Skipping flash erase with STM32_Programmer_CLI and STLINK-V3

[ElPueblo]

Hello, 

I'm trying to setup a production line where I have to flash a serial number on each piece after it has been programmed with the standard firmware.

I put the serial number in an hex file, and I'm trying to write it using STM32_Programmer_CLI but I need to skip the flash erase before programming. 

I tried using 'ske': 

STM32_Programmer_CLI.exe -c port=SWD -w serial.hex ske

but the flash keeps getting erased. 

I found out that with ST-LINK_CLI.exe I can use the option 'ske' to disable flash erase, and I tried it, but it seems kind of obsolete because when I launch

ST-LINK_CLI.exe -c SWD LPM -P serial.hex ske

I keep receiving this error:

Note that read out protection is NOT enabled and there is no elf file involved, I'm using .hex files.

What am i missing here? From what I can understand SMT32 Cube Programmer should have replaced STLink Utilities, but is it missing fundamental features like skipping the erase of the flash?

[ElPueblo · Accepted solution]

I found out this question 

https://community.st.com/t5/stm32cubeprogrammer-mcus/cubeprogrammer-2-12-operation-exceeds-memory-limits/td-p/138298

where they use 

STM32_Programmer_CLI -c port=USB1 -d myHex.hex --skipErase

I tried "--skipErase"  with STM32_Programmer_CLI and it finally works!

The thing is, I cannot find this info in the STM32CubeProgrammer User manual, even if there's a chapter focused on command line programming.

My advice for ST would be to work a bit on the documentation of STM32 Programmer, because I had to find my solution on the answer to a question about a totally unrelated topic!

[Pavel A.]

Documentation bug , UM2237

@KDJEM.1 

[KDJEM.1]

Hello,

Thank you @ElPueblo and @Pavel A.  for bringing this issue to our attention.

I reported this request internally.

Internal ticket number: 166662 (This is an internal tracking number and is not accessible or usable by customers).

Thank you.

Kaouthar

[KDJEM.1]

Hello @ElPueblo and @Pavel A. ,

The SkipErase command is currently described in UM2237 Rev 24.

Thank you for your contribution in STCommunity.

Kaouthar