Fc1178bc Firmware | Firstchip
FirstChip FC1178BC is a specialized USB flash drive controller commonly found in low-cost or unbranded drives. Firmware for this controller is not typically released as a standalone file; instead, it is bundled within Mass Production Tools (MPTools) used for factory-level initialization and repair. Recommended MPTools for FC1178BC
To flash or update the firmware, you must use a version of MPTool that explicitly supports the part number. Based on technical repositories like , the following versions are confirmed compatible: FirstChip FC1178/FC1179 MpTools V1.0.5.2 (2022-06-01)
: A stable release supporting multiple 3D NAND configurations. FC_MpTool V01.27.00.106 Beta (2024-03-15)
: A newer beta version that includes updated flash ID support for more recent NAND chips. FirstChip FC1178BC MpTools V1.0.2.10 (2018-04-13)
: An older, specialized version specifically for the initial BC revision. FirstChip FC1178 ApTools (i-T117x Mptools)
: An alternative utility sometimes used for drives that fail to initialize with standard MPTools. How to Use the Firmware Tool Check Connection firstchip fc1178bc firmware
: If your drive is not recognized, it may be in "ROM mode" (often showing VID: FFFF, PID: 1201
). This state allows the MPTool to communicate with the controller even if the firmware is corrupted. Run as Administrator
: These low-level tools require Windows administrative rights to access the USB bus directly. Scan and Start
: Once the tool detects the controller, it will show the "Flash ID." Clicking "Start" will begin the low-level formatting process, which maps bad blocks and writes the appropriate firmware image to the NAND. Capacity Correction
: These tools are often used to restore the "real" capacity of fake 2TB drives (which are often physically 32GB or 64GB) by performing a genuine capacity check during the firmware write. Using these tools will permanently erase all data FirstChip FC1178BC is a specialized USB flash drive
on the drive. They are intended for hardware repair, not data recovery. Are you trying to recover lost data from this drive, or are you looking to fix a "No Media" or "Write Protected" error FirstChip FC1179 MpTools V1.0.7.2 (2024-02-21) - USBDev.ru
Meaning: The controller is not responding to the ISP loader.
Solutions:
Before flashing, you must confirm you have an FC1178BC. Use ChipGenius (Windows) or USBDeview.
Write down the Flash ID. This is your fingerprint.
The FirstChip FC1178BC is a low-cost, single-channel USB 2.0 NAND flash controller commonly found in budget USB drives, promotional giveaways, and generic storage devices. While functional for basic data storage, it is notorious for sudden failures — appearing as 0MB, “Insert Disk,” or an unformattable RAW partition. Write down the Flash ID
Unlike older FirstChip (or CoreChip) controllers such as the FC1178 or FC1179, the FC1178BC uses a slightly modified firmware structure and, crucially, a different MP Tool (mass production tool) version. Using the wrong tool will result in “Device Not Match” or “Check Fail” errors.
FirstChip (also known as ChipsBank or iFound) is a Chinese semiconductor company specializing in mass-production USB controller ICs. The FC1178BC is a variant within their FC1178 family, designed specifically for TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash with support for USB 3.0 speeds.
Key specifications include:
The "BC" suffix typically denotes a specific hardware stepping or packaging variant. Firmware intended for the FC1178 (without BC) or the FC1179 will not work on the FC1178BC. Misusing firmware is the #1 cause of permanent drive failure.
Before attempting any firmware flash, understand this: Repairing firmware will almost certainly erase all user data. The flashing process (often called "mass production" or "MPTool") low-level formats the NAND, rebuilds bad block tables, and rewrites the system area.
If your data is important:
Most MP Tools require a specific driver mode.
