STM32CubeProgrammer 2.17 simplifies serial numbering and possibility byte configurations

Creator : STMicroelectronics

STM32CubeProgrammer 2.17 is the very definition of a quality-of-life enchancment. Whereas it ensures help for the most recent STM32s, it additionally brings options that may make a developer’s workflow extra simple, resembling writing ASCII strings in reminiscence, automated incrementation in serial numbering, or exporting and importing byte choices. This new launch additionally reveals how ST listens to its neighborhood, which is why we proceed to convey higher help to Segger probes. In its personal manner, every launch of STM32CubeProgrammer is a dialog we’ve got with STM32 builders, and we are able to’t wait to listen to what everybody has to say.

What’s new in STM32CubeProgrammer 2.17?

New MCU Help

This newest model of STM32CubeProgrammer helps STM32C0s with 128 KB of flash. It additionally acknowledges the STM32MP25, which features a 1.35-TOPS NPU , and all of the STM32WB0s we not too long ago launched, together with the STM32WB05, STM32WB05xN, STM32WB06, and STM32WB07. Within the latter case, we introduced their launch only a few weeks in the past, thus displaying that STM32CubeProgrammer retains up with the most recent releases to make sure builders can flash and debug their code on the latest STM32s as quickly as potential.

New High quality-of-Life Enhancements.

The opposite updates introduced on by STM32CubeProgrammer 2.17 goal to make a developer’s job simpler by tailoring our utility to their workflow. For example, we proceed to construct on Segger’s earlier help of the J-Hyperlink and Flasher probes to make sure they help a learn safety stage (RDP) regression with password, thus bridging the hole between what’s potential with an STLINK probe and what’s obtainable on the Segger fashions. Consequently, builders already utilizing our companion’s probes received’t really feel like they’re lacking out. One other replace introduced on by model 2.17 is the flexibility to generate serial numbers and robotically increment them inside STM32CubeProgrammer, thus hastening the method of flashing a number of STM32s in a single batch.

Different quality-of-life enhancements goal to make STM32CubeProgrammer extra intuitive. For example, it’s now potential to export an STM32’s possibility bytes. Very merely, they’re a option to retailer configuration choices, resembling read-out safety ranges, watchdog settings, energy modes, and extra. The MCU hundreds them early within the boot course of, and they’re saved in a selected a part of the reminiscence that’s solely accessible by debugging instruments or the bootloader. By providing the flexibility to export and import possibility bytes, STM32CubeProgrammer permits builders to configure MCUs far more simply. Equally, model 2.17 can now edit reminiscence fields in ASCII to make sure part much more readable.

What’s STM32CubeProgrammer?

An STM32 flasher and debugger

At its core, STM32CubeProgrammer helps debug and flash STM32 microcontrollers. Consequently, it contains options that optimize these two processes. For example, model 2.6 launched the flexibility to dump your complete register map and edit any register on the fly. Beforehand, altering a register’s worth meant altering the supply code, recompiling it, and flashing the firmware. Testing new parameters or figuring out if a worth is inflicting a bug is far easier as we speak. Equally, engineers can use STM32CubeProgrammer to flash all exterior reminiscences concurrently. Historically, flashing the exterior embedded storage and an SD card demanded builders launch every course of individually. STM32CubeProgrammer can do it in a single step.

One other problem for builders is parsing the large quantity of knowledge passing by way of STM32CubeProgrammer. Anybody who flashes firmware is aware of how tough it’s to trace all logs. Therefore, we introduced customized traces that permit builders to assign a shade to a selected operate. It ensures builders can quickly distinguish a selected output from the remainder of the log. Debugging thus turns into much more simple and intuitive. Moreover, it will probably assist builders coordinate their shade scheme with STM32CubeIDE, one other member of our distinctive ecosystem designed to empower creators.

What are a few of its key options?

New MCU help

Most new variations of STM32CubeProgrammer help a slew of latest MCUs. For example, model 2.16 introduced compatibility with the 256 KB model of the STM32U0s. The machine was the brand new ultra-low energy flagship mannequin for entry-level functions because of a static energy consumption of solely 16 nA in standby. STM32CubeProgrammer 2.16 additionally introduced help for the 512 KB model of the STM32H5, and the STM32H7R and STM32H7S, which include much less Flash so integrators that should use exterior reminiscence anyway can cut back their prices. Put merely, ST strives to replace STM32CubeProgrammer as quickly as potential to make sure our neighborhood can reap the benefits of our latest platforms quickly and effectively.

SEGGER J-Hyperlink probe help

To assist builders optimize workflow, we’ve labored with SEGGER to help the J-Hyperlink probe absolutely. Which means that the {hardware} flasher has entry to options that had been beforehand solely obtainable on an ST-LINK module. For example, the SEGGER system can program inside and exterior reminiscence or tweak the learn safety stage (RDP). Moreover, utilizing the J-Hyperlink with STM32CubeProgrammer means builders can view and modify registers. We all know that many STM32 prospects use the SEGGER probe as a result of it permits them to work with extra MCUs, it’s quick, or they’ve adopted software program by SEGGER. Therefore, STM32CubeProgrammer made the J-Hyperlink vastly extra helpful, so builders can do extra with out leaving the ST software program.

Automating the set up of a Bluetooth LE stack

Till now, builders updating their Bluetooth LE wi-fi stack needed to work out the deal with of the primary reminiscence block to make use of, which various primarily based on the STM32WB and the kind of stack used. For example, putting in the fundamental stack on the STM32WB5x would begin at deal with 0x080D1000, whereas a full stack on the identical machine would begin at 0x080C7000, and the identical bundle begins at 0x0805A000 on the STM32WB3x with 512 KB of reminiscence. Builders usually needed to discover the beginning deal with in STM32CubeWB/Initiatives/STM32WB_Copro_Wireless_Binaries. The brand new model of STM32CubeProgrammer comes with an algorithm that determines the appropriate begin deal with primarily based on the present wi-fi stack model, the machine, and the stack to put in.

A portal to safety on STM32

Readers of the ST Weblog know STM32CubeProgrammer as a central piece of the safety options current within the STM32Cube Ecosystem. The utility comes with Trusted Package deal Creator, which permits builders to add an OEM key to a {hardware} safe module and to encrypt their firmware utilizing this identical key. OEMs then use STM32CubeProgrammer to securely set up the firmware onto the STM32 SFI microcontroller. Builders may even use an I²C or SPI interface, which supplies them larger flexibility. Moreover, the STM32H735, STM32H7B, STM32L5, STM32U5, and STM32H5 additionally help exterior safe firmware set up (SFIx), which means that OEMs can flash the encrypted binary on reminiscence modules outdoors the microcontroller.

Safe Supervisor

Safe Supervisor is formally supported since STM32CubeProgrammer 2.14 and STM32CubeMX 1.13. At present, the characteristic is unique to our new high-performance MCU, the STM32H573, which helps a safe ST firmware set up (SSFI) with out requiring a {hardware} safe module (HSM). In a nutshell, it gives a simple option to handle your complete safety ecosystem on an STM32 MCU because of binaries, libraries, code implementations, documentation, and extra. Consequently, builders take pleasure in turnkey options in STM32CubeMX whereas flashing and debugging them with STM32CubeProgrammer. It’s thus an instance of how STM32H5 {hardware} and Safe Supervisor software program come collectively to create one thing larger than the sum of its elements.

Different security measures for the STM32H5

STM32CubeProgrammer permits many different security measures on the STM32H5. For example, the MCU now helps safe firmware set up on inside reminiscence (SFI) and an exterior reminiscence module (SFIx), which permits OEMs to flash encrypted firmware with the assistance of a {hardware} safe module (HSM). Equally, it helps certificates era on the brand new MCU when utilizing Trusted Package deal Creator and an HSM. Lastly, the utility provides SFI and SFIx help on STM32U5s with 2 MB and 4 MB of flash.

Making SFI extra accessible

Since model 2.11, STM32CubeProgrammer has obtained vital enhancements to its safe firmware set up (SFI) capabilities. For example, in model 2.15, ST added help for the STM32WBA5. Moreover, we added a graphical person interface highlighting addresses and HSM data. The GUI for Trusted Package deal Creator additionally obtained a brand new structure underneath the SFI and SFIx tabs to reveal the data wanted when establishing a safe firmware set up. The Trusted bundle creator additionally acquired a graphical illustration of the varied possibility bytes to facilitate their configuration.

Safe secret provisioning for STM32MPx

Since 2.12, STM32CubeProgrammer has a brand new graphical person interface to assist builders arrange parameters for the safe secret provisioning obtainable on STM32MPx microprocessors. The mechanism is similar with the safe firmware set up obtainable on STM32 microcontrollers. It makes use of a {hardware} safe module to retailer encryption keys and makes use of safe communication between the flasher and the machine. Nevertheless, the character of a microprocessor means extra parameters to configure. STM32CubeProgrammers’ GUI now exposes these settings beforehand obtainable within the CLI model of the utility to expedite workflows.

Double authentication

Since model 2.9, the STM32CubeProgrammer helps a double authentication system when provisioning encryption keys through JTAG or a Boot Loader for the Bluetooth stack on the STM32WB. Put merely, the characteristic permits makers to guard their Bluetooth stack in opposition to updates from end-users. Certainly, builders can replace the Bluetooth stack with ST’s safe firmware in the event that they know what they’re doing. Nevertheless, a producer could supply a selected setting and, due to this fact, could want to defend it. Consequently, the double authentication system prevents entry to the replace mechanism by the tip person. ST revealed the appliance observe AN5185 to supply extra particulars.

PKCS#11 help

Since model 2.9, STM32CubeProgrammer helps PKCS#11 when encrypting firmware for the STM32MP1. The Public-Key Cryptography Requirements (PKCS) 11, additionally known as Cryptoki, is an ordinary that governs cryptographic processes at a low stage. It’s gaining reputation as APIs assist embedded system builders exploit its mechanisms. On an STM32MP1, PKCS#11 permits engineers to segregate the storage of the non-public key and the encryption course of for the safe secret provisioning (SSP).

SSP is the equal of a Safe Firmware Set up for MPUs. Earlier than sending their code to OEMs, builders encrypt their firmware with a private-public key system with STM32CubeProgrammer. The IP is thus unreadable by third events. Throughout meeting, OEMs use the supplied {hardware} safe module (HSM) containing a protected encryption key to load the firmware that the MPU will decrypt internally. Nevertheless, till now, builders encrypting the MPU’s code had entry to the non-public key. The issue is that some organizations should restrict entry to such crucial data. Due to the brand new STM32CubeProgrammer and PKCS#11, the non-public key stays hidden in an HSM, even through the encryption course of by the builders.

Supporting new STM32 MCUs

Entry to the STM32MP13’s naked metallic

Microcontrollers demand real-time working methods due to their restricted sources, and event-driven paradigms usually require a excessive stage of determinism when executing duties. Conversely, microprocessors have much more sources and may handle parallel duties higher, so that they use a multitasking working system, like OpenSTLinux, our Embedded Linux distribution. Nevertheless, many purchasers aware of the STM32 MCU world have been asking for a option to run an RTOS on our MPUs in its place. In a nutshell, they wish to benefit from the acquainted ecosystem of an RTOS and the optimizations that come from working naked metallic code whereas having fun with the sources of a microprocessor.

Consequently, we’re releasing as we speak STM32CubeMP13, which comes with the instruments to run a real-time working system on our MPU. We go into extra element about what’s within the bundle in our STM32MP13 weblog put up. Moreover, to make this initiative potential, ST up to date its STM32Cube utilities, resembling STM32CubeProgrammer. For example, we had to make sure that builders might flash the NOR reminiscence. Equally, STM32CubeProgrammer permits the usage of an RTOS on the STM32MP13 by supporting a one-time programmable (OTP) partition.

Historically, MPUs can use a bootloader, like U-Boot, to load the Linux kernel securely and effectively. It thus serves as the last word first step within the boot course of, which begins by studying the OTP partition. Therefore, as builders transfer from a multitasking OS to an RTOS, it was important that STM32CubeProgrammer allow them to program the OTP partition to make sure that they may load their working system. The brand new STM32CubeProgrammer model additionally demonstrates how the ST ecosystem works collectively to launch new options.

STM32WB and STM32WBA help

Since model 2.12, STM32CubeProgrammer has introduced quite a few enhancements to the STM32WB sequence, which is more and more in style in machine studying functions, as we noticed at electronica 2022. Particularly, the ST software program brings new graphical instruments and an up to date wi-fi stack to help builders. For example, the instrument has extra express pointers when encountering errors, resembling when builders attempt to replace a wi-fi stack with the anti-rollback activated however neglect to load the earlier stack. Equally, new messages will guarantee customers know if a stack model is incompatible with a firmware replace. Lastly, STM32CubeProgrammer gives new hyperlinks to obtain STM32WB patches and get new ideas and tips so builders don’t should hunt for them.

Equally, STM32CubeProgrammer helps the brand new STM32WBA, the primary wi-fi Cortex-M33. Made official a number of months in the past, the MCU opens the best way for a Bluetooth Low Power 5.3 and SESIP Stage 3 certification. The MCU additionally has a extra highly effective RF that may attain as much as +10 dBm output energy to create a extra sturdy sign.

STM32H5 and STM32U5

The help for STM32H5 started with STM32CubeProgrammer 2.13, which added compatibility with MCUs, together with something from 128 KB as much as 2 MB of flash. Initially, the utility introduced security measures like debug authentication and authentication key provisioning, that are crucial when utilizing the brand new life administration system. The utility additionally supported key and certificates era, firmware encryption, and signature. Over time, ST added help for the brand new STM32U535 and STM32U545 with 512 KB and 4 MB of flash. The MCUs profit from RDP regression with a password to facilitate developments and SFI safe programming.

Moreover, STM32CubeProgrammer contains an interface for read-out safety (RDP) regression with a password for STM32U5xx. Builders can outline a password and transfer from stage 2, which turns off all debug options, to stage 1, which protects the flash in opposition to sure studying or dumping operations, or to stage 0, which has no protections. It can thus make prototyping vastly easier.

STLINK-V3PWR

In lots of situations, builders use an STLINK probe with STM32CubeProgrammer to flash or debug their machine. Therefore, we rapidly added help for our newest STLINK-PWR probe, probably the most in depth supply measurement unit and programmer/debugger for STM32 gadgets. If customers wish to see vitality profiles and visualize the present draw, they need to use STM32CubeMonitor-Energy. Nevertheless, STM32CubeProgrammer will function an interface for all debug options. It will possibly additionally work with all of the probe’s interfaces, resembling SPI, UART, I2C, and CAN.

Script mode

The software program features a command-line interface (CLI) to allow the creation of scripts. Because the script supervisor is a part of the appliance, it doesn’t depend upon the working system or its shell setting. Consequently, scripts are extremely sharable. One other benefit is that the script supervisor can preserve connections to the goal. Consequently, STM32CubeProgrammer CLI can maintain a connection stay all through a session with out reconnecting after each command. It will possibly additionally deal with native variables and even helps arithmetic or logic operations on these variables. Builders can thus create highly effective macros to automate advanced processes. To make STM32CubeProgrammer CLI much more highly effective, the script supervisor additionally helps loops and conditional statements.

A unifying expertise

STM32CubeProgrammer goals to unify the person expertise. ST introduced all of the options of utilities just like the ST-LINK Utility, DFUs, and others to STM32CubeProgrammer, which turned a one-stop store for builders engaged on embedded methods. We additionally designed it to work on all main working methods and even embedded OpenJDK8-Liberica to facilitate its set up. Consequently, customers don’t want to put in Java themselves and wrestle with compatibility points earlier than experiencing STM32CubeProgrammer.

Qt 6 help

Since STM32CubeProgrammer 2.16, the ST utility makes use of Qt 6, the framework’s newest model. Consequently, STM32CubeProgrammer not runs on Home windows 7 and Ubuntu 18.04. Nevertheless, Qt 6 patches safety vulnerabilities, brings bug fixes, and comes with vital quality-of-life enhancements.