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Updating Application Code

Glenn Vassallo
Guru 21435 points


I am seeking advice and opinions on the best way to update my application code.

I am currently creating .bin file in CCS and then using LM Flash Programmer to perform the update. This works fine and for me this is a simple process.

But my device will be used by the average consumer, so I am wanting to see if there are other methods I could use, that would be even easier and possibly enabled me to have my own branding rather than TI.

My device has USB  and Wifi. 

How do others usually approach this issue?

Glenn. 

p.s. I am using the Tiva C LaunchPad at the moment, but will be designing a custom board in the future. Just in case this makes a difference on the approach. 

  • 0
    Guru 117855 points

    Glenn Vassallo said:

    I am seeking advice and opinions on the best way to enable consumers to update my application code.

    Advice #1.....Seriously reconsider this objective!

    Advice #2.....Install a, "Help Desk" adequately staffed w/tech-savvy, native speakers.  (preferably)

    Even cursory read here reveals the: simplicity, ease, speed (the joy) involved in "updates via boot-loader."  And - can you reasonably expect to, "improve upon these results?"  (especially when often unskilled consumers must: read, understand & comply (thank you & credit PBS Norm) w/your tech details?)

    So often "wise" to review how the "real" consumer-targeted tech companies perform similar.  This reporter suspects that any/all efforts in this direction should be placed on, "hold" until Sales are adequate to even allow this consideration.  Selling to consumers is very, "big-deal" and really demands, "due diligence."

  • 0 in reply to cb1_mobile
    Guru 21435 points

    The most common method I have seen requires a web server. In this solution you open a web page on the device using your favourite browser, you then select a update binary that is located on the same machine as the browser, and then press upload/update and the process updates the firmware.

    A web server seems a bit excessive for a device that does not currently require one, especially as the TCP/IP stack I am using (the one that comes with the CC3000) does not include HTTP. I am also using TI-RTOS, so could utilise the HTTP support provided by TI-RTOS networking, but this might be more (work and system resources) than I am wishing to commit to at this stage.

    Update via USB Flashdrive may be the best option for my case. Though investigations will continue.

    I take on-board your concerns regarding the joys of supporting consumer products and especially when it comes to features that step outside the normal operating procedures. I will need to provide some mechanism for updating, and one that is relatively quick to implement, as at the very least this may be required for product manufactured but not yet shipped. Using a JTAG or similar method is unacceptably slow in my opinion.....and yes, this is how some companies do it.