What methods does your company use to download programs during production?
Today, I will share several methods for downloading programs and see how many you have encountered.
Downloading Programs via 【IDE】
Downloading programs via IDE means directly connecting the microcontroller (board) to a computer with a programmer and using an IDE (such as: Keil) to download the program:
Do you think this method is very low-tech? Beginners in microcontroller programming have all done this.
This method is indeed quite low-tech, but I have learned that some companies actually do it this way 
This operation is generally seen in very small companies where the production volume is minimal and there is a severe shortage of manpower (development engineers also manage production).
Downloading Programs via 【Programming Tools】
Using programming tools (commonly referred to as burning software, such as: STM32prog, STC-ICP, etc.) to directly download programs is a relatively common method used by many companies.
Generally, microcontroller manufacturers provide corresponding burning software and downloaders, such as 51, MSP430, STM32, etc., all have corresponding tools.
This operation is a relatively common one (in fact, IDE also integrates this kind of programming software), generally used when the product has a certain volume (up to a few thousand), but not in very large quantities.
Downloading Programs via 【Offline Programmers】
Previously, downloading programs via 【programming tools】 was more common during mass production, but with the popularity of 【offline programmers】 and the increasing compatibility of microcontroller types, the method of downloading programs via 【offline programmers】 has also become more common.
Using 【offline programmers】 eliminates the need for a computer, and the operation is simpler (one-click program download).
There are many 【offline programmers】 available on the market; just search on Taobao, and you will find a large number, such as: Zhen Dian Yuan Zi’s Mini-Pro offline downloader, Anfu Lai’s H7-TOOL, etc., all support offline program downloads.
(Image source: Zhen Dian Yuan Zi)
This method is now widely used. If the production volume is large, it is also recommended to use this offline programming method.
Downloading Programs via 【Manufacturer】
If your production volume is relatively large, you can purchase chips directly from the manufacturer, and they can help you download the program directly onto the chip.
When you receive the chip, the program has already been downloaded, and you do not need to download the program separately.
This method generally requires a large quantity (in the tens of thousands), and if the quantity is small, they will not agree to it.
This method allows you not to leave a download interface on the board (for example: SWD), and you can also use a “programming seat” to download the program in advance before soldering the chip. Our previous company did it this way.
That’s all for today. If you have more “special” methods, feel free to leave a comment to add.
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