Getting Started

This guide covers building, flashing, and basic operation of the AddVantage PPG firmware.

Prerequisites

Toolchain

Install the ARM GCC toolchain:

macOS:

brew install arm-none-eabi-gcc

Linux:

apt install gcc-arm-none-eabi

Windows: Download from Arm Developer

Build Tools

• CMake 3.20+

• Ninja (recommended) or Make

# macOS
brew install cmake ninja

# Linux
apt install cmake ninja-build

Hardware

• SEGGER J-Link debugger (J-Link EDU or commercial)

• USB-serial adapter for UART (57600 baud)

• PCAN-USB adapter for CAN validation (optional)

Building the Firmware

Quick Build

mkdir build && cd build
cmake -G Ninja -DCMAKE_TOOLCHAIN_FILE=../arm-gcc-toolchain.cmake ..
ninja

This produces:

• build/addvantage3.elf - Debug symbols for debugging

• build/addvantage3.hex - Flash image

Build Options

Option	Description
-DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release	Optimized build
-DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Debug	Debug symbols, no optimization

Flashing

Using the Flash Script

python tools/flash.py build/addvantage3.hex

The script uses J-Link serial 50114603 to avoid the GUI picker dialog.

Manual J-Link Commands

JLinkExe -device MKE06Z128xxx4 -if SWD -speed 4000 -autoconnect 1

# In J-Link commander:
loadfile build/addvantage3.hex
r  # reset
g  # go

Serial Console

Connect to the UART at 57600 baud:

# macOS
screen /dev/cu.usbmodem* 57600

# Linux
screen /dev/ttyUSB0 57600

# Windows
putty -serial COM3 -sercfg 57600,8,n,1

Boot Output

After reset, you’ll see:

addvantage PPG V3.2.7 250kbit
d0g0e99p0r0t0c0v0k0b250f327w1x0y100z0V3.2.7
Password required:

Password

Default password: tribune

After authentication, commands are available:

• f - Factory reset + engine profile selection

• g - Toggle gas flow enable

• m - Memory dump

• v - Toggle VT100 display

• o - Output configuration

First Run Checklist

1. Flash firmware

2. Connect serial console

3. Verify boot message shows correct version

4. Enter password

5. Press f for factory reset

6. Select engine profile (1-18)

7. Verify telemetry output shows sensor readings

Troubleshooting

No Serial Output

• Check baud rate (57600)

• Verify TX/RX connections (TX from MCU → RX on adapter)

• Try different USB-serial adapter

Boot Loops

If the device continuously resets (multiple version strings in output):

• Watchdog may not be disabled properly

• Check startup_wdog.S is correctly included in build

J-Link Connection Failed

• Verify SWD connections (SWDIO, SWCLK, GND, VTref)

• Try lower speed: -speed 1000

• Check target voltage (3.3V)

Next Steps

• Read the CAN Protocol guide for J1939 integration

• See Telemetry Format for data interpretation

• Use the Test Harness for automated validation