Philips LPC2xxx bootloader update utility

Many developers run into problems when the bootloader of their LPC2xxx device needs to be updated.

Updating your Philips LPC2xxx may be desirable in order to protect your code from being read through ISP. The bootloader can be downloaded from the Philips website including a pdf document that tells you how to update the device.

This method works just fine, however this job must be done very accurately and if you need to update more than three devices, you'd wish there is an easier way.

Bootloader update utility

With the bootloader update utility you can easily update your LPC2xxx devices in no-time: just select your LPC2xxx derivative, it's oscillator frequency and the COM port that connects to the LPC.

The smart wizard interface it is extremely useful to update a large number of devices. Additionally the tool is featured with a straightforward command line interface, allowing integration in the testprocess during production.

Entering ISP mode

An LPC2xxx microcontroller enters ISP mode after reset when no (valid) program resides in FLASH memory. If a program is available, ISP mode can be forced by pulling pin P0.14 LOW during reset.

This program has support for controlling P0.14 and the device' reset signal using two RS232 signals that are present on any asynchronous serial port: RTS and DTR. As most users are familiar with Philips' ISP Flash Utility that offers the same functionality, the implementation is made compatible. So wiring the DTR (high active) to reset and wiring RTS (high active) to P0.14 automates ISP entrance.

Return codes

The program provides a set of return codes that can be used by the calling process to control the flow, i.e. determine what had happend.

Command line support

The LPC2xxx update utility has a command line interface that allows for integration in a production test environment.

Examples:

lpc_update -d2114 -x11.0592 -pCOM2 -v1.63 -oUTQX

For more information, check the Help that is included with the LPC2xxx update utility.

Downloads

In the ZIP file is included:

• the update utility with a DLL and a data file
• a bootloader hex file version 1.52 for the Philips LPC2104, LPC2105 and LPC2106
• a bootloader hex file version 1.63 for the Philips LPC2114, LPC2124, LPC2119, LPC2129, LPC2194, LPC2212, LPC2214, LPC2292 and LPC2294.

You can download the LPC2xxx bootloader update utility [V1.0r2]here and four screenshots of the LPC2xxx bootloader here.

Comments, Credits and Questions

This utility is created by Sander Pasveer and is offered at no cost to the electronic community as a courtesy. The software is provided "as is" and may be redistributed unchanged as long as a link to this page is provided. All rights are reserved.

If you have any comments or remarks, please feel free to send an e-mail to lpc@tildesign.nl.