Crossware’s new flash memory programming software can program Freescale ColdFire boards using the FireFly USB background debug mode (BDM) interface. The FireFly can program flash memory more than eight times faster than via a parallel port interface.

The flash memory software, which is available for free to FireFly interface users, simultaneously controls up to 127 USB ports, each of which are connected to a separate ColdFire board. A single click of the mouse programs the selected software file into any or all of the connected boards. The software can automatically generate a configuration script, which is required so the target board can be correctly set up for flash memory programming, by examining the program that will be downloaded.

Multiple program formats are supported including Motorola S records, IEEE 695, and ELF. The software can be used with programs generated by any ColdFire tool chain, as well as with those generated with the Crossware ColdFire development suite.

FireFly features a USB controller; it doesn’t require an external crystal. The miniature debugger plugs directly into the target board, thus minimizing signal delays and ensuring compatibility with the new generation of ColdFire chips running at up to 200 MHz.

The FireFly USB BDM interface is driven by a new version of Crossware’s source-level debugging software, which integrates seamlessly with the rest of its ColdFire development suite. The user interface is unchanged, so the USB debugger can replace an existing parallel port interface. In addition, it can be used on platforms such as the newer generation of notebook PCs that don’t have parallel ports.

The FireFly USB BDM interface costs $656.

Crossware Products
www.crossware.com