Minnowboard:SPI Boot flash
the MinnowBoard uses a SPI based serial flash memory to load the initial code into the Intel Atom E640 series processor. The MinnowBoard uses a WinBond W25Q32 (datasheet) which has a total of 4096KB of storage which can be flashed with a UEFI image or other custom firmware.
Programming Interface
the MinnowBoard has a 2x4 header that has 0.1" spacing for programming the SPI based serial flash memory.
Pin number | Main Function | Note |
---|---|---|
1 | +3.3V Power | Supports on +3.3V |
2 | GND | system ground |
3 | nCS | Chip Select Active Low |
4 | SCK | SPI Clock |
5 | MISO | Data Output from serial flash |
6 | MOSI | Data Input to serial flash |
7 | NC | No Connection |
8 | nPRG_EN | Program Enable Active Low |
Applications and Hardware
- Flashrom is an open source utility that allows you to work with the SPI based serial flash memory on the MinnowBoard.
- Flashrom supports a wide range of flash devices (Supported Hardware) including the WinBond W25Q32.
- Flashrom can automatically detect the presence of the WinBond W25Q32 and provide full read/erase/write functionality.
- Flashrom can use the many open as well as proprietary hardware tools such as
- DLP-2232H from DLPDesign
- FTDI FT2232H generic breakout boards
- Flyswatter2 from TinCanTools
- Bus Pirate from Dangerous Prototypes
- SF100 from DediProg
- SPIDev userspace interface for the Linux Kernel