FlashPro v6.2 SP1 Release Notes
(Feb 19, 2008)
FlashPro v6.2 SP1 is the latest service pack release of Actel's programming software tool for the entire flash family of devices: IGLOO—the world's lowest power FPGA, Fusion, ProASIC3L, ProASIC3, ProASICPLUS, and ProASIC, as well as ARM-enabled versions of these devices. You must have FlashPro v6.2 installed before installing SP1.
Important Notice about FlashPro Version Numbers
Subsequent FlashPro software releases will follow the Libero IDE/Designer numbering venue. The next major FlashPro software version will be FlashPro v8.3.
FlashPoint, historically part of the Designer software tool suite, provides the interface to generate programming files for IGLOO, Fusion, ProASIC3L, and ProASIC3 devices. The FlashPoint functionality was integrated into the FlashPro software in FlashPro v6.0. The FlashROM, embedded flash memory, and security settings can be updated and reprogrammed using the FlashPro software without having to re-invoke the Designer software.
Actel strongly recommends that you upgrade to this latest major release of the FlashPro software. This FlashPro v6.2 SP1 version has been produced to be compatible with the libraries used in the software build generated for the Libero IDE v8.2 SP1 release.
Microsoft Windows - U.S. Version
- Windows XP with SP1 or later
- Windows 2000 with SP2 or later
- Pentium II 450 or higher processor with Microsoft Windows 2000 or
newer
- 256 MB available memory
- 50 MB available hard disk space
- VGA or higher-resolution video adapter (SVGA 256-color and 800x600
or higher resolution recommended)
- Administrative rights are required to your local workstation for
Windows 2000 and Windows XP systems for installation and for running
the software.
- Supports all Fusion, IGLOO, ProASIC3L, ProASIC3, and ARM-enabled versions of these devices. IGLOO programming is possible using this release of FlashPro software, but not all devices have yet been added to the database. On any unrecognized Actel device, Scan Chain will report "Unknown Actel device" but STAPL programming can still be done successfully.
- Supports all Fusion, IGLOO, ProASIC3L and ProASIC3 devices with FlashPro3
- Supports all ProASICPLUS devices with FlashPro Lite
- Supports all ProASICPLUS and all ProASIC devices with FlashPro
- SARno73925: Added a programming check to prevent Fusion calibration data programmed in the eNVM from being overwritten. Fusion STAPL and PDB files generated with EFC files prior to Designer 8.2 SP1 may utilize the same eNVM address space used for calibration data. These programming files can overwrite the calibration data.
Note: This check cannot be performed with encrypted Fusion STAPL and PDB files. When programming calibrated Fusion devices, regenerating the analog system with the calibration enabled is recommended. Then regenerate the flash memory as well, using Libero IDE v8.2 SP1 or later release.
General Issues
- SARno74304: PDB with encrypted eNVM causes FlashPro to crash during programming.
Workaround is to use STAPL programming file for programming.
- SARno73583: In batch mode, the log file is not written when a failure is encountered.
Workaround is to add "close_project" at the end of the TCL script file.
- SARno73340: Chain configuration with M1A3P250 or M1A3P1000 device will export an incorrect STAPL file.
Workaround is to use direct chain programming.
- SARno73016: Exporting Chain STAPL with A3PE1500 device crashes FlashPro.
Workaround is to use direct chain programming.
- SARno72980: Chain configuration with A3P030 or AGL030 device will export an incorrect STAPL file.
Workaround is to use direct chain programming.
- SARno71514: Chain configuration with PDB that has serialization will export an incorrect STAPL file.
Workaround is to use direct chain programming.
- SARno67000: FlashPro3 drivers cannot be installed on Windows Vista
Windows Vista is not a supported Operating System. No programming can be undertaken on Windows Vista; you must use an approved Operating System listed under Supported Platforms above.
- SARno65110: Cannot load the same PDB for multiple devices or copy paste
Targeted to be fixed in FlashPro v8.4
- SARno58761: A saved project with serialization opens with an incorrect serial index.
Workaround is to open the Serial Settings dialog box and choose the desired index.
- SARno52280: Parallel FlashPro programming is not a supported programming mode
Parallel programming via USB 1.1 with FlashPro programmers (not FlashPro3) is disabled. If you attempt to program using parallel FlashPro programmers, a message will alert the user that this is not possible. Use only one FlashPro programmer at a time for programming.
- SARno48103: Occasional connectivity issues while connecting FlashPro3 programmers to a Dell D600 laptop
The workaround is to use the recommended PCMCIA to USB 2.0 card instead of directly connecting to the laptop. Follow the connection procedure outlined in the FlashPro v6.2 User's Guide.
- SARno46033: FlashPro3 driver may not be detected automatically by Windows
If you are asked for the location of the FlashPro3 driver, you can find it in <FlashPro v6.0 software installation directory>/Drivers folder.
We have tested several PCI/PCMCIA to USB 2.0 cards along with different USB 1.1/2.0 hubs, and we have observed that the Belkin PCI/PCMCIA to USB 2.0 cards with Belkin USB 1.1/2.0 hubs have demonstrated the appropriate performance criteria for programming with the FlashPro v6.0 software.
