The Renesas Flash Programmer (RFP) is a free flash programming utility that can use used to flash the ADRadioNet based on ADF7xxMB4z platform.
Please note that the ADRadioNet Evaluation Demo Kit does not provide this tool as part of the installer. This has to be directly downloaded for individual use from http://am.renesas.com/products/tools/flash_prom_programming/rfp/downloads.jsp
Q1: I see the current version as [Evaluation Software] Renesas Flash Programmer v2.04.1. What is the level of support I can expect from if there is any issue with the tool. Can this tool be used in commercial end products?
A1: The current version as of date is v2.04.1, but any other version also should work. We tested with v2.00, and v2.01 versions. This tool is free for evaluation purposes and for commercial end products, a separate license agreement has to be executed. In either case, there is no technical support offered from the vendor. However, we recommend this tool as it gives a flexibility to flash the devices with ease.
Q2: I downloaded and installed the "Renesas Flash Programmer V2.04". When I click on the utility, I am asked to create a new workspace or load a workspace. What is this & how do I create this? Do I need to go through this process always?
A2: During the very first time, you have to create a workspace for your platform. The ADF7xxxMB4z platform uses RL78/G13 micro controller with Device Name: R5F100LL. You have to plug this info in creating the basic workspace with a workspace name of your choice.
The following are the steps involved to Create Workspace:
1. Click on the utility, select "Create a new workspace", "Basic Mode", and [Next]
2. Wait for a moment until you see a new screen "Create new workspace"
3. Select & Fill, Microcontroller: [RL78], Filter: [R5F100LL], Workspace Name, something like - myWorkSpc; and [Next]
4. Under "Communication Interface" screen, select the tool of choice: E1/E20/COMxx; and [Next]
option will be seen if and only if you connect the USB cable between the PC and Main USB port of ADF7xxxMB4z
5. RS232C Communication Interface screen appears, with the selected COMxx information; [Next]
6. In the "Power Supply" screen, make sure the Input Voltage is set as 5.00V; [Next]
7. Your "Project Settings" screen now shows your Device Info, Target & COM port. Press [COMPLETE] to save the workspace.
8. You are all set. Starting next time, you can simply use this workspace for all your flashing requirements.
An example workspace is attached that can be directly used without going though all the steps above. For more information, please refer to Loading the “Firmware” on to ADF7xxxMB4Z units section in the blog Getting Started with ADF7xxxMB4Z based ADRadioNet
Q3: I am unable to flash the firmware using the RFP. I see error messages like "Connection timeout" or "Communication failure"
A3: This is most likely due to improper COM port setting or your USB cable is not connected properly. Please cross check these settings and connections. The other possible reason could be the mode selection on ADF7xxxMB4z board. Please ensure that the first switch on S2 DIP switch is in ON position to select the "Debug" mode.
Q4: I am seeing errors while flashing. I verified all the physical connections and set the mode to "Debug" as described in Q3. Can you walk me through how to flash my code.
A4: If the connectivity and settings are all correct and still you are seeing errors flashing the board, then try to ERASE the flash before programming the device afresh.
1. Select "Erase" option under [Microcontroller] tab, and click
2. Click on the [Start] button. This erases the complete board.
3. Now, go back to [Microcontroller] tab, select the "Autoprocedure (E.P)"; and click
4. Go to the main window,click on [browse] button to select the file to flash.
5. Click on the [Start] button. This starts flashing the new code.
Q5: My COM port setting has changed, and I am unable to use the existing workspace as it is configured for a different port. Do I need to create new workspace every time my comport changes?
A5: You don't need to create new workspace every time the comport changes. All you need to do is go to [Microcontroller] tab, select [Set Project] in the drop down menu. The "Project Settings" window open as below.
Select the [Using Tool], and click on [Modify] to update with new COM port information. If desired, you can update the [Input Voltage] to 5.00V and complete updating the existing workspace. As long as the same comport is used, you can continue to use this updated workspace.
Wonder why some times you are unable to communicate between PC and device. It because of the updated COM port setting.
