GENERAL: Microchip/Atmel Flash Program Utility FLIP

Information in this article applies to:

• C51 All Versions
• µVision2 Version 2.20a and later
• MCBx51 Evaluation Board

QUESTION

I have used the Keil C51 compiler to compile, build, simulate, and debug my application for the ATMEL T89C51RD2. I want to program the on-chip FLASH on the T89C51RD2. What utility do I use to program the FLASH and set the security bits of the T89C51RD2?

ANSWER

Microchip (formerly Atmel) provides a Windows-based FLASH programing utility called FLIP. This is a serial-based ISP programing utility that uses the bootloader of the T89C51RD2. It allows the user to load and program HEX files into the T89C51RD2 program Flash. FLIP also allows you to set the security bits so that the program code can be secured.

A modification to the Keil MCBx51 evaluation board allows programming the T89C51RD2 with FLIP.

For downloading Microchip devices, download and install the FLIP/BatchISP download utility available from Microchip This download includes the interactive programming utility, FLIP, and the command-line programming utility BatchISP.

the Atmel Flip installation comes with an utility called BatchISP. This utility plugs directly into µVision and can then be invoked from the Flash - Download button.

The µVision Device Database contains pre-configured command line strings for the BatchISP utility. However, you need to enter the correct path to the BatchISP.EXE program under Project - Options - Utility. Since the path depends on your installation, it is not possible to supply a correct entry. An sample path may look like:

Command: C:\Program Files\ATMEL\FLIP 2.4.0\bin\batchisp.exe

You may even change the programming interface from serial to USB, COM, or other supported interfaces. To do this, just change the Arguments string in the Project - Options - Utility dialog. The following string will use the USB interface (you need to install the USB driver for correct operation):

Arguments: -device $D -hardware USB -operation MEMORY FLASH LOADBUFFER %H PROGRAM

MORE INFORMATION

• Application Note 156: Modifying the Keil MCBx51 Board for ISP-FLASH Programming
• MON51: Using With Devices With External Program Lock Bits

SEE ALSO

• MCBX51: Microchip Device Cannot Connect for Flash Download on a MCBx51
• MCBX51: Use FLIP Flash Downloader With a Microchip Device on a MCBx51
• µVision DEBUGGER: X2-Feature of Atmel Devices

Last Reviewed: Thursday, February 25, 2021