Note

This is the documentation for the latest development branch and may refer to features that are not available in released versions. If you are looking for the documentation for a specific release, use the drop-down menu on the left and select the desired version.

How to Flash Firmware

This document assumes you have completed compilation and obtained image files in output/<defconfig>/images/.

Common Image File Types

• *.kdimg - recommended for K230BurningTool (USB)

• *.img - recommended for SD card writing and some command-line flashing tools

K230 supports four boot media: eMMC, SD card, SPI Nor Flash, and SPI Nand Flash. Firmware can be flashed using two methods:

• USB flashing - direct USB connection to the device

• SD card flashing - write image to SD card and boot from it

For serial and USB connection, refer to the K230 Development Board documentation.

USB Flashing

Three Methods to Enter Flashing Mode

1. No valid firmware on default boot media

   • Example: fresh eMMC with no prior firmware, or SD card removed

2. Force boot mode via Boot button

   • Hold the board’s Boot button while powering on to force flashing mode

3. Trigger via terminal command

   • Run on an already-booted RtSmart terminal:

     reboot_to_upgrade
     

   • The device will automatically reboot into flashing mode

Note If reboot_to_upgrade does not enter flashing mode, use the latest flashing tool to flash the patch file: K230 Patch/K230D Patch

Using K230BurningTool (GUI Tool)

• Download: K230BurningTool

• Features: supports multi-device flashing with intuitive interface

• Steps:

  1. Connect device and enter flashing mode

  2. Select firmware file (recommended *.kdimg)

  3. Click Start Flashing; after completion, click Confirm to proceed

Using K230-Flash (Command-line Tool)

• Installation:

  pip install k230-flash
  

• Features: based on Kburn and Python, suitable for automated operations

• Example usage:

  # Linux / macOS
  k230_flash -m EMMC 0 output/<defconfig>/images/<your_image>.img
  
  # Windows
  k230_flash.exe -m EMMC 0 output\<defconfig>\images\<your_image>.img
  

SD Card Flashing

Using Rufus or balenaEtcher

• Use case: write image to SD card and boot the device

• Supported formats: raw image files (decompress .gz format first)

• Tools:

  • Rufus

  • balenaEtcher

• Steps: refer to 01Studio Firmware Flashing Guide

Important .kdimg format only supports K230BurningTool and cannot be written via SD card tools.

Summary

• USB flashing: quick device update, recommended K230BurningTool or K230-Flash

• SD card flashing: for devices without USB or bulk writing scenarios, use Rufus or balenaEtcher