Communicating to update a memory

摘要

Embedded devices typically have an operating system, one or more file-systems, as well as a bootloader and other data components resident in flash memory. During software development and testing, there is frequently a need to selectively update a combination of such images. The described technique organizes the images in the flash memory such that one can speed up the update process by eliminating relocation of existing images. A command-driven update mechanism provides a flexible process—eg, one can upload the images back to a host, one can update the update code itself, etc. A start handshake is used that enables auto-detection of the embedded serial port that is used for the update.

主权项

1. A method for communicating with a host to update an image in a memory of the device, the method including:
executing instructions by a processor of the device, wherein the executing causes the device to:
broadcast a start signal to a plurality of ports of the device for initiating communication with a host, the host being external to the device and coupled thereto by a certain one of the ports; andselect the certain port by the device after the broadcasting for subsequent communication with the host to update the image, wherein the selecting is responsive to receiving an acknowledge signal from the host on the certain port.