vFlash - Programming ECUs over CAN, CAN FD, FlexRay, LIN or Ethernet
vFlash is a very easy-to-use tool for programming ECUs. It supports already more than 130 different flash specifications (= platform flash bootloader) and is simply expandable via a plugin concept.
Advantages
- Flashing via CAN, CAN FD, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet (DoIP, SoAd = AUTOSAR Socket Adaptor)
- Simple exchange of pre-configured flash projects in one package (.vflashpack)
- High transfer rate: Example: transfer of 1.000 kByte data in 36,6 s (27,3 kByte/s) in idealized reference ECU over CAN at 500 kBit/s with STmin = 0, BS = 0
- Support of numerous flash specifications (protocols and flash sequences) simply expandable via plugin concept with so-called vFlash Templates
- Direct “native” programming of data in Intel hex, Motorola-S and binary format or alternatively programming based on container formats like ODX-F and OEM-specific formats
- Quick and uncomplicated creation of flash projects for different bootloader based on the vFlash Templates
- Documentation of flash actions in flash reports
- Tracing of CAN raw data for later analysis in case of an error
- Flashing of compressed and encrypted data
- Interactive flashing via the GUI as well as automated flashing over a programming interface (C API / C# API)
- Validation of the flash bootloader in the ECU in combination with CANoe.DiVa (via CAN, FlexRay, DoIP, LIN)
- Standalone flashing with the Intelligent Diagnostic Device VN8810
- Simultaneous flashing of several ECUs each on a separate communication channel with “vFlash Station”
- Remote flashing of ECUs from any location with vFlash Remote
Application Areas
vFlash is designed for all users at automotive OEMs and suppliers whose tasks include (re-)programming of ECUs. vFlash allows users to flash ECUs in the laboratory, at programming stations, at a laboratory vehicle or in the vehicle very efficiently.
vFlash can be controlled via a graphical user interface or it can be simply integrated as a library in an existing environment. With the special edition “vFlash Station” you may simultaneously flash up to 8 ECUs each on a separate communication channel.
vFlash Bootloader Support
Vector offers prepared vFlash Templates for a large number of different automotive OEMs and bootloaders.
Highlights Version 5
Remote Flashing with vFlash Remote
- Easy reprogramming of ECUs remotely - entirely independent of location and without much organizational effort or cost.
- Can be used, for example, by experts at the developer workstation to directly update the ECU software on remote test drives or in the development workshop that is far away.
- High level of security and reliability
- Increase efficiency and reduce costs by reusing existing vFlash packages
Parallel Programming of DoIP ECUs
- Extension of the vFlash Station for parallel reprogramming via DoIP. Up to 8 ECUs can now also be reprogrammed via Ethernet (DoIP), each via its own channel.
Enhancement of the “Custom Action” Functionality
Custom Actions are tasks that are processed automatically before or after the flash sequence. Thus, for example, reports for quality assurance or ECU labels can be printed.
- Simplified debugging: Seamless coding, compiling and debugging without restarting vFlash
- Simplified development with the VisualStudio plugin VDS-IDE: Provision of IntelliSence for the selection of diagnostic identifiers and thus significantly simplified development of custom actions with diagnostic functions.
- Execute Custom Actions even without flashing
- Access to flash information (e.g. data block properties)
Communication Tracing for CAN FD
- Creation of traces for analyzing the communication between vFlash and ECU now also for CAN FD
Manufacturer Support Further Extended
- vFlash supports more than 130 different flash bootloaders (= specifications) from various vehicle manufacturers via vFlash Templates, continuously, new ones are added.
- Existing vFlash Templates are supplemented with new additional functions, like for example authentication with OEM-specific certificate infrastructure.
Remote Flashing
vFlash Remote gives diagnostic users the option of flashing ECUs remotely, independent of location.
Users benefit from a high degree of flexibility and reliability with the following advantages:
- Easy reprogramming of ECUs remotely - entirely independent of location and without much organizational effort or cost.
- High degrees of flexibility and reliability, especially on vehicle test drives and offshore production plants.
- Secure and reliable flashing procedure
- Extremely easy to set up the communications infrastructure.
- Users can boost efficiency and reduce costs by reusing existing flash packs for remote applications which have already been created with vFlash.
vFlash Remote will be used as the flash tool and connects to an access point on the vehicle remotely over the Internet. Two possible pathways are available for the remote interface:
- Simply via the intelligent VN8810 Diagnostic Device which already integrates the vFlash Access Point
- Via a Windows-based PC with an installed vFlash Access Point and network interface.
The download of the vFlash Access Point required for this can be requested by clicking the TAB "Download Access Point" at this content element.
The remote connection between vFlash Remote and the vFlash Access Point is always encrypted. This ensures that flash data cannot be seen or manipulated by third parties. Furthermore, the transfer of flash data to the Access Point is decoupled from ECU reprogramming. Reprogramming is not started until the data to be flashed has been fully transferred to the Access Point and has passed a plausibility check.
The user gets added transparency from continuous display of progress information during the flash procedure, qualified status feedback after completion and optional generation of a report for documentation purposes.
Like vFlash, vFlash Remote works with flash templates which implement the flash specifications of the automotive OEMs. Currently, more than 130 templates are available for over 70 different OEMs.
vFlash Remote Access Point - Request Download
Supported Interfaces
| Interface | CAN(FD) | FlexRay | LIN | Ethernet (DoIP, SoAd) |
| VN16XX, CANboardXL CANcardXL/XLe | X | X | ||
| VN8810 (as standalone flash device) | X | X | X | |
| VN5610A/VN5640 | X | X | ||
| VN7572, VN8970, VN8972 | X | X | X | |
| VN7600, VN7610 | X | X | ||
| VN7640 | X | X | X | X |
| VX10xx | X(1) | X(1) | ||
| VX0312 | X | X | ||
| PC interface | X(2) |
(1) = with option CAN respectively FlexRay
(2) = without SoAd support
Editions
vFlash Standard is the Edition for reprogramming single ECUs over CAN (FD), LIN, FlexRay and Ethernet (DoIP and SoAd). It can be used on a PC, on a VN8810, VN89xx, and VT System.
- If installed on a PC it offers a graphical user interface for creating and configuring flash setups and for flashing ECUs. It also offers a simple C and C# programming interface (API) to create own applications that use vFlash to execute reprogramming.
- If installed on a VN8810 vFlash can be used as standalone flash device.
- If installed on a VN89xx or VT System vFlash is usually controlled by CANoe. In this case CANoe is executing extensive test scenarios and triggers vFlash to change the software as required (e.g. switch between test software and drive software).
The vFlash Station edition is used for parallel reprogramming of up to eight (8) ECUs via a separate CAN (FD), LIN, FlexRay or Ethernet (DoIP) channel. The edition is used on a PC. It offers a simple C and C# programming interface (API) to create your own applications that perform different automation tasks and additionally control vFlash.
The use of the vFlash Station is explained by several examples (C++ and C#) included in the scope of delivery. Based on these examples, an existing automation software can be easily extended.
vFlash Remote is an additional option that extends vFlash to reprogram ECUs from a distant location. The vFlash option Remote requires a current version of vFlash. An ECU/module expert can remotely reprogam ECUs from his office - world-wide or just at a distant development garage. Only the expert requires vFlash and vFlash Option Remote. On the vehicle side only the vFlash Access Point is necessary. It can be downloaded for free from the Vector website.
Product Descriptions
vFlash Standard
| Recommendation | Minimum | |
| Operating System | Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (≥ version 1709) | |
| CPU | Intel compatible > 2 GHz ≥ 2 cores | Intel compatible 1 GHz 2 cores |
| Memory | 4 GB | 2 GB |
| Screen resolution | > 1280 x 1024 | 1024 x 768 |
vFlash Station
| Recommendation | Minimum | |
| Operating System | Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (≥ version 1709) | |
| CPU | Intel compatible > 2,5 GHz ≥ 4 cores | Intel compatible 1 GHz 2 cores |
| Memory | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Screen resolution* | - | - |
* Only library, no graphical user interface
Do you have technical questions and are looking for suitable answers? Our KnowledgeBase provides the most important!
Downloads
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2019-04-24 Service PackvFlash 4.0 SP3
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2019-03-26 Press ReleaseFlashing ECUs from a Distance with vFlash Remote
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2019-02-20 Application NoteAN-IDG-1-018 Automated Flashing and Testing with CANoe, vFlash and VN89xx
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2018-12-11 Service PackvFlash 3.1 SP3
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2018-06-19 Application NoteAN-IMC-1-029 vFlash in CANape
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2018-05-18 Service PackvFlash 3.5 SP4
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2017-05-12 Technical ArticleAutomatic diagnostic validation is not rocket science ... just a matter of consequent exploitation of existing possibilities
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2016-09-28 Service PackvFlash 3.0 SP3
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2015-10-16 Service PackvFlash 2.7 SP5
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Training
The number and complexity of control units used in automobiles has increased tremendously. It is therefore important to include diagnostics in the development process of control units from an early stage.
Our training classes and workshops will provide you not only with a basic understanding of diagnostics. Especially with practical exercises you will gain a comprehensive view on the Vector diagnostic tool chain.
