Chipsbank APTool v7200 (2019-11-27) for CBM2099, CBM2199 USB Flash Controller Repair & Formatting

User question

Chipsbank APTool v7200 CBM2099 CBM2199 (2019-11-27)

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• “Chipsbank APTool v7200 (2019-11-27)” is an official mass-production / repair utility released by Chipsbank for USB-flash controllers of the CBM2099 and CBM2199 families.
• The 2019-11-27 build fully supports CBM2099, CBM2099E/S and the first-generation CBM2199/A/C/S/SC chips; later 2199E/EB/ES revisions require a newer build (≥ 2020-03-18 or 2021-02-01).
• Main functions: low-level format, NAND bad-block scan, firmware flashing, VID/PID & string editing, partition creation (removable, fixed, CD-ROM), batch production test.
• Use with caution: the process is destructive and permanently erases all data; wrong controller/firmware pairing can brick the drive.

Detailed problem analysis

1. Tool architecture
   • Executable: APTool_V7200.exe (GUI)
   • Database: *.DBF file holding NAND-ID parameters and timing tables.
   • Driver: Signed Chipsbank USB Production Driver allowing the PC to enter the controller’s ISP (In-System Programming) mode.
   • Password layer: default blanks or “123456/0000”; can be changed by OEMs.

2. Controller matrix and firmware coverage

Family	Process node	NAND interface	USB speed	Notes	2019-11-27 support
CBM2099/S/E	55 nm	8-bit, ONFI 2.x	USB 2.0	Flagship 2099E adds larger MAP table	YES
CBM2199 /A/C/S/SC	55 nm	8-bit, ONFI 2.x	USB 2.0	2199C/S add low-power tweaks	YES
CBM2199E /EB /ES	40 nm	8-bit, ONFI 3.x	USB 2.0	Requires new timing tables	NO – use ≥2020 build

3. Operation flow (single drive)

   1. Identify controller with ChipGenius / Flash Drive Information Extractor.
   2. Install Chipsbank production driver (x86/x64).
   3. Launch APTool → Settings → enter password → AutoDetect NAND.
   4. Select Scan Level:
      • “Low-Level + Full Scan (4)” for deep repair
      • “High-Level (1)” for quick re-initialisation
   5. Set VID/PID and strings (optional).
   6. Choose partition scheme (Removable, Fixed, CDFS).
   7. Press Start. Do not remove power until “OK/Green”.
   8. Re-plug, verify capacity & SMART attributes.

4. Typical error codes
   • ID_ERR / “Flash ID not found in DBF” – upgrade APTool or manually add NAND entry.
   • BB_OVER – excessive bad blocks; NAND end-of-life.
   • SCAN_NG – bus timing wrong; lower clock or use different DBF preset.

Current information and trends

• Newer APTool builds (2020-05-20, 2021-02-01) add CBM2199E/ESB/EE and CBM2380 support and fix Windows 10 2004 driver signing issues.
• Chipsbank is migrating forthcoming USB 3.2 Gen 1 controllers (CBM31xx) to an updated UMPTool branch; expect separate tools per family.
• Community mirrors (usbdev.ru, flashboot.ru) remain the primary public source because Chipsbank still limits official distribution to OEMs.

Supporting explanations and details

• Why low-level format is required: Chipsbank controllers store an FTL (Flash Translation Layer) map in reserved blocks; corruption there leads to 0 MB capacity or RAW state. APTool regenerates the FTL and re-allocates bad blocks.
• Partition trick: many promotional USB sticks present as dual-LUN (CD-ROM + removable). APTool automates creation of a second, read-only CDFS partition by burning an ISO into hidden NAND pages.
• Short-circuit / test-pin mode: if the controller cannot enumerate, shorting the “test” pad to ground while plugging in forces it into ISP so APTool can still detect it (risk of permanent damage).

Ethical and legal aspects

• Licensing: Chipsbank distributes APTool under NDA to OEM partners; downloading from third-party sites may violate licence terms.
• Counterfeit remediation: the tool is widely used to “restore” fake-capacity drives sold online; while technically helpful, re-selling flashes with downsized capacity without disclosure is fraudulent.
• Data privacy: the deep-scan process reads every NAND page; ensure drives do not contain sensitive data or operate in secure environments.

Practical guidelines

• Back-up first. Once APTool starts a low-level format, no user data can be recovered.
• Always match exact controller revision; read the ChipGenius log twice.
• Keep the PC on an uninterruptible power supply when re-programming batch lots.
• Maintain change-control: log APTool version, DBF CRC, NAND ID, and resulting capacity for quality tracking.
• If repairing many drives, script the process via APTool’s CLI (Start_All / Stop_All) and use USB hubs with independent power rails.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• No software solution can revive a controller with a blown core voltage LDO or cracked solder balls—replace hardware.
• The supplied NAND database is proprietary; editing it requires checksum recalculation (CRC-16 at header).
• Windows 11 may flag the unsigned production driver; use Disable Driver Signature Enforcement or a patched INF.

Suggestions for further research

• Follow Chipsbank’s planned USB 3.0/3.2 lineup (CBM31xx) and the migration path from APTool to UMPTool-NG.
• Investigate open-source NAND translation layers (e.g., open-channel SSD projects) for insight into FTL algorithms similar to Chipsbank’s.
• Examine alternative controller vendors (Phison, Silicon Motion) to compare repair methodologies and error handling.

Brief summary

APTool v7200 (2019-11-27) is the manufacturer’s low-level production tool for CBM2099 and early CBM2199 USB-flash controllers. It can completely rebuild a drive’s FTL, flash firmware, and customise descriptors, but it erases all data and must match the exact controller revision. Newer CBM2199E variants need a more recent build; obtain tools only from trusted sources, respect licence terms, and document every parameter to avoid irreparable drive failure.

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