Solstice Programmer 1.

22 beta version release note

2009-03-19

Major Feature

The “Solstice Programmer” possesses five major functions:

1. Program a group predefined files from SD card into Nand-Flash. Currently,

redboot.bin, fisimg.bin, zImage and rootfs.jffs2 are predefined. To make a SD
card is very easy. Step1 (Format SD card over WinXP by fat32 selection and
section size must be 512 bytes-default selection), Step2 (Copy those three files
into the root folder of SD card by WinXP). For this feature, user doesn’t need
select anything. If user wants to overwrite one or all of these four files in a old
SD card, he must format SD card first before copy new files in. After one SD card
made, it can be used for as more Solstice board programming as user wants.

2. Program a signal file into any area of Nand-flash. After this software release, the
“repairflash” will be stopped supporting, the full functions of “repairflash” were
merged into “Solstice Programmer”.

3. Communication check feature will be used in case of upper two features fail.
Under this condition, this is the only software method we can use. Since hardware
problem can’t only be found by software, more complex hardware check will be
developed if we have more requirements and it will need longer time to perform a
hardware repair tool. Currently, it only gives use a very simple guide by current
version.

4. [R/H open test] and [R/H close test]. This function can be used to test Run/Hold
switch. Open means the switch is in disconnect status. Close means the switch is
in short status. Please put switch in desired mode and press related test button.
Pay attention: this test should be done in bootstrap mode (jumper in program
mode); software inside nand-flash has no effect on this test. So, these four images
will keep same. To save time, suggest doing this test before programming, if it
passes then programming; otherwise fix R/H hardware problem. That doesn’t
mean you can’t do this after programming, you can do this any time when you
want. The purpose of put the test in this software, I don’t want to modify redboot
under current status, it may cause other danger in formal release four images.

5. Repair feature should be used in cased of there is too much garbage in nand-flash.
You can use COMCHECK function to check how many bad block the nand-flash
has. If it too much, the software will suggest you to repair nand-flash.

There five features are independent, user can press any one button to call a signal feature.
 Modification history

1. add Run/Hold test function

2. added power two-color led control
3. Separated repair function from program muddle.
4. Fixed BBT issue.

Operation method

User can get detail help and run-time feedback from the software.

1. Insert SD card into Solstice Board card slot.

2. Setup Boot jumper on program mode.
3. Connect serial connector to Solstice Board.
4. Run Solstice Programmer, this software can keep running for next unit after this
program done.
5. Power on Solstice Board.
6. Press button of <COPY IMAGES FROM SD TO NAND FLASH> and wait for
done. Usually it will take 3-4 minutes to program a unit.
7. The new button <Repair> can be used to repair nand-flash, in case of the board
has booting trouble.
 Running Environment

It needs a serial port with WinXP environment desktop. Since MX31 bootstrap mode has
its special requirement, USB-Serial adapter is not recommended. The 12V power supply
needs a switch to cycle the power easily.

Open issue

Only known open issue is related to SD card hardware reset feature. This issue can’t be
solved by current hardware design and software design.

Current solution: if software can’t find SD card, please cycle the power of Solstice board
and press program button again.

This boring issue will cause user gets tired of programming. Bing is helping on this. In
the future, if we regard this issue as a critical level, it can be fixed by using same SD
hardware design of Freescale developing board, I test this software on Freescale
developing board, no same issue found. It is already open in JIRA.