SEGGER introduces new Open Flashloader for direct programming of any RISC-V system

January 12, 2021 -- SEGGER just released a new Open Flashloader for RISC-V systems. The template, which can be adjusted to fit any RISC-V system, allows engineers to write flash loaders which fit into just 2kB of RAM.

This enables J-Link debug probes to download directly and easily into the flash memory of a RISC-V Microcontroller or SoC. At the same time it provides a solution for mass production programming using the Flasher series of flash programmers.

These flash loaders work with any software supporting J-Link, from simple command line programs such as J-Link Commander, to debuggers such as GDB or SEGGER's Ozone, or more production-oriented utilities such as J-Flash, and development tools such as Embedded Studio. The J-Link GDB Server enables the use of GDB, Eclipse and any debugger supporting the GDB protocol.

When debugging with the J-Link Plus, Ultra+ or PRO models, an unlimited number of breakpoints in flash memory are available.

“We are seeing RISC-V gain more and more traction in the market, especially in China,” says Rolf Segger, founder of SEGGER. “Now even very small RISC-V systems can be programmed at blistering speed using SEGGER J-Link and Flasher. I think the convenience and performance of J-Link is industry leading, boosting developer productivity. With J-Link debugging and flash programming, a complete ecosystem of tools is available".”

Any qualified engineer can write a flash loader for J-Link and RISC-V, usually within a day or two. SEGGER also offers the service of writing flash loaders for particular devices where desired.

Proven flash loaders can be added to the J-Link software, so that they will simply work out of the box.