SamFlash Alternative - Flash Memory Programming Tool

Project Overview

A modern, cross-platform alternative to SamFlash for programming flash memory devices. This tool provides a fast, reliable, and user-friendly interface for flashing firmware to various embedded devices with enhanced security and performance features.

Architecture Overview

The application follows a layered architecture pattern with clear separation of concerns:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     User Interface Layer                    │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐ │
│  │   GUI Module    │  │  CLI Interface  │  │  Web Portal  │ │
│  │   (Desktop)     │  │   (Scripts)     │  │  (Remote)    │ │
│  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └──────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                              │
                              ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                      Services Layer                         │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐ │
│  │  Configuration  │  │   Validation    │  │   Logging    │ │
│  │    Service      │  │    Service      │  │   Service    │ │
│  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └──────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                              │
                              ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                   Flashing Engine Layer                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐ │
│  │  Flash Manager  │  │  Progress       │  │  Error       │ │
│  │     Core        │  │  Tracker        │  │  Handler     │ │
│  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └──────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                              │
                              ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     Device Layer                            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐ │
│  │     USB/Serial  │  │     JTAG/SWD    │  │    Network   │ │
│  │    Interface    │  │    Interface    │  │   Interface  │ │
│  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └──────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Component Diagram

The system is composed of four main layers:

1. Device Layer (Hardware Abstraction)

• USB/Serial Interface: Handles communication with devices over USB and serial connections
• JTAG/SWD Interface: Supports programming via JTAG and Serial Wire Debug protocols
• Network Interface: Enables remote device programming over network connections

2. Flashing Engine Layer (Core Logic)

• Flash Manager Core: Central component that orchestrates the flashing process
• Progress Tracker: Monitors and reports flashing progress and status
• Error Handler: Manages error detection, recovery, and reporting

3. Services Layer (Business Logic)

• Configuration Service: Manages device profiles, settings, and preferences
• Validation Service: Validates firmware files, checksums, and device compatibility
• Logging Service: Provides comprehensive logging and audit trails

4. User Interface Layer (Presentation)

• GUI Module: Desktop application with graphical interface
• CLI Interface: Command-line tools for scripting and automation
• Web Portal: Browser-based interface for remote operations

Directory Structure

samflash_alternative/
├── src/
│   ├── Core/           # Core flashing engine and device abstraction
│   ├── GUI/            # Desktop GUI application
│   ├── Scripts/        # CLI tools and automation scripts
│   └── Installer/      # Installation and deployment scripts
├── tests/              # Unit tests, integration tests, and test fixtures
├── docs/               # Documentation, API references, and guides
└── assets/             # Resources, icons, and configuration files

Key Features (Planned)

• Multi-Platform Support: Windows, macOS, and Linux compatibility
• Multiple Interface Support: USB, Serial, JTAG, SWD, and network protocols
• Enhanced Security: Firmware validation, checksums, and secure boot support
• Progress Monitoring: Real-time progress reporting with detailed status
• Error Recovery: Robust error handling with automatic retry mechanisms
• Scripting Support: Command-line interface for automation and CI/CD
• Device Profiles: Pre-configured settings for popular devices
• Logging & Auditing: Comprehensive logging for troubleshooting and compliance

Technology Stack

• Core Engine: C++ for performance-critical operations
• GUI Framework: Qt6 or Electron for cross-platform desktop application
• CLI Tools: Python for scripting and automation
• Build System: CMake for cross-platform builds
• Testing: Google Test for C++ components, pytest for Python scripts

Development Status

🚧 Project Initialization Phase

• Project structure created
• Architecture design completed
• Core device abstraction layer
• Basic flashing engine implementation
• Initial GUI framework setup
• CLI interface development
• Testing framework setup

Getting Started

This project is currently in the initial development phase. Check back for build instructions and usage guidelines as development progresses.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please refer to the contribution guidelines in docs/CONTRIBUTING.md (coming soon).

License

This project will be licensed under [License TBD]. See docs/LICENSE.md for details.

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Last updated: January 8, 2025