DFU download/upload tool

The DFU download/upload tool (lpc_dfusec tool) allows images to be downloaded via the USB DFU class to a LPC18xx or a LPC43xx based development board. Images must fit into internal memory located at address 0x10000000 and be linked to run at 0x10000000. The lpc_dfusec tool can be setup to automatically generate a header for a binary when it is downloaded to the board. The lpc_dfusec tool can also be setup to automatically download the image to the board when it is detected.

The dfutool runs on Windows based machines and uses the winusb library. Prior to using the tool, the drivers for the tool must be installed. See the table below for links on where to get the drivers and lpc_dfusec tool.

Tool features

• Supports auto-boot via DFU, just point the tool to a file and enable auto-boot and the tool will DFU boot the image to your board on power up or reset
• Automatic header geenration and verification - can be setup to check files for possible image header problems or add the header to files that don''t have it prior to boot
• Will append headers to images and save the new image as a file for alternate boot methods
• Hides in the system tray when minimized

Tool use instructions

To use the tool, first prepare a binary that runs on the board at address 0x10000000 (IRAM). You can test the binary using JTAG. The binary including it's data must fit inside internal memory located at address 0x10000000.

Start the lpc_dfusec application. If multiple tabs (operating modes) appear in the tabbed view, select the HDR/RAW mode tab. Plug the LPC18xx/LPC43xx based device into the host's USB port. If the drivers are installed correctly, the "NO CONN" message in the status bar at the bottom of the display should changed to "HIGH SPEED USB". You may need to configure the board for USB boot - see the board setup pages selected from the right menu on this page to see jumper configuration.

Select the binary image you want to boot using the "binary" file selection box. If the binary already has a (boot) image header appended to it, uncheck the "Auto append header to binary image" check box. If the image doesn't have a header, make sure the box is checked. If the image doesn't seem to do anything when downloaded, try checking the 'Auto-verify header on boot' checkbox and then downloading your image. With the 'Auto-verify header on boot' checkbox enabled, the tool will look at the header options you have to see if they are valid and indicate an error in the text window if something might be wrong.

Press the "Start" button at the bottom of the application window to download and start the application. The application will download to the board via DFU and then start. Once the applicaiton starts on the board, the "HIGH SPEED USB" status will change to "NO CONN" on the status bar. Resetting or power cycling the board will allow the tool to re-recognize the board.

The application can be setup to automatically boot an image as soon as the device is detected by checking the "Auto-boot when DFU device is detected" check box.

The dfutool can also be used to append a header to a file without a header by using the "Generate binary file with header" button. A file of the same name with the added extension of ".hdr" will be created with the correct header for the binary.