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Firmware update over the air for microcontrollers

Anand Meharwade
Expert 1090 points

Hi All,

I am planning to use the Tiva Series microcontroller for position tracking application. One of the requirement is to update the firmware of microcontroller over the air. The device has a GSM module to connect to GSM/GPRS network.

I want to update the microcontroller firmware into the microcontroller internal flash. Could you please let me know what could be the hardware setup, supported devices, how it can be achieved, tools requirement etc.

For any information feel free to ask.

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Regards

Anand 

  • 0
    Prodigy 160 points

    Hi,

    I have implemented the same for a controller from freescale, where the compiler generated S19 file containing S2 records whose decoding was also given.

    So to implement for tiva controller firstly u need to understand the out file and should be able to decode.

    I tried with tiva but was unable to decode the out file, so having no other solution I have to upload the firmware through only LM flash programmer.

    I hope this info helps.

    Regards,

    Veera 

     

  • 0
    Guru 117855 points

    Suspect that, "baby steps" may speed, ease, & enhance your goal of, "OTA" firmware update.

    Would it not make sense for you to "first" achieve such update via a far more conventional - and robust - wired connection?  Detailed manuals & App Notes are available to mark & guide this well-worn, wired path.  Few (if any) detail "OTA." 

    As you investigate (there's much info available via "search" w/in this forum) you'll surely note the complexity & many hooks which must be overcome & mastered - just for the wired implementation. 

    Proceed by "maximum complexity" is rarely noted - "proceed by refinement" (simple, then methodical expansion) is classic...

  • 0 in reply to cb1_mobile
    Expert 1090 points

    Hi cb1_mobile and Veera,

    Thanks for the timely response.

    I want to know even hardware point of view like how this has to be in general.

    Also I wanted to know how this new firmware can be loaded into the internal flash.

    Looking forward for your valuable suggestions.

    Regards,

    Anand M

  • 0 in reply to cb1_mobile
    Guru 117855 points

    cb1_mobile said:
    As you investigate (there's much info available via "search" w/in this forum)

    Might the above - earlier submitted - qualify as, "valuable suggestion?"  You've much to read/review so that you can gauge the scope of your requirement.  Nature of your questions signals that some investigation - as listed - appears a high & beneficial priority...

  • 0 in reply to cb1_mobile
    Expert 1090 points

    Hi cb1_mobile,

    Yes I am investigating how it can be done as it is new concept for me and its a major requirement. 

    I got a post shown below which I can sense and visualize the things to be known to achieve OTA.

    http://e2e.ti.com/support/microcontrollers/msp430/f/166/t/272514.aspx

    You can add up some more to still understand still better.

    Thank you very much for the support and investing time.

    Looking forward to hear from you soon.

    Regards
    Anand M

  • 0 in reply to Anand Meharwade
    Guru 47900 points

    Your motivation is high - yet I (continue) in the strong belief that "OTA" should be attempted later - not sooner.

    Bootloader should be high on your reading list - there's a chapter w/in the MCU manual and - iirc - an entire App Note dedicated to the bootloader.  You'll note its complexity - great attention to detail is demanded - and most (all?) here often must return for further insight & clarification.  Adding the "challenge of RF" - w/out first mastering the wired bootloader & connections/methods - is doomed!  (imcnho) {my considered, not too humble opinion}

    I was past US Army Signal Officer - ran a radio & radar platoon in Germany - then worked in ham and broadcast tv/radio industry as EE.  And - despite that rich RF background - I'd follow the, "implement & succeed w/wired FIRST" guidance...  (perhaps best for you, too...)

    [edit 09:50 CST] http://e2e.ti.com/support/microcontrollers/tiva_arm/f/908/t/377248.aspx

    Link reveals another attempting OTA - via one of this vendor's RF devices.   The requirement/belief that one first master "wired" persists (is reinforced even) - imho...