Multi-Protocol Programmer

Firmware Required

This programmer requires specific firmware depending on the protocol:

• AVR: USBasp & UPDI
• ARM: CMSIS-DAP (SWD/JTAG)
• CPLD: USB-Blaster (JTAG)

Load the correct .bin before use. Without it, the device won't function properly.

Overview

The Multi-Protocol Programmer is a USB tool based on the CH552 microcontroller. It supports flashing and debugging of:

• AVR microcontrollers (ATmega, ATtiny, AVR-DA)
• ARM Cortex-M devices (STM32, nRF52, SAM, etc.)
• Intel/Altera MAX II CPLDs (EPM240, EPM570, etc.)

Features

• USB Full-Speed (CDC/HID)
• Voltage selector: 3.3V / 5V
• SWD / JTAG / UPDI / USBasp support
• Works with popular tools (avrdude, OpenOCD, Quartus, etc.)

PY32F0xx Configuration

The Multi-Protocol Programmer is fully compatible with PY32F0xx microcontrollers when using the CMSIS-DAP firmware.

Testing Status & Recommendations

Tested Devices ✅

• PY32F003x4 - Fully verified with this programmer
• PY32F003x8 - Fully verified with this programmer

Recommended for Testing 🧪

For the following devices that are supported in code but need hardware verification:

• PY32F030 series (all variants)
• PY32F002A series
• PY32F002B series

This programmer is the recommended solution for testing these untested device variants.

Setup for PY32F0xx

1. Flash CMSIS-DAP Firmware:

   python3 tools/chprog.py firmware/cmsis_dap.bin
   

2. Connect to PY32F0xx:

   Programmer    PY32F0xx
   ----------    --------
   SWDIO      ←→ PA13
   SWDCK      ←→ PA14  
   GND        ←→ GND
   VTG        ←→ VCC (3.3V/5V)
   RST        ←→ NRST (optional)
   

3. Set Correct Voltage:

   • Use 3.3V for most PY32F0xx devices
   • Check your specific device voltage requirements

Using with PyOCD

The programmer works seamlessly with PyOCD for PY32F0xx development:

# List connected devices
pyocd list

# Flash PY32F003
pyocd flash firmware.bin --target py32f003xx4

# Start GDB server
pyocd gdbserver --target py32f003xx4

# Interactive debugging
pyocd commander --target py32f003xx4

Using with OpenOCD

OpenOCD can also be used with the CMSIS-DAP firmware:

# Flash firmware
openocd -f interface/cmsis-dap.cfg -f target/py32f0xx.cfg -c "program firmware.bin verify reset exit"

# Start GDB server
openocd -f interface/cmsis-dap.cfg -f target/py32f0xx.cfg

Makefile Integration

Update your project Makefile to use the Multi-Protocol Programmer:

# Use CMSIS-DAP interface
PROGRAMMER = cmsis-dap
PROGRAMMER_ARGS = --target py32f003xx4

flash: $(BUILD_DIR)/$(EXAMPLE).bin
	pyocd flash $(BUILD_DIR)/$(EXAMPLE).bin $(PROGRAMMER_ARGS)

debug: $(BUILD_DIR)/$(EXAMPLE).elf
	pyocd gdbserver $(PROGRAMMER_ARGS) &
	arm-none-eabi-gdb $(BUILD_DIR)/$(EXAMPLE).elf

Supported Protocols

Flashing Firmware

1. Enter Bootloader Mode:

   • Hold BOOT, plug USB, release.

2. Flash Firmware:

   python3 tools/chprog.py firmware/firmware_name.bin
   

   Or use WCHISPTool on Windows.

Install Requirements

# Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
sudo apt install build-essential sdcc python3-pip git
pip3 install pyusb pyocd

# Add user to dialout group for device access
sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
# Log out and back in for changes to take effect

For Windows: Download SDCC, Python 3, and Git.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Device not recognized? ➤ Check firmware & USB drivers (use Zadig on Windows for CMSIS-DAP)

• Programming error? ➤ Verify voltage level (3.3V/5V), connections & cable quality

• Slow upload? ➤ Reduce SWD/JTAG frequency or use shorter cables

PY32F0xx Specific

• PyOCD can't find device?

  # Check if programmer is detected
  pyocd list
  
  # Try different target specification
  pyocd flash firmware.bin --target py32f030xx4
  

• SWD connection issues?

  • Verify SWDIO/SWDCK connections
  • Ensure stable power supply
  • Try lower SWD frequency: --frequency 1000000

• Flashing fails?

  # Try mass erase first
  pyocd erase --chip --target py32f003xx4
  
  # Then flash
  pyocd flash firmware.bin --target py32f003xx4
  

Testing Contributions

Help expand device support! If you test py32f0xx-hal with untested devices using this programmer:

1. Test procedure:

   • Flash basic examples (blinky, serial_echo)
   • Verify peripheral functionality
   • Document any issues or successes

2. Report results:

   • Open GitHub issue with test results
   • Include device model, programmer setup, and example outcomes
   • Help us update the compatibility matrix

Firmware Selection Guide

For PY32F0xx development, use the CMSIS-DAP firmware:

Performance Notes

SWD Frequency Settings

For reliable PY32F0xx programming:

• High-speed: --frequency 10000000 (10MHz) - for short cables
• Standard: --frequency 1000000 (1MHz) - recommended default
• Low-speed: --frequency 400000 (400kHz) - for problematic connections

Cable Quality

• Use short cables (< 15cm) for high-speed SWD
• Twisted pair for SWDIO/SWDCK reduces noise
• Good ground connection essential for reliable operation

License

• Hardware: CC BY-SA 4.0
• Firmware & Software: MIT License
• Third-party components: see individual LICENSE files