PowerWriter Documentation

website·Indexed 31 days ago

https://docs.powerwriter.com

Documentation for PowerWriter, a universal debugger, online programmer, and offline programmer for individual developers and small-batch production. It includes user manuals for the software and ICWKEY, guides for the ICWorkshop platform, and technical details on supporting specific chip features for Nuvoton, ST (STM32WB, STM32H5), and Nordic NRF devices, as well as 24-channel parallel programming.

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What's inside PowerWriter

  1. Overview of PowerWriter Factory Mode

    PowerWriter Factory Mode is a specialized mode designed for production application scenarios to provide more efficient data programming compared to the standard (full-feature) mode used for development and testing.

    Supported Hardware:

    • Supported: PW200, PW300, PWX1
    • Not Supported: PWLINK, PWLINK2 (including Lite versions)

    Key Features:

    • Multi-language switching (English/Chinese)
    • History records (up to 10 projects)
    • BOM export and verification
    • Access to chip wiring diagrams and programmer port information
    • Unlimited number of devices
    • One-click online programming and automatic start/stop
    • One-click offline data loading
    • One-click firmware upgrades
  2. Overview of the MCU General Advanced Software Protection Library

    The MCU General Advanced Software Protection Library (advance_software_protect_library) version 1.0.0 provides comprehensive protection against dynamic debugging, static analysis, dynamic patching, and firmware copying. It supports the following protection mechanisms:

    • Object monitoring
    • Firmware verification
    • Firmware encryption
    • Dynamic functions
    • Anti-debugging
    • Firmware signing

    It is compatible with embedded compilers including ARMCC, Clang, and GCC, and supports toolchains on Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Note that full functionality requires the use of an ICWKEY. The library is not open-source; users must contact the provider to obtain it.

  3. Overview of Offline Programming Reports for PWX1

    The Offline Programming Report feature allows users to record and export programming data for chips. This feature is currently limited to PWX1 devices due to storage and performance constraints. Reports are stored as encrypted files on the device and must be read and parsed through the software to be exported.
  4. Overview of ZPKG project files

    A ZPKG file is a secondary encapsulation of a standard PKG (package) file. It is designed for secure project delivery to end-users or manufacturers, ensuring that only authorized parties can access the data.

    Key features include:

    • Password Protection: Requires a password to open the project when read back from a device.
    • Read-back Prevention: Prevents the project file from being read back from the device.
    • Device Binding (One-to-One): Binds the ZPKG to a specific device machine code (authentication code), allowing only a single load onto that specific device.
    • UUID Binding (Many-to-Many): Binds the ZPKG to a specific UUID, allowing any device with a matching UUID to load the file.

    Warning: While ZPKG provides security, it is not immune to all attacks. For most general scenarios, using a standard PKG file combined with the ICWorkshop platform is recommended.

  5. Overview of ICWorkshop (创芯工坊) Platform

    ICWorkshop (www.icworkshop.com) is an industrial internet platform designed for the delivery of integrated circuit (IC) programs. It replaces traditional chip program delivery with an online model that separates software from hardware to protect developer intellectual property and improve delivery efficiency. Key features include:

    • Online Delivery: Developers sell chip programs online; customers purchase and burn programs on-demand via PC or mobile.
    • Cloud Burning: Programs are pushed directly from cloud servers to customers for downloading, burning, and testing, reducing the risk of file leaks.
    • Real-time Payment: A 'pay-before-burn' model ensures developers receive payments immediately upon customer purchase.
    • Security and Encryption: The platform uses full-process encryption and verification from upload to burning. Programs can be sold based on the number of burn cycles to protect IP and reduce developer risk.
  6. Overview of Power Writer License Server Services

    Power Writer provides an online license service that supports secondary development and uses the ECDSA electronic signature algorithm by default. This service complements the built-in Rand Matrix signature and enhanced ICWKEY authorization tools. The development SDK for this service is identical to the ICWKEY development SDK.
  7. Overview of Power Writer License Server Services

    Power Writer provides multiple licensing options including built-in Rand Matrix signatures and enhanced ICWKEY authorization tools. Additionally, it offers an online license service that supports secondary development and uses the ECDSA electronic signature algorithm by default. The SDK for this service is identical to the ICWKEY development SDK.
  8. Overview of ICW Cloud (创芯云盘)

    ICW Cloud is a feature provided by IC Workshop (创芯工坊) that allows developers to upload, temporarily store, and share solution programs. This enables developers to publish stored programs from any location or share programs with others for publishing purposes.
  9. Overview of Power Debugger WeChat Mini Program

    The Power Debugger WeChat Mini Program is designed for quick network setup and mode switching to reduce configuration complexity. It is specifically used for configuring WIFI networks and toggling between Local Area Network (LAN) and Public Network modes. For more detailed settings, users should use the Power Debugger desktop client software.
  10. Overview of RTT Scope features

    The Power Debugger's RTT Scope integrates full RTT Viewer functionality (channel 0) and provides real-time waveform monitoring. Key capabilities include:

    • Support for RTT j-scope channels and custom variable monitoring.
    • Adaptive X/Y axis scaling, automatic scrolling, and manual drag operations.
    • Triggering based on rising, falling, or bidirectional edges.
    • Data export to CSV format.
    • Support for SWD/JTAG dual-protocol interfaces with clock speeds up to 60MHz.
    • Simultaneous operation of RTT Scope and RTT Viewer.
    • Support for standard data types: float, bool, uint8_t, int8_t, uint16_t, int16_t, uint32_t, and int32_t.
  11. Overview of Power Writer and IC Workshop Integration

    While Power Writer can be used as a standalone development tool, it is optimized for use with the IC Workshop (创芯工坊) backend management system. This integration enables remote mass production and authorization control, transforming Power Writer from a simple debugger/writer into a production tool.