Siglent SPD3303X-E Hi-Resolution Output Unlock?

[SAIT_Tim]

Hi guys,

I have just received my Siglent 3303X-E and would like to "upgrade" to the X version.

Unit came with:

FW 1.01.01.03.11R1
HW V6.2

I have the same issue and can't find posts on this. No mention of firmware version 03.11 on the website. Have you since managed to upgrade?

I'd like to be able to do this as well if its possible - same 'latest' HW & FW versions...

[vskeevb]

For what it's worth, my SPD3303X-E (HW V6.1) came with 1.01.01.03.11 installed and I "upgraded" it using the method described in this thread. I now have a SPD3303X but it's running 1.01.01.03.10 since I cannot locate 1.01.01.03.11 on Siglent's site.

I subsequently performed the calibration procedure described at https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds3303x(-e)-calibration-fw1-01-01-02-07r2-best-practice/ and verified the system was working as expected.

Admittedly, my unit is a HW V6.1 and not the later HW V6.2.

-VSK

[sy]

Follow up from my previous post for:

FW 1.01.01.03.11R1
HW V6.2

Downgrading to V1.01.01.03.10 then applying the hack works. 

[TERRA Operative]

I just bought myself one of these, and managed to upgrade it.

(The versions of firmware and EasyPower I used are attached below)

All working well except for the bone-headed design decision to NOT have the output binding posts spaced 19.05mm (3/4") apart...... dduuurrrrrr......

Anyway, here's how I upgraded my hardware version v6.1 unit.

(Thanks to optotester for posting the Hex values to change)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Download and install NI Visa, making sure that 'NI-VISA .NET Runtime' is selected in the install options at a minimum (you don't need anything else to run the EasyPower software).
https://www.ni.com/en/support/downloads/drivers/download.ni-visa.html

- Download the latest version of the firmware for the SPD3303X (NOT SPD3303X-E !!).
- Also download and install the latest version of EasyPower.
https://siglentna.com/service-and-support/firmware-software/dc-power-supplies/

- Download and install HxD (or download and run the portable version)
https://mh-nexus.de/en/downloads.php?product=HxD20

- Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\EasyTools\EasyPower (or wherever you installed it) and cut/paste 'EasyPower.exe' to your desktop or My Files or somewhere so Windows won't block you from editing the file.
 - Rename the 'EasyPower.exe' in the 'Program Files' folder to 'EasyPowerOld.exe' as a backup.

- Run HxD and open the 'EasyPower.exe' you just copied.
  - Search for the string 0F BE 55 0C (Ctrl + F, then select 'Hex-Values tab, Search for '0F BE 55 0C', Search direction 'All')
  - Just before the found string on the same line, you'll see '0F 84 A4 00 00 00'
  - Replace the '84' with '85' so the string is now '0F 85 A4 00 00 00' (The 85 should be shown in red until you hit save)
     This will disable the hardware check in the software so it will just obediently flash whatever firmware you give it straight onto the PSU without confirming the model number matches first.
     This will allow us to force-feed it the SPD3303X firmware over the top of the SPD3303X-E firmware currently in the unit.
  - Save this file and move the modified .exe file back into C:\Program Files (x86)\EasyTools\EasyPower

- Connect the PSU to your local LAN with an Ethernet cable, power it up and once it's booted press the IP/STORE button to find the IP address.
  * Alternatively you can connect directly to the PC using a USB cable and you don't need the IP address.
    (Only connect the USB cable AFTER installing the NI Visa drivers and EasyPower! Or you might end up with Windows causing driver conflicts)
    I used the LAN method so let us know how you go with USB.

- Run the EasyPower software and click on 'Version' in the top bar, then select 'Upgrade'
  - Leave the button set to 'Normal Mode' (Don't change it to 'Firmware Mode' or it'll bounce you back and tell you to select 'Normal Mode' anyway)
  - Select your SPD3303X firmware file then click 'Upgrade'
  - A window will pop up, select 'VXI11' and it will ask you for the IP address of the PSU.
  - Enter the IP address you found in the previous step and click 'OK'
  * If using a USB cable, select the USB option and click 'OK'. You won't need the IP address.

- Let it update and then close the EasyPower software only once instructed to do so.

- The PSU will reboot and it'll now be a fully functioning SPD3303X model! 

- You can check to see if the voltage setting has three digits after the decimal point and also press the <padlock>/Ver button to see that the Product Type now says 'SPD3303X'


Have fun. 



Note, future firmware upgrades should be made using SPD3303X versions, NOT SPD3303X-E versions.
I believe there is no reason to use a modified EasyPower.exe for future firmware upgrades once the hack is complete, unless you actually want to downgrade (by flashing SPD3303X-E firmware back onto the PSU), say for warranty return purposes etc.

For all intents and purposes, your unit is a 100% SPD3303X model now in every way except the sticker on the front.



Also, if you want to run calibration, here's the way to do it:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds3303x(-e)-calibration-fw1-01-01-02-07r2-best-practice/

[ttssyy]

Before and after:

[Jack24044]

An SPD3303X-E, 1.01.01.03.11R1, V6.2 cannot be loaded with 1.01.01.03.10 firmware.
Despite any claims as such.
The release notes state "This firmware version only supports V6.1 hardware version of SPD3303X/X-E".
BTW, the EasyPower patch above doesn't work: you will still get the message "This file does not match the device".
That's fine, as it could leave you with a bricked power supply otherwise. So don't do that.
While you can't convert this one to an SPD3303X yet, it could be fun once possible.
But for now I would suggest: buy the model you need, maybe spent a bit more on the SPD3303X model.

UPDATE: Holdon, below Terra came back "to the rescue" for me. (maybe)
He pointed out there were updated V6.2 models, so it must be possible somehow.
I don't know the issue yet, the procedure and modification of EasyPower described didn't prevent reporting "This file does not match the device".

[TERRA Operative]

You can literally see the post above yours that someone did exactly what you claim cannot be done.

Did you follow the instructions properly?

[Jack24044]

Hi TERRA, thanks for your instructions and thanks for coming back here.
I assumed only older hardware had been upgraded so far.
My unit reports: "SPD3303X-E, 1.01.01.03.11R1, V6.2".
Some post said it upgraded that, but I doubt it because EasyPower simply doesn't let you do it.
I followed your instructions to modify EasyPower, and verified the byte afterwards with HxD (I attached the screenshot).
Trying 1.01.01.03.10 firmware, EasyPower (V100R001B01D01P20) reports:

"This file does not match the device" and "Upgrade Fail! Please close the software and open it again".

So we likely have look for 1.01.01.03.11 firmware at
https://www.siglenteu.com/service-and-support/firmware-software/dc-power-supplies/#spd3303xx-e-series

[TERRA Operative]

Hmm, that different firmware may make a difference.

You maaaay have to wait for a "SPD3303X, 1.01.01.03.11R1" (non -E) firmware to be available, but user ttssyy was able to get it to work. Changing the bit in the update utility definitely prevents it from checking the '-E' or 'non -E' version before flashing, but maybe it doesn't have anything to do with the actual firmware version, so there may be something preventing you from downgrading from '...11R1' to '...10' version, maybe?...

I have attached the version of EasyPower that I used to my previous post with the unlock instructions, along with the modified exe, not sure if it will help, but maybe worth a try just in case a later version of the EasyPower software was modified to prevent this hack..


https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-spd3303x-e-hi-resolution-output-unlock/msg5347535/#msg5347535

[tv84]

I could change 1.01.01.03.10 X FW to load on a X-E v6.2, BUT I think it's not advisable to do so, given Siglent's warning.

It's better to wait for .11 version or above.


Nonetheless, for those that want to insist, I think the patch being advertised is not complete. Another verification must be bypassed. I think one of the multiple ways to do that is to add this patch to the .exe (see pic): swap green bytes with red bytes.

[Jack24044]

Hi Terra, I'm probably missing the attchment you refer to.
I also thought I had to wait for the right firmware to be released, and modified.

[Jack24044]

Hi tv84, thanks! You did an incredible reverse engineering job!
Also with the firmware. I think you created software to unpack and pack ADS firmware files, if I understand it correct.
It's nice to see they left room to swap those bytes in the file. 
I'm experienced to work with STM32 controllers, mostly M4, M7, M33, and dual-core types. Chips like STM32F4, STM32F7, STM32H7, and many more.
I also saw SPD3303X_E-H743 and SPD3303X-H743 which could indicate an STM32H743 might be the controller in use, I don't know.
It may be a bit tricky if the firmware download succeeds, possibly bricking the unit, though it is still under waranty.
And if flashing firmware is still possible after a failed try, we still don't have that.

[tv84]

Looking at the .exe code, I would say STM32F207VET6.

[Jack24044]

Excellent tv84, that fits the purpose better, I guess. 
Is there a way to unpack and repack .ads files, so you can examine and modify things?

[Jack24044]

Hi sy, I have this unit, but EasyPower refuses to downgrade it, telling the firmware is not for that hardware.
Can you describe how you did it? It would be useful to share the steps followed, for others.
When updating with 1.01.01.03.10 firmware with the patched EasyPower, it reports: "This file does not match the device".
tv84 suggested a second hack to EasyPower, which may actually work, but I like to be sure the "SPD3303X-E, 1.01.01.03.11R1, V6.2" can work with 1.01.01.03.10 firmware.

[saabracer23]

Hello all, first off. I appreciate this communities work.  I recently picked up an SPD3303X-E and would love to increase its resolution.  Just curious if any more progress has been made on the units with the newest firmware. 

Dan

[Jack24044]

Hi Dan, that is a very nice PSU! I have the same hardware and software version, I think all new units ship like this.
Unfortunately Siglent has not yet released the firmware for this model SPD3303X (V6.2), which requires 1.01.01.03.11R1 or higher.
I have not seen any convincing evidence that anyone has upgraded this, or should I say downgraded it, as there are only lower firmware versions available.
Siglent warns that these are not for V6.2 hardware. If you try, you may encounter a problem, the unit may not work and there is certainly no way back to 1.01.01.03.11R1 (not available).
The only solution would be to have it replaced under warranty in that case.
The software to downgrade the firmware tells you that the software is not intended for your hardware. That software can be patched in such a way that it can potentially download the untested lower firmware version to the power supply, with uncertain results.
I think we just have to wait until the right firmware is available from Siglent.
It's just fun to improve your model of the power supply, but for me the 10mV resolution seems sufficient.
The link to monitor:
https://www.siglenteu.com/service-and-support/firmware-software/dc-power-supplies/#spd3303xx-e-series

I have a few Siglent instruments, most of them "upgraded" via this forum (to SDS2504 Plus, SSA3032X Plus, SDG1062X, SDG2122X), and options enabled.
The SDM3065X is an original unit. Someone is adding a digit or two to lower models, although that may be a bit useless, because the hardware is not the same and not as accurate, seen from the specifications.
The SPD3303X-E is on the wait-list, but I don't really need to upgrade it. Eventually I may pick-up an SPD4306X.

[ironcurtain]

To recap:

• 1.01.01.03.11R1 comes with most if not all the 6.2 HW models (everything manufactured since at least early 2024)
• 1.01.01.03.11R1 is NOT available from Siglent. They should provide this to repair shops and distributors, if not the end users, to be able to do repair and upgrade work on newer units, especially if people are messing about the firmware (this might void calibration, but NOT hardware warranty, at least in Europe)

Someone (@ttssyy I believe) did a successful downgrade to 1.01.01.03.10 and obviously it is working per his photos.

@Jack24044, can you give us a no frills executive summary of what you actually attempted and failed? Exact versions, modifications, links to whatever it is you followed to do them, etc. No subjective impressions or concerns, just the objective recipe of what you did (regardless of outcome).

We can work from there. I can easily load EasyPower (regardless of version), find the function responsible for verifying the firmware and target product ID, and verify if the patch is correct.

To the best of my knowledge there is no downgrade protection in ANY Siglent product. That just does not exist. If anything, there are some internal product checks that will make the firmware flashing process fail right at the beginning, with no brick possible.
Firmware downgrade protection requires blowing e-fuses. That ain't happening with any of their "hackable" products.

Siglent does not want additional tech service workloads and they know very well they cater to us poor hobbyists who can't buy quarter mil test equipment.

[ironcurtain]

Looking at the .exe code, I would say STM32F207VET6.

I can recognize the ugly UI of IDA from miles away :-)

I will look into this as soon as I have time. I believe there used to be a method to extract the firmware without a lot of fuss. Anyone has a donor/available unit to do so?

[Jack24044]

Hi IronCurtain,

this is what I did:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-spd3303x-e-hi-resolution-output-unlock/msg5539925/#msg5539925

Kind regards,
Jack.

[Jack24044]

I figured the problem and upgraded the SPD3303X-E V6.2 hardware to SPD3303X (with lower firmware), like some did before, but for me it failed at first.
Before, I downloade EasyPower modified it and downloaded "SPD3303X_V1.01.01.03.10_Convert_from_X-E.ADS" from this thread.
Then the update failed. I just followed the instructions but missed the prepared zip file at the bottom of
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-spd3303x-e-hi-resolution-output-unlock/msg5347535/#msg5347535
"Siglent SPD3303X Unlock.zip (4987.94 kB - downloaded 12 times.)"

Once I found the zip file of TERRA Operative, I compared the binaries of EasyPower files, and the firmware files, using HxD.
The EasyPower files matched, so the patching was done right.
However, the firware file "SPD3303X_V1.01.01.03.10_Convert_from_X-E.ADS" downloaded from this thread differs from "SPD3303X_V1.01.01.03.10.ADS" found in the zip file.
The file "SPD3303X_V1.01.01.03.10_Convert_from_X-E.ADS" is not correct for HW V6.2 and should not be used.

After selecting the "SPD3303X_V1.01.01.03.10.ADS" firmware file in the zip file all went smooth.
The calibration is still very acurate, no recalibration was needed.

Many thamks to TERRA Operative!

[IDontKnow]

Hi,

just to confirm: the procedure outlined in .zip file by Terra Operative worked flawlessly to convert my SDP3033x-e to behave like a SPD3033X.
HW Version 6.2.

Thanks a lot!

Gerd.