How to upgrade MAXSensorBLE F/W using the MRD100HDK

Overview

Multiple evaluation kits and reference designs implement the MAXSensorBLE_EVKIT board that contains both a Nordic nRF52 and Maxim MAX32620 microcontroller device. This document describes how to program the boards requiring a MAXREFDES100HDK (MRD100HDK) programming board. Section 4.2 describes programming for version 2.0+, using the MAXDAP-Type-C programming board.
 

The Eval Kits highlighted in green are the target devices potentially requiring programming via a MRD100HDK board.

Eval Kit/Ref DsgnProgramming Board
Referenced		Included
in Kit?		Notes
MAXREFDES104MAXDAP-Type-CXF/W upgrade instructions in DS
MAX86140EVSYSMRD100HDK  
MAX86160EVSYSMRD100HDK  
MAX86171EVSYSMRD100HDK   
MAX86173EVSYSMAXDAP-Type-CXF/W upgrade instructions in DS
MAX86174EVSYSMAXDAP-Type-CXF/W upgrade instructions in DS
MAX86176EVKITMAXDAP-Type-CXF/W upgrade instructions in DS
MAX86177EVKITMAXDAP-Type-CXF/W upgrade instructions in DS
MAX86178EVKITMRD100HDKXF/W upgrade for nRF52 instructions in DS. Does not include MAX32620 F/W upgrade instructions.
MAX86180EVSYSMAXDAP-Type-CXF/W upgrade instructions in DS
MAXM86146EVSYSMRD100HDK  
MAXM86161EVSYSMRD100HDKXNo instructions in EVSYS DS given.
Notes: 1) The MAXREFDES100HDK# is currently not available for purchase.
             2) If the MRD100HDK is unavailable, the MAXDAP-Type-C programming board can be used.  

Required Tools

The following are required:
  1. Windows 7 or 10
  2. MAXSensorBLE_EVKIT Board
  3. Programmer Board: MAXREFDES100HDK#
  4. USB male A to micro male B cable
  5. Firmware files (e.g., XXX_mcu_flashtools_yyyymmdd.7z file format)          

MAXREFDES100HDK#

The MAXREFDES100HDK# is the programmer. It plugs into the MCU board right-side up to program the MAX32620, and it plugs in upside down to program the nRF52. The following pictures show the connection when programming the MCUs. Plug the USB micro B into the ‘HDK’ input (not the ‘DEV’ input).


Figure 1: Using the MAXREFDES100HDK# to program the nRF52


Figure 2: Using the MAXREFDES100HDK# to program the MAX32620

Programming the nRF52

  1. Unzip the firmware file to a directory on your PC and use Windows Explorer to enter the newly created directory
  2. If necessary, edit and save “erase+flash_nrf52.bat” with the new firmware filename that you want to program.
    1. Modify *.hex in erase+flash_nrf52.bat
      openocdbin0.10\openocd -f nrf52_isyst_cmsisdap.cfg -c "program *.hex  verify exit"
      1. The nRF52's *.hex file includes: softdevice, bootloader, application and settings *.hex files merged into one
      2. Do not upload the application *.zip file using the MAXREFDES100HDK#; this file is meant for over-the-air device firmware update (OTA DFU)
  3. Double click erase+flash_nrf52.bat
    1. An erase will be followed by a program; you will be prompted to “press any key” twice
    2. Watch the console output for any signs of failure
  4. Power cycle the hardware
    1. This may require holding the power switch for 25 seconds
    2. This can be done after both MCUs are programmed

You can then close Nordic nRF Connect and the OSxx UI will function properly

Programming the MAX32620

Upgrading from v1.2 and earlier to v2.0+

Important: v2.0+ firmware is meant for use with a bootloader. The bootloader can only do Device Firmware Updates (DFU) on MAX32620 rev C2. This procedure installs both the bootloader and v2.0+ application firmware. Although these can be installed on MAX32620 rev A4, any attempt to do DFU will fail and erase the application firmware. A full reprogram will then be required using this procedure.
Note: The procedure described here will not work if the bootloader is already installed (which implies that v2.0+ application firmware is also installed). Erase failure messages will occur if this procedure is attempted, but the existing bootloader and application will not be affected. See next section (Upgrading from v2.0+).
 
  1. Unzip the firmware file to a directory on your PC and use Windows Explorer to enter the newly created directory
  2. If necessary, edit and save “erase+flash_nim.bat” with the new firmware filename that you want to program.
    1. Modify *.elf in erase+flash_nim.bat for Nimitz
      openocdbinMaxim0.9\openocd -f max32620_swd_cmsisdap.cfg -c "program *.elf verify exit"
      1. The line for the bootloader (*.hex) should not need to be modified
      2. Do not upload the application *.bin file using the MAXREFDES100HDK#; this file is meant for drag-and-drop device firmware update
  3. Double click erase+flash_nim.bat
    1. An erase will be followed by two programs (one for the bootloader and one for the application); you will be prompted to “press any key” three times
    2. Watch the console output for any signs of failure
  4. Power cycle the hardware
    1. This may require holding the power switch for 25 seconds
    2. This can be done after both MCUs are programmed

Upgrading from v2.0+

Upgrading Firmware
In case the MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B board firmware needs to be upgraded, follow the procedure to properly flash the firmware:
 

1) Connect the MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B board to the MAX-DAP-TYPE-C programmer board as shown in Figure 3. Whether the MAXSENSORBLE_ EVKIT_B board is connected to the MAXxxxxx_ OSB_EVKIT_x board or not, does not matter. The orientation of Type-C connection between the MAXDAP-TYPE-C programming board to the MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B board does matter during flashing, which can be checked by making the Maxim logo on the programmer board stay on the same side with the Power Button of MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B board. Connect the USB Micro to USB-A cable to your PC and then the MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B board has red and yellow status indicator LEDs on.
 

2) Unzip the firmware file (e.g., MAXxxxxx_mcu_flashtools.7z). In the unzipped folder (see Figure 4 for an example), double click the file “erase+flash_ nrf52.bat.” Note: Do not simply copy the .bat file to any other folder, as the .bat file requires support from the files in this folder.
 

3) A command prompt should pop up when the “.bat” file is opened. Follow instructions provided in the command prompt to finish flashing the firmware. If the command prompt shows “Verified Okay,” the firmware has been successfully flashed on the MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B board (see Figure 5 for an example). If you get any error, check all USB orientations and redo step 2 and step 3.
 

4) Once finished, unplug the MAXDAP-TYPE-C programming board from the MAXSENSORBLE_ EVKIT_B board.
 

5) Power off the MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_X board by holding down the Power Button for 12+ seconds and all the LEDs will be off. If MAXxxxxx_OSB_EVKIT_x board is not connected to the MAXSENSORBLE_ EVKIT_B, connect those two boards.  
 

6) Now the MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B board is ready. Power on the Sys by holding the Power Button for less than 1 second. Note: Holding longer for 1 second brings MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B board into bootloader mode.




Figure 3. Connections to Flash Firmware on MAXSENSORBLE_EVKIT_B Board 




Figure 4. Flash the new FW by double-clicking erase+flash_nrf52.bat




Figure 5. Command Prompt Display when firmware has successfully been flashed

Tags: MAX86171EVSYS MAXM86146EVSYS programming firmware upgrade KA-17673 Show More