In this Section

↩ Return Home

↩ Return to Resources

Unless you've soldered on a new SAMD51 microcontroller, it's likely the bootloader is already programmed for you.

If you're looking how to update the bootloader or firmware, see Updating PyCubed

Flashing a new bootloader

Requirements

• [ ] Download and install Atmel Studio 7 (not required, but recommended)
• [ ] JTAG programmer with SWD interface (the SEGGER J-Link EDU mini work and cost $18)
• [ ] Download the bootloader .bin and firmware .uf2 files for your respective board version from the PyCubed GitHub

⭐ bootloader flashing is only required once: on brand-new SAMD51 that haven't been used on a PyCubed board before.

Instructions

1. With the requirements above satisfied, plug the JTAG programmer into your computer and open Atmel Studio 7.

2. Navigate to Tools → Device Programming, as shown:

   

3. Select the appropriate Tool and Device from the drop-down menus and click apply.

   ❗ make sure to choose the correct microcontroller part number. Visually check the part markings on the SAMD51 to confirm if it's the SAMD51x19 or SAMD51x20.

   

4. Navigate to "Memories" on the left-hand side.

5. Uncheck the "Erase Flash before programming" box, and then click the "..." button, as shown:

   

6. Navigate to the directory you saved the GitHub firmware files, and change the file parameters from "Programming Files" to "Binary" and shown:

   

7. Select the .bin file downloaded previously and click the "Open" button:

   

8. Now make the following connections to the PyCubed board. If you're careful, you can avoid soldering header-pins to the board by just holding jumper-wire pins (or pogo pins, if you have them) against the through-holes during programming. When in doubt, solder the header pins.

   Required Connections: