This page describes how to update the firmware on a SBC board with USB, mounted on a Main board (like PT66EI or PT66ECI) that has a Reset and Firmware button. The Netcruzer USB Bootloader application is used to update the firmware via the USB port.

Procedure

Picture 1. Reset and Firmware Buttons on PT66 Prototype board

Picture 2. SBC board mounted on PT66ECI Prototype board

Picture 3. SBC board mounted on PT66EI Prototype board

Before the firmware on Netcruzer SBC boards (with a USB port) can be updated, the following must be done:

Install and start the Netcruzer USB Bootloader application.
Connect the SBC board to the PC via a USB cable, and turn power on.

Once this is done, the procedure for updating the firmware is:

Press and hold the Reset and Firmware buttons (see Picture 1).
Release the Reset button first, and then the Firmware button.
The Netcruzer USB Bootloader should now show "Device Attached" in it's message window. The SBC board is now in Bootloader mode, and can be programmed.
Use <File><Import Firmware Image> menu to load the firmware hex file.
Select <Program><Erase/Program/Verify Device> from menu. This will upload the new firmware to the external Flash chip of the SBC board. Only after the download has been verified, the new firmware is marked as "new firmware". This ensures that no error occurs if the download is not successful.
Press "Reset" button on prototype board, or click "Reset" in Netcruzer USB Bootloader application.
The board will reset, and be programmed with the new firmware. This might take a couple of seconds.

Secure Method

The firmware 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. For details, click here.

System LED

The system LED will indicate the state of the board when in bootloader mode (jumper on "F"). There will always be two long flashes, followed by 1 to 3 short flashes. The state of the bootloader is:

Bootloader Mode, USB unplugged

When the board is in bootloader mode, but the USB connection is not active, the LED will have 2 long flashes, followed by 1 short flash every 3.2 seconds.

3.2 Seconds (times below in ms)

400 On

400 Off

400 On

400 Off

100 On

1500 Off

LED flash pattern is 400ms ON, 400ms OFF, 400ms ON, 400ms OFF, 100ms ON, 1500ms OFF.

Bootloader Mode, USB plugged in

When the board is in bootloader mode, and the USB port is plugged in and initialized, the LED will have 2 long flashes, followed by 2 short flashes every 3.2 seconds. New firmware can be uploaded via the Netcruzer USB Bootloader application.

3.2 Seconds (times below in ms)

400 On

400 Off

400 On

400 Off

100 On

100 Off

100 On

1500 Off

LED flash pattern is 400ms ON, 400ms OFF, 400ms ON, 400ms OFF, 100ms ON, 200ms OFF, 100ms ON, 1200ms OFF.

Details

The USB Bootloader is a project, located in the ".../src/projects/usb_hid_boot" folder of the Netcruzer Download. This folder contains all source code, MPLAB projects and documentation for the USB Bootloader. Details about the USB Bootloader project is available here.

Troubleshooting

LED not blinking as described when pressing Reset and Firmware Buttons

It is possible that a SBC66 Boards board is not programmed with the USB Bootloader, or it got deleted.

Some early boards (prior to June 2012) were shipped without the USB Bootloader.
If programming a board with a PIC Programmer, the USB Bootloader will most likely get deleted.

If this is the case, a PIC programmer is required to restore it, as described here.