Flashing code from IDE to microcontroller [duplicate]

Question

This question already has answers here:

How to build a custom PIC Programmer? (2 answers)

Closed 8 years ago.

How does code download from PC to flash memory controller work? I mean what documents do IDE designers refer while designing this kind of software.

Are there any standard documents available for ST Microelectronics if one wishes to design a new IDE?

• User323693: Why do you want to re(design) an IDE. Are you only looking for flashing the program to the MCU flash?
• Sanal Parakkat: Yes.. I just wanna know the procedure for flashing the program to the MCU
• User323693: One time, you have to use dedicated flash programmers..ST link for STMicroelectronics. If your question is specific about software upgrades, then there are plenty of options.
• Steve G: It depends on the controller manufacturer whether they make these documents generally available. Quite often they restrict them to companies that make development or programming tools.
• Sanal Parakkat: ok. I understood this part. How do these flash programmers work? Are there any drivers available for this? I mean I write my code for controllers in PC, then I build them. After building them, then I request my ide to download the code to my flash. Can you explain after that what happens? How do code gets transmitted to controller flash?

Answer 1

Assuming you are talking about the ST32X series MCU's and using a serial connection from your IDE/PC then read this first, then the bootloader (over serial) document.

If you want to use other transfer Phy's then you need to do more research:
Application Notes:
– AN3154: CAN protocol used in the STM32 bootloader
– AN3155: USART protocol used in the STM32 bootloader
– AN3156: USB DFU protocol used in the STM32 bootloader
– AN4221: I2C protocol used in the STM32 bootloader
– AN4286: SPI protocol used in the STM32 bootloader

The "Flash Programmer" is just a piece of code in the client that offers a protocol over your selected Phy interface. Though this is simple stuff to look up, you really have no excuse for not being able to find it on your own.

• Chris Stratton: Yes, though the bootloaders are far less commonly used than the JTAG/SWD (or for STM8, SWIM) interfaces.