Using Uniflash With mmWave
Table of Contents
Flash the EVM using UniFlash
0. Requirements
The mmWave EVMS should already be setup for Flashing Mode according to the appropriate hardware setup guides: EVM Setup Guide
Installation of the UniFlash tool (Download offline tool or use the Cloud version )
PC with recommended OS: Windows 7 or 10
1. Get COM port numbers using Device Manager
- With the EVM powered and connected to your PC, open up Device Manager
- The EVM exports two virtual COM ports as shown below. Note the correct COM # for each of the two ports for use later. (Actual COM numbers may be different as it can vary from PC to PC)
The naming of the ports varies between the MMWAVEICBOOST and IWR6843xxxx in Modular mode. In the image above, the ports are color coded according to equivalent functionality. The table below lists the generic, short hand name for each port and a description of it’s function. For the remainder of this guide the generic name will be referenced.
| Color | Name in Device Manager | Generic Name | Port Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | User UART or Enhanced COM Port | CFG Port | Used for passing configuration data and firmware to the EVM |
| Blue | Data Port or Standard COM Port | Data Port | Used to send processed radar data output |
⚠️ WARNING: COM Port Driver:
If the COM ports do not appear as above, driver installation is required. Install the appropriate driver, restart the PC, and try again.
EVM Type Driver Required Download Location MMWAVEICBOOST Latest XDS Emulation Software https://software-dl.ti.com/ccs/esd/documents/xdsdebugprobes/emu_xds_software_package_download.html IWR6843AOPEVM, IWR6843ISK Rev.C, IWR6843ISK-ODS Rev.B Latest Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers
2. Load Image Using UniFlash
Open the UniFlash tool
In the New Configuration section, locate and select the device corresponding to your EVM type
After the correct device is selected, click Start to proceed.
Click the Settings & Utilities tab. Under Setup, fill the COM Port text box with the port number corresponding to the CFG_Port noted earlier. Ex: According to the above Device Manager screenshots, COM1 should be changed to COM19 or COM25.
Click the Program tab. For Meta Image 1 click on Browse and locate the image (.bin file) to be flashed onto the device. After clicking OK, the name and size of the selected binary should appear. Leave Meta Image 2-4 blank. The .bin file to flash and it’s location is specified in the User’s Guide of each lab.
Power cycle the device by toggling the NRST switch on the EVM.
After a .bin file has been selected, the Load Image button will become enabled. Click the Load Image button.
✅ SUCCESS: Successful Flash Procedure
UniFlash’s console should indicate: [SUCCESS] Program Load completed successfully
🛑 Error while Flashing!
Common causes of flashing failure are:
- Wrong COM port number. Ensure that the number associated with CFG_Port (User UART or Enhanced) is entered.
- Incorrect SOP Mode. Check the jumpers/switches for the SOP Mode as specified in the hardware setup guides.
- Starting UniFlash before EVM is setup and powered. With EVM setup correcly and powered, close and then reopen UniFlash and tryagain.
- COM port being held by other programs. Close any visualizers, terminal windows, or other software that could be preventing UniFlashfrom connecting to the COM port.
Need More Help?
- Consult the UniFlash Quick Start Guide
- Search for your issue or post a new question on the mmWave E2E forum