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[FAQ] TPS2HCS08-Q1: How to update firmware for Smart Fuse Configurator to new generation.

Timothy Logan
Mastermind 34925 points
Part Number: TPS2HCS08-Q1

Tool/software:

Introduction

For the Smart Fuse Configurator GUI package, updates were made in order to increase performance/reliability as well as add support for future roadmap devices. The idea here is that you can use the HSS-HCMOTHERBRDEVM with any daughter cards for current generation smart fuse devices as well as roadmap smart fuse devices.

In order to implement these changes as well as make the EVM future proof, the firmware programmed on the TM4C MCU that is located on the HSS-HCMOTHERBRD EVM had to change. This firmware can be updated easily using the dfutool via the steps below. This firmware will ship stock for all EVMs starting in September 2025, however to get the support for the latest software for already shipped EVMs the steps below must be taken.

What changed?

  • Significant performance/reliability improvements
  • Future compatibility for all roadmap smart fuse devices, and all existing production smart fuse silicon
  • Support for planned functional safety devices

Where to get new software

Checking Compatibility

The new firmware is supported by Gen3 of the EVM and above. To check the actual hardware generation of the EVM, simply note which color the PCB is. Supported generations (for long term support) will be signified with an orange PCB color for the motherboard. Note that the daughter card color does not matter- only the motherboard.

Now for the software- first you need to check which version firmware is on your EVM. The old version of Smart Fuse Configurator (v2.0.14 and below) will be able to read the old version of the firmware and the new version of the software (v3.0.4beta and above) will be able to read the new version of the firmware.

If opening the older Smart Fuse Configurator and you see something like below with Firmware Revision below v4000, you can upgrade:

If the old version of the GUI doesn't connect, try loading the new version of the GUI (linked above). If it shows something like below with Firmware Revision above v4000 you are already at the latest version and no firmware update is needed. 

Updating the Firmware

First you need to put the EVM into device firmware update mode. This can be done using the older version of the GUI and going to Tools -> Enter DFU Mode. 

When you click this, the device should disconnect and go into DFU mode. When invoked, the Stellaris Device Firmware Update device will show up in the device manager:

If this shows up as an Unknown Device, use the drivers from the zip package above to install the right firmware update device:

Each release if the Smart Fuse Configurator will come with a bin file that is the firmware that is compatible with the accompanying GUI (for convenience, the latest firmware file is provided with the dfutool package above).

Copy that firmware file into the same directory as dfutool.exe (if not already there):

From here, open a command prompt in the same directory as dfutool.exe and run the following command:

.\dfuprog.exe -f .\usb_hss_spi_v4001.bin -a 0x0

From there- the firmware should be updated and opening any GUI from v3.0.4beta or above you should see a firmware of v4000 or above.  This firmware was architected to be future proof so any future smart fuse devices (SPI based) the same firmware can be used and future device support can be enabled through updates of the host GUI alone.

Best Regards,
Tim