With the rising popularity of compact SDR platforms like the ATS Mini Radio, many developers and hobbyists are encountering advanced flash memory interfaces—particularly QSPI (Quad SPI) and OSPI (Octal SPI). Knowing which interface your radio uses is critical when flashing firmware, troubleshooting, or porting drivers. This article helps you understand the difference and how to detect which interface your ATS Mini radio board uses.
What is QSPI and OSPI?
QSPI – Quad Serial Peripheral Interface
QSPI uses 4 data lines (IO0–IO3) to communicate with NOR flash memory. It’s a step up from traditional SPI, enabling faster data transfer and better parallelism. QSPI is widely supported and typically used in many embedded platforms.
OSPI – Octal Serial Peripheral Interface
OSPI is a more advanced version, using 8 data lines (IO0–IO7), offering higher bandwidth and faster boot times for complex systems. It’s often found in newer or performance-focused hardware but requires specific controller support.
Why It Matters in ATS Mini Radios
ATS Mini radios are known for compact designs with flash memory storing firmware or FPGA bitstreams. Depending on the variant or PCB revision, your unit may use either OSPI or QSPI flash chips. Using the wrong tools, drivers, or bootloader settings can lead to failure during updates or debugging.
How to Identify Your Flash Interface
Here are a few methods to determine whether your ATS Mini uses QSPI or OSPI:
1. Visual Inspection (Hardware Level)
- Open the radio case and check the flash chip markings.
- Look for part numbers (e.g., MX25L for QSPI or MX66UW1G45G for OSPI).
- Check the number of traces/pins going to the MCU/FPGA:
- 6–8 pins usually indicates QSPI.
- 10+ pins, including dual IO banks, usually indicates OSPI.
2. Reference the Schematic or BOM
- If you have the schematic or bill of materials (BoM) of the ATS Mini board, search for the flash chip designation.
- Manufacturer documentation or silkscreen labels might mention QSPI Flash or OSPI Flash.
3. Check Firmware or Bootloader Logs
- If you have serial access (e.g., via UART or USB debug output), boot logs often mention the flash interface.
- Look for lines like:
4. Firmware Tools or Flash Utilities
- Use a flashing tool like openocd, ST-Link, or DFU-util depending on your SoC.
- Run a flash detect command, which may auto-identify the bus width and flash type.
5. Ask the Vendor or Check the Batch
- Some ATS Mini radio boards have different batches with varying flash configurations.
- Check with the seller or original product listing to see if the model you received has QSPI or OSPI.
Identifying whether your ATS Mini radio uses QSPI or OSPI is essential for proper firmware flashing, driver setup, and debugging. Use a combination of visual inspection, firmware logs, and part numbers to make a clear determination. Determining whether your ATS Mini radio uses QSPI or OSPI flash is essential for reliable operation and firmware flashing. Use the methods described above to identify your interface type confidently and avoid hardware compatibility issues.
Step‑by‑Step ATS Mini Firmware Flashing Guide by VU3DXR – Updated instructions for firmware v2.28
Alternative Firmwares for ATS Mini Radio: A Technical Guide
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