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 the image files under output/<defconfig>/images/.

Common image file types:

• *.kdimg: Recommended for K230BurningTool (USB)

• *.img: Recommended for SD card writing, and can also be used for some command-line flashing tools

K230 supports four boot media: EMMC, SD card, SPI Nor Flash, and SPI Nand Flash. Users can flash firmware through the following two methods:

• USB flashing: Directly connect the device via USB to flash

• SD card flashing: Use a PC tool to write the image to the SD card and then boot

Serial port and USB connection methods: K230 Development Boards, select the corresponding development board to jump to the board documentation link

Flashing via USB

Three Methods to Enter Flashing Mode

1. No valid firmware on the default boot medium

   • For example: EMMC that has never been flashed with firmware, or power on after removing the SD card.

2. Force switch boot mode

   • Press and hold the onboard Boot button before powering on, so that the chip cannot find a bootable medium.

3. Trigger via terminal command

   • Execute the following command in the RtSmart terminal:

     reboot_to_upgrade
     

   • The device will automatically restart and enter flashing mode.

Notes If the flashing mode is not entered after executing reboot_to_upgrade, you need to use the latest flashing tool to flash the following patch file: K230 Patch/K230D Patch

Using K230BurningTool (GUI Tool)

• Tool download: K230BurningTool

• Features: Supports simultaneous flashing of multiple devices, with intuitive operation.

• Steps:

  1. Connect the device and enter flashing mode.

  2. Select the firmware file (recommended *.kdimg).

  3. Click Start Flashing, and manually click Confirm to continue after completion.

Using K230-Flash (Command-Line Tool)

• Tool installation:

  pip install k230-flash
  

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

• Usage example:

  # 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
  

Flashing via SD Card

Using Rufus or balenaEtcher

• Applicable Scenario: Flash the image file to an SD card and then boot the device.

• Supported Formats: Raw image files (if in .gz format, decompress first).

• Recommended Tools:

  • Rufus

  • balenaEtcher

• Steps: Refer to 01Studio Firmware Flashing

Important Notice The .kdimg format file only supports burning with K230BurningTool, and cannot be written via SD card tools.

Summary

• USB burning: directly connect the device to quickly update firmware, K230BurningTool is recommended, and K230-Flash can also be used

• SD card burning: for scenarios without a USB interface or for batch card writing, Rufus or balenaEtcher is recommended