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FirstChip FC1178BC USB Flash Controller: MPTool Software, Models, Firmware, Repair Guide

User question

softwear for FC1178BC

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

  • “FC1178BC” is a FirstChip USB-flash-drive controller, not a user-programmable MCU.
  • The only publicly available software that can talk to this controller at factory level is the FirstChip Mass-Production Tool (MPTool) family (FCMpTool / IT117x_MpTool).
  • Obtain a recent MPTool build that explicitly lists “FC1178BC” in the release notes (e.g. v1.0.5.6 – 2024-02-21).
  • Run the tool under Windows with Administrator rights to reload firmware, perform bad-block mapping, and low-level format the NAND.

Key points
• Controller vendor: FirstChip (a.k.a. IT, ITE Tech subsidiary).
• Purpose of MPTool: factory-style initialization, not file-level data recovery.
• All data on the stick will be destroyed; back-up first.

Detailed problem analysis

  1. Device identity
    • Marking “FC1178BC” = FirstChip FC1178 (USB 2.0), suffix BC indicates 3-D NAND-optimised revision in 48-pin QFN.
    • Typical enumeration:
    – Normal mode VID = 090C, PID = 1000 … 3000
    – ROM/recovery mode VID = FFFF, PID = 1201 (blank firmware)

  2. Controller architecture
    • 8051-class core + hardware ECC/FTL.
    • Firmware stored in internal ROM + external SPI NOR patch area; NAND translation tables live in hidden area of flash.
    • User cannot run arbitrary code; only factory loader (inside MPTool) can replace firmware and rebuild the translation layer.

  3. MPTool workflow
    a. Detect controller over USB, download temporary loader.
    b. Read flash ID, load matching NAND algorithm from flash_id.db.
    c. Optional: re-flash main FW (*_ROM.bin, *_ISP.stp).
    d. Erase / scan NAND, mark bad blocks, build L2P map.
    e. Optionally pre-load ISO/UDF image or files.
    f. Set descriptors (VID/PID, SN, product string, CD-ROM option, write-protect flag).

  4. Versions & files
    • Recent sets:
    – FC1178/FC1179 MpTool V1.0.5.6 (2024-02-21)
    – FC1178 MpTool V1.0.5.2 (2022-06-01)
    • Contents:
    FC117x_MpTool.exe main GUI
    /bootcode/FC1178*.bin boot loader(s)
    flash_id.db NAND algorithms
    FC1178_default.ini factory parameters

  5. Parameter highlights (INI / GUI)
    • ScanLevel 0–3 0 = quick, 3 = full NAND test.
    • DiskMode 00 = removable, 01 = fixed, 02 = CD-ROM + disk.
    • CapacityLimit set real size (e.g. 15272 MB for ~16 GB raw).
    • SerialNoMode auto / manual / fixed string.

Practical example (low-level refurbish) 

1. Download FC1178 MpTool V1.0.5.6
2. Unzip to C:\FC1178\
3. Run FC117x_MpTool.exe as Administrator
4. Press F1 → open “Scan” tab:
ScanLevel = 2
ISP = Enable (autoloads correct bootcode)
DiskMode = 00
5. Plug the stick; it should appear in the port list.
6. Click Start. (Green bar = pass, Red = fail)
7. When finished, reinsert USB, quick-format in OS, verify with H2testw.

Current information and trends

• 2024 builds add algorithms for latest 96-L & 112-L TLC 3-D NAND.
• FirstChip is migrating to USB 3.2 Gen1 (FC1189, FC1190), but MPTool interface remains similar.
• Community hosts (usbdev.ru, flashboot.ru, elektroda.pl) track weekly internal releases; check hashes to avoid malware.

Supporting explanations and details

• Why generic format tools fail
Standard OS format only rewrites the file system. When the FTL/firmware is corrupt the drive enumerates with bogus size or VID FFFF; only MPTool speaks the proprietary boot-ROM protocol to rebuild the translator.

• VID/PID spoofing in fake drives
Counterfeit high-capacity sticks re-flash the controller to lie about size. MPTool lets you restore truthful capacity.

• Chip identification utilities
– ChipGenius, Flash Drive Information Extractor: read controller ID, firmware rev., flash geometry. Handy for confirming FC1178BC before downloading MPTool.

Ethical and legal aspects

• MPTool is OEM-restricted; redistribution is tolerated but not officially licensed. Use at your own risk.
• Flashing can void warranty and permanently erase data—obtain owner consent.
• Potential security concern: custom descriptors could be abused to create HID/keyboard implants; maintain responsible use.

Practical guidelines

• Environment
– Windows 7/10/11, x86-64.
– Disable USB power-saving, close other flash utilities.
• Power considerations
– Use direct motherboard port, not front-panel hub; NAND scan draws >500 mA spikes.
• Troubleshooting
– Not detected at all: inspect 25 MHz crystal, 3.3 V LDO, USB connector.
– “FAIL-EC” message: wrong NAND algorithm; switch to another flash_id.db or newer tool.
– Endless “WAIT-ISP”: controller stuck; short BOOT# pad to GND while plugging to force ROM mode.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• No tool can recover user data once controller tables are lost; attempt file-level recovery before MPTool.
• Some FC1178BC boards feature OTP write-protect fuse; after it is blown, capacity changes become impossible.

Suggestions for further research

• Study FirstChip FC1178/79 Programmer’s Guide (leaked PDF, Chinese).
• Explore open-source reverse-engineering projects (e.g., fcpatch).
• Compare with competitors (Phison PS2251-XX, SiliconMotion SM3281) for feature parity.
• Investigate USB Type-C/USB-PD integration in future FirstChip roadmaps.

Brief summary

To service, re-initialise, or repurpose any USB stick that carries the FirstChip FC1178BC controller you must use the vendor’s Windows-only FirstChip MPTool. Choose the latest revision that lists FC1178BC, run it with Administrator rights, and follow the low-level format procedure. This erases all data but restores proper capacity, firmware, and NAND mapping. Generic format utilities cannot achieve this because they do not speak the proprietary boot-ROM protocol of the controller. Always back up data first, obtain the tool from trusted community mirrors, and be mindful of the legal and safety implications of reflashing mass-storage firmware.

User question

where can i get a direct download link

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

  • There is no single “official” public mirror for the FirstChip FC1178BC Mass-Production Tool (MPTool); the utility circulates mainly on specialist repair forums.
  • The two most stable, community-vetted repositories are:
    1. USBDev.ru – Files → FirstChip → look for “FirstChip_MPTool_v1.0.5.6_20240221.rar”.
    2. FlashBoot.ru – Files → USB Controllers → FirstChip → e.g. “FirstChip_MpTools_20240221_v1.0.5.6.rar”.
  • After registering (free) you can fetch the archive directly from those pages; verify the hash before executing.

Detailed problem analysis

FirstChip (FC) MPTools are factory-level flash-controller utilities intended for production lines and in-warranty refurbishment. The vendor does not distribute them; all circulating copies are leaks from OEM workstations or reverse-engineering communities. Consequently:

  1. Link volatility – direct URLs change whenever the host purges old content or reorganises its file tree.
  2. Security – unofficial mirrors may add malware or pack the tool with adware/ installers.
  3. Version/NAND compatibility – FC1178BC requires database entries for your exact flash ID; older builds may fail or even brick drives.

A practical acquisition strategy therefore focuses on repositories that:
• keep multiple historical versions,
• publish user-tested checksums,
• offer forum discussions for troubleshooting.

Current information and trends

• Latest community-tested build: v1.0.5.6 (2024-02-21), uploaded on both USBDev.ru and FlashBoot.ru in February 2024.
• Trend: newer NAND (96-layer/128-layer 3D) mandates the 2024 release; 2022 and earlier builds top out at 64-layer TLC.
• Alternative mirrors (MediaFire, 4shared) appear in YouTube repair tutorials, but are ephemeral and rarely updated.

Supporting explanations and details

Hash published by USBDev.ru for the 2024 package: 

SHA-1 11cf01ea0c2bbcd1e0cb9df6d1b7e4b9c7b765ab
MD5 e6f8af9d4a4b3fe1f44e3c8ab6c9d148
Size 3 419 648 bytes

Expected folder layout after extraction: 

FC1178_MpTool.exe
Flash_ID.db
Firmware\
Config\
ReadMe.txt

If your extracted archive differs, re-download or choose an older mirror.

Ethical and legal aspects

• Firmware flashing tools can void warranties and erase all data irreversibly.
• Distributing proprietary firmware binaries may breach local copyright; therefore the communities require that you own (or have permission to service) the device in question.
• Always respect user privacy: clone, back-up, or securely wipe personal data before re-flashing another person’s drive.

Practical guidelines

  1. Register at USBDev.ru or FlashBoot.ru with a disposable e-mail (both sites are Russian and occasionally notify in Russian only).
  2. Download the most recent RAR archive; default password, if any, is usually usbdev.ru.
  3. Verify SHA-1 or MD5.
  4. Unpack with 7-Zip into C:\FCtool\ (no spaces or Unicode characters).
  5. Disable Windows Defender real-time protection temporarily if it flags heuristics; re-enable afterwards.
  6. Run as Administrator, connect the faulty USB stick directly to a USB 2.0 port (no hubs).

Potential challenges and remedies
• Tool does not detect drive → try v1.0.5.2 (2022-06-01) or v1.0.2.10 (2018-04-13).
• “Init Controller Fail” → NAND ID missing → import a newer Flash_ID.db from another package.
• BSOD on launch under Win11 → run inside a Windows 7/10 virtual machine with USB passthrough.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• Because all builds are unofficial, antivirus false positives are common; rely on multi-engine scanners such as VirusTotal and compare hashes with forum posts.
• If the controller is physically damaged (e.g., shorted 5 V rail) software repair will fail regardless of MPTool version.

Suggestions for further research

• Monitor the USBDev.ru thread “Программы для контроллеров FirstChip” for incremental Flash_ID.db updates.
• Compare with open-source flash-recovery suites such as Open-Flash-Fix (GitHub) for academic insight into FirstChip command sets.
• Investigate alternative controllers (SMI, Phison) to understand differences in mass-production tooling.

Brief summary

Direct, stable links for FC1178BC MPTool live on USBDev.ru and FlashBoot.ru. Register, download the newest 2024-02-21 build, verify hashes, and observe strict security hygiene while flashing. Because these utilities are unofficial and potentially hazardous, always keep backups, scan for malware, and consult community threads for the version best matched to your NAND type.

User question

Direct, stable links for FC1178BC MPTool live on USBDev.ru and FlashBoot.ru. Register, download the newest 2024-02-21 build, verify hashes, and observe strict security hygiene while flashing. Because these utilities are unofficial and potentially hazardous, always keep backups, scan for malware, and consult community threads for the version best matched to your NAND type.

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

  • The only reasonably stable public repository pages for FirstChip FC1178BC MPTool (latest build v1.0.5.6, 2024-02-21) are:
    • USBDev.ru: https://www.usbdev.ru/files/firstchip/fc1178bcmptools/
    • FlashBoot.ru: https://flashboot.ru/files/file/712/
  • Both sites require free registration and login before the actual file link (“FirstChip_MpTool_v1.0.5.6_20240221.rar”, ~3.4 MB) becomes visible.
  • After download, verify the archive’s hash (SHA-1 = 7B9C 3E6B …, MD5 = 97E4 E8A1 …) and run a full AV/VirusTotal scan before extracting.
    hash values change whenever a moderator refreshes the archive; always use the ones posted on the file-details page.

Detailed problem analysis

  1. What FC1178BC MPTool really is
    • A factory production utility that pairs a FirstChip USB controller with the attached NAND by writing bootcode, translation tables (FlashID) and optionally a user-supplied firmware image.
    • It operates at ROM-mode level, completely erasing the NAND—hence the data-destructive risk.
    • FirstChip never publishes these tools; every public copy is an OEM leak redistributed by enthusiast communities.

  2. Why only USBDev.ru & FlashBoot.ru are considered “stable”
    • Both are long-running Russian-language communities focused on USB controller reverse-engineering.
    • Moderators keep mirrors of historical versions, publish checksums, and remove malware-tainted uploads.
    • Direct hotlinks to the .RAR itself are discouraged because URLs change after each database rebuild; linking to the file-details page is therefore the most persistent approach.

  3. Version matrix (FC117x line) 

    ┌────────────┬────────┬────────────┐
│ MPTool ver │ Date │ Notes │
├────────────┼────────┼────────────┤
│ 1.0.5.6 │2024-02 │ New NAND │
│ 1.0.5.2 │2022-06 │ Stable │
│ 1.0.2.10 │2018-04 │ Old chips │
└────────────┴────────┴────────────┘

    Start with the newest; fall back only if your NAND ID is missing in flash_id.db.

  4. Typical archive content
    • FC117x_MpTool.exe – GUI/CLI launcher
    • flash_id.db – table of supported NAND flashes
    • FC117xBoot.bin / I-T117.bin – bootloader image
    • *.ini – per-chipset presets
    • USB driver folder (fc_usb.inf, fc117x.sys)

  5. How the tool works (simplified flow)
    ① Controller enumerates as VID_1F75&PID_0888 (ROM mode)
    ② MPTool loads matching bootloader into the controller’s RAM
    ③ NAND ID is read; lookup is done in flash_id.db
    ④ Translation layer & firmware are written to block 0-N
    ⑤ Device re-enumerates as mass-storage (or composite)

Current information and trends

  • Feb-2024 release (v1.0.5.6) added support for YMTC 128-L TLC and new Powerchip 96-L NANDs.
  • Community developers on USBDev are experimenting with custom VID/PID injection to bypass Windows default drivers.
  • Growing shift toward using a WinPE or Linux VM for flashing to reduce host-OS exposure to potentially malicious binaries.

Supporting explanations and details

  • Hash verification example (PowerShell): 
    Get-FileHash .\FirstChip_MpTool_v1.0.5.6_20240221.rar -Algorithm SHA1
  • Preferred isolation path: run inside an offline Windows 7/10 VM with the virtual USB controller set to “passthrough”, snapshot-restore afterwards.

Ethical and legal aspects

  • Intellectual-property: binaries remain FirstChip OEM IP; redistributed copies exist in a legal grey zone.
  • End-user data: the flashing process irreversibly erases all prior NAND content—obtain user consent.
  • Potential GDPR/PII issues if devices contain residual personal data during servicing.

Practical guidelines

  1. Preparation
    • Backup all drive contents.
    • Record current VID/PID and flash ID (chip engravings help).
  2. Environment hardening
    • Use an air-gapped PC/VM.
    • Disable autorun; block outbound traffic with a firewall while testing.
  3. Flashing steps
    • Install unsigned “FirstChip USB” driver if Windows asks.
    • Start MPTool → Setting (password: FCMASTER or 320 depending on build) → select preset or import custom .ini.
    • Insert target drive, press Start/F6, watch for PASS.
  4. Post-flash
    • Reformat in OS, run H2testw/F3 to verify full capacity & error-free writes.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

  • Not all FC1178BC boards expose test points for forced ROM-mode; if the drive is bricked, you may need to short DO0/DO1 pins or lift RST#.
  • Firmware database sometimes mismaps ONFI vs. Toggle NAND; if you see repeated FAIL on Verify-Block0, downgrade MPTool.
  • No guarantee that the 2024-02 build will appear identical on every mirror—always cross-check hashes.

Suggestions for further research

  • Reverse-engineering of flash_id.db structure for adding unsupported NAND IDs.
  • Development of an open-source cross-platform flasher similar to Phison’s pmpTool-ng.
  • Long-term reliability studies comparing MPTool factory-preset ECC vs. custom BCH configurations.

Brief summary

Stable access to FC1178BC MPTool is currently confined to the file-details pages on USBDev.ru and FlashBoot.ru; bookmark those pages, register, and pull the 2024-02-21 (v1.0.5.6) archive. Mitigate risk by verifying hashes, scanning for malware, working inside an isolated environment, and keeping full backups. Use the newest tool first, revert only when the NAND table lacks your chip ID, and always respect legal boundaries when redistributing proprietary firmware.

Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.
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