#38 - Firmware Flashing in Manufacturing

🔧 Firmware Flashing in Manufacturing

Microcontrollers on PCBs must be programmed at some stage of the manufacturing process so that they receive their final firmware. This can be done in several possible ways and forms:

➡️ Pre-flashed chip: the device is programmed before assembly
➡️ Dedicated flashing station: typically after ICT, the chip is programmed directly via connection to the PCB
➡️ Flasher integrated into FCT: flashing is performed before functional testing
➡️ EOL flashing: the chip already contains a bootloader, enabling programming via the final communication interface

👉 Important design considerations:
– Ability to disconnect the flasher
– Simple but safely switchable power supply unit (PSU)
– Proper connection and grounding design

👉 Connection guidelines:
– The distance between the programmer and the product should not be too long; recommended maximum distance is ~20–30 cm
– Wires should preferably be routed as twisted pairs referenced to ground; twisted-pair ribbon cables are also available on the market
– The product ground and the programmer ground must always be tied together

Download 38_FirmwareFlashing.pdf