Updating Firmware

Sections
	PIC Programmer
	USB Bootloader
	USB Bootloader with PT66
	Web Server Firmware Update

Description

Firmware can be updated in a couple of different ways. On SBC boards with a USB (not USB Host) or Ethernet port, no programmer is required. On these board firmware can be updated via the USB Bootloader, or on boards with Ethernet, via the Web Server.

For details on updating the firmware on a SBC board with USB, click here. Possible boards are SBC66EC, SBC66ECL, SBC66Z...

For details on updating the firmware on a SBC board with Ethernet(Web Interface), click here. Possible boards are SBC66EC and SBC66ECL(P)

For details on updating the firmware on a SBC board used together with a PT66EI or PT66ECI prototype board, click here.

For details on updating the firmware with a PIC programmer, click here.

Secure Method

When updating firmware via USB or the Web Interface, it is updated in a very secure manner. Even a power failure during the firmware update process will not result in the board being programmed with faulty firmware. All Netcruzer SBC boards have external Flash chips where two copies of the firmware are stored, the current firmware and the previous working firmware. Only after new firmware has been successfully uploaded and verified, will it be marked as "new firmware". At the same time, the current firmware will be marked as "previous firmware". When new firmware is downloaded, it will overwrite the "previous firmware".

If an error occurs while downloading new firmware, it will not be marked as "new firmware", and no attempt will be made at the next power-up to upgrade the firmware.