Updating Flash

Updating Flash is the process by which the data in the RMC is stored to non-volatile Flash memory. In order to save data even when power is removed, the Flash must be updated. After changing the configuration of the RMC, such as parameters, axis definitions, variable initial values, curves (temporary curves cannot be saved to Flash), and more, you must update Flash in order to save the settings through a power cycle.

Updating Flash from RMCTools

To update flash from RMCTools:

Go online with the controller.
On the Controller menu, click Update Flash.
or,
on the File menu, click Save and Update Flash, which will update Flash in the controller and save the RMCTools project.

The Flash updates typically take 1 or 2 seconds, but may take a few seconds longer on larger projects. The Event Log will log the start and finish time of the Flash update, and the amount of Flash memory used.

The RMC will continue to control motion as usual during a Flash update. On the RMC75/150 (not the RMC200), the green CPU LED will flash while a Flash update is in progress.

You may also be prompted to save to Flash when the controller is warm restarted after changing certain controller data.

Updating Flash via a Command

You can use the Update Flash (110) command to update Flash. While a Flash update is in progress, the green CPU LED will flash.

Flash Size

The entire RMC project is saved to Flash, including axis parameters, plot templates, variable table defaults, user programs, and curves. After updating Flash, the Event Log will log the amount of Flash memory used. The total Flash size is as follows:

Controller	Flash Size
RMC75E (1.1G and newer)	1024 KB
RMC75E (1.1F and older)	256 KB
RMC75P	96 KB
RMC75S	96 KB
RMC150E	1024 KB
RMC200	6016 KB

Updating Flash versus Retentive Variables

Variable values can be remembered between power cycles by marking them as retentive (RMC75E, RMC150E, and RMC200 only), or by updating Flash. The table below compares each method. Usually, marking variables as retentive is a better choice than using Flash.

	Updating Flash	Retentive Variables (RMC75E, RMC150E, and RMC200 only)
Value Stored	Initial Value	Current Value
Update Frequency	When the Update Flash is commanded by user or program	Automatically every 100msec
Update Time	RMC75S/P: 1 second RMC75/RMC150: 2 seconds RMC200: Multiple seconds	< 10 milliseconds
Write Cycle Limits	100,000 or 1 million, see below	None

Flash Write Cycle Limits

The Flash memory chip on the RMC75S, RMC75P, and RMC200 is limited 100,000 update cycles. The RMC75E and RMC150E are limited to 1 million update cycles. Due to these limits, you should take care to program the RMC so that this limit will not be exceeded during the life of the controller.