Tool: FlashLoader
The FlashLoader application can be used to program a bitfile or any other data to the onboard FPGA flash of supported devices.
Usage Information
Running the sample to load your own bitfile is easy enough:
- You need to have the following in a single directory:
flashloader.exeokFrontPanel.dll(.sofor Linux,.dylibfor macOS)flashloader.bit- Your own bitfile to be programmed into flash
Write a Bitfile
- At the command line, run:
flashloader.exe w <path to valid bitfile>
In releases prior to FrontPanel 5.2.7, the w parameter is omitted.
Read Contents of FPGA Flash
This feature was added in FrontPanel 5.2.7.
- At the command line, run:
flashloader.exe r <sector start> <sector end> <output file>
Important Notes
Power-On Configuration Speed
The rate at which a bitfile can be loaded at power-on from flash is configured during bitstream generation. Read the Xilinx/Intel SPI configuration user guide appropriate for your product to determine how to configure this. Flash configuration and connections are documented in your product’s documentation space. Note that the flashloader tool sets the flash part’s QE bit so x4 configuration can be used, if supported (currently XEM8310, XEM8320, and XEM8350).
Changelog
FrontPanel 5.2.7
- Added flash read functionality
- Fixed issue in HDL where an extra flash sector would be erased
- Fixed issue where last sector transfer would contain old data