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BQSTUDIO: Production Programming of Gas Gauge

Part Number: BQSTUDIO
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ28Z610,

Good morning,

I would like some clarification on using bqStudio for production programming of a gas gauge. Mine specifically is the BQ28Z610, however I did not categorize this post under that gauge since it is targeted at programming in general and the software features.

From what I can tell, I've only seen the possibility to export from or import and write to the data flash settings using a "*.gg" file. This is assuming that the default firmware will be used although bqStudio also allows the use of an "*.srec" file for updating the firmware. Aside from those two file formats, I do not see any option for "*.dfi" file which is supposed to be used as a "golden file" for production phase. I believe my understanding of this is correct, but otherwise please correct me if not.

My question is somewhat two-fold. First, is using the "*.dfi" file for production programming essentially the same as programming the battery chemistry, writing to the data flash with a configured "*.gg" file, and fully cycling the battery a couple times so the gauge can learn the battery characteristics? From a file extension description document I found on TI's website, it is not recommended to use a "*.gg" file as a "golden file". This transitions into my second question... if a "*.gg" file is not supposed to be used, how is production programming accomplished with the bqStudio software? I am aware of how to submit the necessary data in a zip folder through the GPC online tool, but to my knowledge that will return an optimized "*.gg" file, not a "*.dfi". Most of what I know on this topic has been obtained from a hodge-podge of documents on TI's website which sometimes mention other software programs/tools to use. If you could help elucidate this production programming process for the gauge I am using with bqStudio, I would appreciate it.

Thanks

  • Hi,

    So we have transitioned from using dfi files to using flashstream files (bqfs, dffs, gmfs, and otfs) and also srec. Depending on what type of gauge it is; for example, a ROM gauge would have an export or "Golden Image" file with the flash stream format gmfs.

    So in bqStudio, once you go to the Golden Image tab, under "Output Formats" the gauge specific data format is shown. It is with this data file you would use to perform production programming using bqStudios.

    Here is a video link explaining the gauge programming fundamentals, you'll find much clearer information here:

    training.ti.com/gauge-programming-fundamentals

    Hope this helps,
  • Hi Nabil,

    Thank you for the information. I am taking some time to work through the training video, which looks quite useful. The immediate problem that I see is that I don't see a "Golden Image" tab or anything related to "Output Formats". I have bqStudio version 1.3.52. Is this tab/menu in a new software version or is there another possible issue? I also tried right clicking on the toolbar and clicked "Restore Hidden Toolbar Entries", but that did not change anything.

    Thanks,

    Blake

  • Hi,

    Sorry, I just confirmed with another team member; for the new gauges such as the BQ28Z610, they don't use a golden image file anymore but instead rely on the .gg files. As for programming a device, you will need to go to the "Firmware" tab, and the data type should be an srec. From there you should be able to read and program the srec file in/out of your device.
  • Ok, that makes more sense. So basically, the .gg files can be used for modifying the data flash and once the parameters are to my liking and are written to the gauge, I can then export an .srec file to use to program other gauges. Is that the correct intended process?
  • Yes, that sounds about right.
  • Awesome! I really appreciate the help Nabil.