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sbaris
sbaris
Visitor II
September 19, 2012
Question

How to upgrade the firmware via GPRS

  • September 19, 2012
  • 4 replies
  • 960 views
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 14:33

I have designed a GPRS Modem. STM32F103R8 has been used in it. After realizing tis project, upgrading firmware from a web server was requested.

In my circuit there is a Flash Memory (M25P16). This memory communicates with STM32F103R8 via SPI.

How can I upgrade the Flash of STM32F103R8?

Please help about this subject.
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    4 replies

    emalund
    emalund
    Associate III
    September 19, 2012
    Posted on September 19, 2012 at 15:03

    I have designed a GPRS Modem. STM32F103R8 has been used in it. After realizing tis project, upgrading firmware from a web server was requested.

     

    In my circuit there is a Flash Memory (M25P16). This memory communicates with STM32F103R8 via SPI.

     

    How can I upgrade the Flash of STM32F103R8?

     

    Please help about this subject.

     

    write a bootloader
    Tesla DeLorean
    Tesla DeLorean
    Guru
    September 19, 2012
    Posted on September 19, 2012 at 15:51

    As Erik suggests write a small boot loader capable of erasing, and rewriting an application image to internal flash from the external flash. Such a load might take 4 - 8K, depending on features and functions.

    You'd need to break your internal flash into two sections, one at the front where the boot loader resides, and a larger section for the rest to contain an application. You will need to recompile/link your application to exist in the higher address.

    You should review the app notes on IAP (In Application Programming), and research the topic of boot loaders in general.

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    Andrew Neil
    Andrew Neil
    Super User
    September 19, 2012
    Posted on September 19, 2012 at 21:28

    ''You should ... research the topic of boot loaders in general''

     

    In particular, you need to give very serious consideration to what happens when (not if) a download fails.

    Google ''over-the-air update'' aka ''OTA''...

    GSM & GPRS links are highly liable to drop connections - so your system must be designed to cope 100% reliably with that...
    A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.
    Tesla DeLorean
    Tesla DeLorean
    Guru
    September 19, 2012
    Posted on September 19, 2012 at 21:54

    Well that is indeed true, but he's already miles ahead by actually being able to stage the image in a large serial flash before starting the process.

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