Description of bootloader's protocol

Hello Vyacheslav,

First a correction, even if there is valid image in Flash and it needs to be re-programmed the ROM based internal boot loader can be invoked through the configuration of BOOTCFG register+Reset.

Now to the point of having the hardware description of the packet structure it is not documented in a manner where it can be implemented in a custom manner straight away. The Boot Loader Document mentions/describes the SW packet structure to do so which can be replicated in HW. Agreed though that this information is not as clear as it should be. Hence we are working on documentation of the process.

Regards

Amit

Thank you, Amit.

Could you specify the document and the page in it, where SW packet structure is documented?

Hello Vyacheslav,

if you have TivaWare installed then the docs folder contain the SW-TM4C-BOOTLDR-UG-2.1.0.12573.pdf document. Section 3.3 Serial Commands. The value for the command can be also found in TivaWare

C:\ti\TivaWare_C_Series-2.1.0.12573\tools\sflash\packet_handler.h

Regards

Amit

Thank you, Amit.

This document contains only descriptions of commands, but there is no information about order of commands to initiate an external bootloading.

Hello Vyacheslav,

The sequence is not very explicit as in a flow chart. But based on the reading of the section it should be

COMMAND_PING : wait for ACK message from uC

COMMAND_DOWNLOAD

COMMAND_GET_STATUS

COMMAND_SEND_DATA COMMAND_GET_STATUS : till all the data has been sent

COMMAND_RESET

Regards

Amit

Amit, I can't find this chart in user guide. Where did you get it?

Hello Vyacheslav,

The sequence I was able to reconstruct from the pdf section 3.3

Each command tells what must be done next.

Regards

Amit

Amit, do I understand correctly, that description of the protocol is under development now and will be issued after some time?

Hello Vyacheslav

Yes, the description in a more formal manner with flowcharts and timing examples is under works

Regards

Amit

Hello, Amit

Can you announce a date of issue?

Hello Vyacheslav,

Will be announced on the forum when we have a new Application Note available. Just to give a timeline it would be late this year or Jan early next year.

Regards

Amit

Hello, Amit! Do you have an update on this issue?

Vyacheslav Prokopiy said:

I would like to use a GSM-module, that will receive my program thru GSM-channel

As this thread reveals - even more basic bootloader operation, description & success remains, "bit uncertain."   And - when we add a potentially (less than robust) GSM channel as the means of firmware delivery - success (seems) neither quick nor easy!

May I suggest that - at minimum - you build experience w/this process via one of the more direct/basic methods described - and only after that basic method is proven - migrate to your GSM method.   Such is an application of "KISS" - attempting too much - too soon - may not always yield best results...