After loading latest binary into chip, entire Flash is not erased

[beemavishnu]

Hello,

 

I am using Seeger for Flashing code and Debugging. I ported code from “flash_fstorage” example code to “ble_app_blinky”. I have few queries on write data into Flash.

 

• Even after flashing nRF52832, entire Flash is not erased. Just before running I saw the flash at 0x60000 but still I am seeing the data I have written in my previous debugging cycle.
  1. Will not entire Flash be erased, while loading image using Seeger.
  2. Are there any settings to erase entire Flash.
  3. Do I need to erase explicitly by calling nrf_fstorage_erase().

 

• In “ble_app_blinky”, as part of wait_for_flash_ready(), I replaced power_manage() to idle_state_handle(). Is this fine.

void wait_for_flash_ready(nrf_fstorage_t const * p_fstorage)

{

    /* While fstorage is busy, sleep and wait for an event. */

    while (nrf_fstorage_is_busy(p_fstorage))

    {

        idle_state_handle();

    }

}

 

Attached Snapshot and code file for your reference.

 

Thanks & Regards

Vishnu Beema

[awneil]

beemavishnu said:

I am using Seeger for Flashing code

You mean Segger Embedded Studio?

Segger also has a number of other tools for flashing code

beemavishnu said:

Even after flashing nRF52832, entire Flash is not erased

Yes, that is normal behaviour.

If you want to do a full chip erase, you have to do that manually - but remember that will also erase the SoftDevice.

[beemavishnu]

Hi,

1) Also please let me know your inputs on query 2 in my above post.

2) Yes, I am using Segger Embedded Studio.

Only through below steps I am able to erase entire chip. Is this correct way.

    a) Target -> Connect J-Link

    b) Target -> Erase All.

But in Segger status I am seeing "Erase". Does not this erase entire Flash.

 

Thanks & Regards

Vishnu Beema

[awneil]

I don't know if SES has a setting to always erase the entire chip. Or to include additional sectors in a partial erase. You'll have to search through the options and/or study the documentation.

Or ask Segger: https://forum.segger.com/

Erasing takes a (relatively) long time, and wears out the Flash - so, in general, one would only do this when specifically necessary.

beemavishnu said:

in Segger status I am seeing "Erase". Does not this erase entire Flash

No.

[beemavishnu]

Thank you for your quick inputs. Please let me know your inputs on below query.

• In “ble_app_blinky”, as part of wait_for_flash_ready(), I replaced power_manage() to idle_state_handle(). Is this fine. Whether both are same ?

void wait_for_flash_ready(nrf_fstorage_t const * p_fstorage)

{

    /* While fstorage is busy, sleep and wait for an event. */

    while (nrf_fstorage_is_busy(p_fstorage))

    {

        idle_state_handle();

       //power_manage();

    }

}

[beemavishnu]

Any inputs on above query.