TM4C123GH6PM: Firmware programming through UART

Hi Bob,

Actually we are able to give the command and get response from the device.

Please let us know how to program the binary file. Since we are not aware of the start address and the size to give in the download command.

Also how do we make the device to retrieve data from the flash and program other devices.

For programming the Flash how do we call the functions from the host PC which library do i need to use

Thank you,
Deepanraj

Deepanraj Anbarasan said:

Please let us know how to program the binary file

Do you want to write your own program for the PC, or use an existing one? You can use LMFlashProgrammer to load a binary file to a device using the serial boot loader. If you want to write your own code, there is a sample code in TivaWare at: C:\ti\TivaWare_C_Series-2.1.4.178\tools\sflash

Deepanraj Anbarasan said:

Also how do we make the device to retrieve data from the flash and program other devices.

You can use the boot loader to upload the flash contents of a device, but that device must be running a boot loader. Unless the application code in the device has a way to call the boot loader, it will be running the application, not the boot loader. In that case, you need to use an in-circuit emulator (JTAG or SWD) to read the contents of the part. Also be aware that a device could have the debug port disabled, or part of the flash configured as "Execute only". In this case you cannot read the contents of the flash.

Perhaps if you tell me exactly what you are trying to do, I can give you better suggestions.

Hi Bob,

We wanted to program the TM4C from our PC(Linux).  Is it possible to program the TM4C from a linux based machine.

Actually we are not able to find the start address and size. From where do we get the start address and size of the application.

What is the maximum size which can be given for the application.Is there any constrains?

Please let us know, In the application suggested by you C:\ti\TivaWare_C_Series-2.1.4.178\examples\boards\dk-tm4c123g\boot_demo1. is the Bootloader present ?

How do we flash both bootloader and application.

Below is the procedure we are following:

flashed the boot_serial into the device and using the  LM flash programmer we are trying to flash the binary but we are getting error for baud rate synchronization.

Thank you,

Deepanraj

Deepanraj Anbarasan said:

We wanted to program the TM4C from our PC(Linux).  Is it possible to program the TM4C from a linux based machine.

If you are using a JTAG scan controller, you can use UniFlash on a Linux machine. If you plan on using a serial boot loader you will need to create your own application. There is example source code in; C:\ti\TivaWare_C_Series-2.1.4.178\tools\sflash

Deepanraj Anbarasan said:

Actually we are not able to find the start address and size. From where do we get the start address and size of the application.

That depends on your application. Typically applications start at address 0, but if a flash boot-loader is used, the application start may be offset. The example serial boot-loader offsets the application to address 0x2800. You should see the start address and size of the application in the .map file generated by Code Composer.

Deepanraj Anbarasan said:

Please let us know, In the application suggested by you C:\ti\TivaWare_C_Series-2.1.4.178\examples\boards\dk-tm4c123g\boot_demo1. is the Boot-loader present ?

No, the bootloader is in boot_serial. boot_demo1 and boot_demo2 are applications that are offset to start at address 0x2800 so that they can be programmed by the boot-loader without overwriting the boot-loader.

Deepanraj Anbarasan said:

flashed the boot_serial into the device and using the  LM flash programmer we are trying to flash the binary but we are getting error for baud rate synchronization

Reset the device after programming boot_serial.out. Then use LM Flash programmer set at 115200 baud to program boot_demo1.bin using a starting address of 0x2800.

Hi Bob,

We are able to program using CCS.

Yes, we are using EK-TM4C123GXL.

Thank you,

Deepanraj

Ok, lets verify that the serial connection is working properly. Do you see the Stellaris Virtual Com port in your device manager? It should look something like this:

Then import the "hello" project into your workspace from:

C:\ti\TivaWare_C_Series-2.1.4.178\examples\boards\ek-tm4c123gxl\hello

Build and load "hello". Configure "Terminal" in Code Composer using the COM port identified in the device manager and set the baud rate to 115200.

Let the program run. You should see "Hello, world!" printed in the terminal window.

Are you able to execute these steps successfully?

Hi Bob,

We are able to execute these steps successfully.

Also let us know,In our final design we are using external flash. Please let us know, whether any GPIO setting is required both in hardware/software in-order for the device to boot from external flash.

Thank you,
Deepanraj

Hi Bob,

We have done these steps in windows system.

Thank you,

Deepanraj

OK,  do you have an EK-TM4C123GXL Launchpad? I have attached a .zip file with three projects. The first is just the serial bootloader "boot_serial". The next two are simple LED blinking projects that are offset to address 0x2800 and can demonstrate the serial bootloader. First, program boot_serial.out into the TM4C123 device using Code Composer Studio. Next, use LM Flash Programmer to program either "EK-bootDemoBlueBlinky.bin" or  "EK-bootDemoRedBlinky.bin"  through the serial port at 115200 baud. You should see the LED blink. Press and hold SW1 until the LED stops blinking. You are now back in the bootloader and can program the routine for the other color. This should demonstrate the use of a serial bootloader on the PC.

/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/908/EK_2D00_SerialBootDemo.zip

Hi Bob,

Please let us know, what we are doing wrong.

Since we have checked all the configurations but not able to flash the binary using the tool.

Thank you,

Deepanraj

Hi Bob,

We are able to flash the .bin file into our TM4C device.

But boot loader serial commands we are not be to execute and get reply.

Is there any BIM for tm4c devices ?

Thank you,
Deepanraj

Hi Bob,

By BIM i mean like Boot image manager.

Thank you,

Deepanraj