Uploading bootloader to self-made MKR Zero board?

chaitanya · March 11, 2021, 10:00am

Hi, I am working in a company and we are trying to make our own copy of Arduino MKR Zero board so that we can integrate extra electronics into the board while at the same time being able to upload sketches just like the original Arduino MKR Zero board. I have posted on Arduino forum before regarding higher-level questions (my posts can be found here and here). Thanks for the answers, these were very helpful.

I have a few more questions regarding the details about uploading a bootloader to Arduino MKR Zero. I have never done something like this in the past and so please correct me in my assumptions where I am wrong.

Which bootloader files to upload? I can find the bootloader files at the GitHub, but I am not sure if it is the correct files, if it is then do I have to upload both .bin and .hex files?
As far as I understand from this post on Arduino form, I need to use Atmel-ICE Kit and upload the bootloader using SWD. So, if I have an Atmel-ICE kit then I can use that kit along with Arduino IDE and upload the bootloader to my own Arduino MKR Zero board? or, do I need to have extra software (e.g. Atmel Studio) to be able to upload the bootloader?
Is there a way of uploading the bootloader to Arduino MKR Zero without using a programmer like Atmel-ICE?
Is there a guide available which I can follow to burn the bootloader for Arduino MKR Zero? I know the Arduino as ISP and Arduino Bootloaders but it is only for Arduino board with ATmega, 32U4 or ATtiny while Arduino MKR Zero uses SAM D21.

Any information regarding uploading the bootloader to an Arduino MKR Zero will be very helpful

pert · March 11, 2021, 10:20am

chaitanya_:

Which bootloader files to upload? I can find the bootloader files at the GitHub, but I am not sure if it is the correct files, if it is then do I have to upload both .bin and .hex files?

Not having ever done it with a fresh chip (I have done it to my MKR Zero after accidentally "bricking" it though), I can't say for sure, but the board definition only specifies the .bin file:

github.com

arduino/ArduinoCore-samd/blob/1.8.11/boards.txt#L143


      
          mkrzero.build.usb_manufacturer="Arduino LLC"
          mkrzero.build.board=SAMD_MKRZERO
          mkrzero.build.core=arduino
          mkrzero.build.extra_flags=-DUSE_ARDUINO_MKR_PIN_LAYOUT -D__SAMD21G18A__ {build.usb_flags}
          mkrzero.build.ldscript=linker_scripts/gcc/flash_with_bootloader.ld
          mkrzero.build.openocdscript=openocd_scripts/arduino_zero.cfg
          mkrzero.build.variant=mkrzero
          mkrzero.build.vid=0x2341
          mkrzero.build.pid=0x804f
          mkrzero.bootloader.tool=openocd
          mkrzero.bootloader.file=mkrzero/samd21_sam_ba_arduino_mkrzero.bin
          
          # Arduino MKR WiFi 1010
          # --------------------
          mkrwifi1010.name=Arduino MKR WiFi 1010
          mkrwifi1010.vid.0=0x2341
          mkrwifi1010.pid.0=0x8054
          mkrwifi1010.vid.1=0x2341
          mkrwifi1010.pid.1=0x0054
          
          mkrwifi1010.upload.tool=bossac

mkrzero.bootloader.file=mkrzero/samd21_sam_ba_arduino_mkrzero.bin

Maybe someone else here can provide a more definitive answer.

chaitanya_:

As far as I understand from this post on Arduino form, I need to use Atmel-ICE Kit

There are several options. The Atmel ICE should work great. You can also use any CMSIS-DAP compliant programmer/debug probe. There are other options beyond the Atmel ICE.

You can also use a spare SAMD board as a programmer using this nice Arduino library:

Another alternative is to use a J-Link debug probe (J-Link EDU Mini and J-Link clones are available for a low price) with the Adalink software: GitHub - adafruit/Adafruit_Adalink: Python wrapper for Segger's J-Link Commander & STMicro STLink V2 to flash various ARM MCUs

chaitanya_:
So, if I have an Atmel-ICE kit then I can use that kit along with Arduino IDE and upload the bootloader to my own Arduino MKR Zero board?

Yes. Just do this:

Tools > Board > Arduino SAMD (32 bits ARM Cortex-M0+) Boards > Arduino MKR Zero
Tools > Programmer > Atmel-ICE
Tools > Burn Bootloader

chaitanya_:
do I need to have extra software (e.g. Atmel Studio) to be able to upload the bootloader?

You don't need it, but you can use it if you prefer. The Arduino IDE is using bossac, which is the command line tool for BOSSA:
https://www.shumatech.com/web/products/bossa
there is also a GUI tool.
Certainly more lightweight than that beast Atmel/Microchip Studio!

chaitanya_:

Is there a way of uploading the bootloader to Arduino MKR Zero without using a programmer like Atmel-ICE?

Yeah, as I explained above.

chaitanya_:

Is there a guide available which I can follow to burn the bootloader for Arduino MKR Zero? I know the Arduino as ISP and Arduino Bootloaders but it is only for Arduino board with ATmega, 32U4 or ATtiny while Arduino MKR Zero uses SAM D21.

I wrote one here:

chaitanya · March 11, 2021, 10:33am

Hi Pert! Thank you so much for a fast and such detailed response.
I think I have all the information I needed, I will follow your guide to upload the bootloader.

pert · March 11, 2021, 10:35am

You're welcome. I'm glad if I was able to be of assistance. Please let me know if you run into any problems or anything is unclear.

Best wishes for success with your bootloader burning endeavor!
Per

system · July 9, 2021, 10:36am

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Uploading bootloader to self-made MKR Zero board?

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