may flag your debugger as an unknown device. Download the standalone vendor drivers (e.g., ST-Link USB driver) to fix the connection.
Locked Flash: If your MCU is protected, execute a full chip erase before attempting a write cycle.