Method and apparatus for online software upgrade without service interruption

Abstract

An online software upgrade device for keeping service uninterrupted, comprising: a processing unit having a power source electrically connected to a controlled chip and outputting a first power enable signal through a first power enable pin, outputting a first chip enable signal through a first chip enable pin electrically connected to a driving pin of the controlled chip, and outputting an operation signal through a control pin; an extended input / output chip having a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and outputting a second chip enable signal, a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal, and a pull-down resistor having a first end electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and the second chip enable pin and a second end grounded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for online software upgrades, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for online software upgrades that ensure uninterrupted business operations. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, many products are becoming increasingly intelligent, often incorporating microcontroller units (MCUs) to achieve various remote monitoring and control functions. The control components may include, for example, enable pins, reset pins, and power switches for external chips. These controls directly affect whether the product can function properly. In real-world applications, when manufacturers add new features, modify existing features, or fix problems, software modifications and upgrades are necessary. However, for example, when the MCU undergoes a software upgrade and switches to new software, the MCU's pin reset can cause the pin levels (such as the enable pins, reset pins, and power switches of external chips) to reset. This can lead to interruptions in the operation of chips electrically connected to the MCU, resulting in discontinuous product use and causing various problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above, the present invention provides an online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted business operations to meet the above requirements, comprising: a processing unit having a first power enable pin, a first chip enable pin, and a control pin, wherein the first power enable pin is used to output a first power enable signal, the first chip enable pin is used to output a first chip enable signal, and the control pin is used to output an operation signal, wherein the first chip enable pin is electrically connected to a drive pin of a controlled chip, and the first power enable pin is electrically connected to a power supply pin for supplying power to the controlled chip. A power source; an extended input / output chip having a second power enable pin, a second chip enable pin, and a controlled pin, the second power enable pin being electrically connected to the first power enable pin and used to output a second power enable signal, the second chip enable pin being electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and used to output a second chip enable signal, the controlled pin being electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal; and a pull-down resistor having a first terminal electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and the second chip enable pin, and the pull-down resistor having a second terminal grounded.

[0004] The present invention further provides an online software upgrade method for maintaining uninterrupted service to meet the above-mentioned requirements, applicable to the aforementioned online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted service. The method includes: transmitting a first power enable signal to the power source via a first power enable pin through the processing unit, and transmitting the first chip enable signal to the drive pin via a first chip enable pin; transmitting the operation signal to the extended input / output chip via the processing unit; and outputting the second power enable signal via a second power enable pin through the extended input / output chip based on the operation signal, and outputting the second chip enable signal via the second chip enable pin. After the extended input / output chip outputs the second power enable signal and the second chip enable signal, the processing unit performs a firmware update and stops outputting the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal before the firmware update is completed; after the processing unit completes the firmware update, the processing unit re-outputs the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal, and outputs another operation signal to the extended input / output chip through the control pin; and the extended input / output chip stops outputting the second power enable signal and the second chip enable signal according to the other operation signal.

[0005] The present invention further provides an online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted business operations, comprising: a processing unit having a first power enable pin, a first chip enable pin, and a control pin, wherein the first power enable pin is used to output a first power enable signal, the first chip enable pin is used to output a first chip enable signal, and the control pin is used to output an operation signal, wherein the first chip enable pin is electrically connected to a drive pin of a controlled chip, and the first power enable pin is electrically connected to a power source supplying power to the controlled chip; an extended input / output chip having a second power enable pin and a controlled pin, wherein the second power enable pin is electrically connected to the first power enable pin and is used to output a second power enable signal, and the controlled pin is electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal; and a pull-up resistor having a first terminal electrically connected to the first chip enable pin, and the pull-up resistor having a second terminal electrically connected to a power supply terminal.

[0006] The present invention further provides an online software upgrade method for maintaining uninterrupted service, applicable to the aforementioned online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted service. The method includes: transmitting a first power enable signal to the power source via a first power enable pin and transmitting the first chip enable signal to the drive pin via a first chip enable pin using the processing unit; transmitting an operation signal to the extended input / output chip using the processing unit; outputting a second power enable signal via a second power enable pin using the extended input / output chip according to the operation signal; performing a firmware update using the processing unit after the extended input / output chip outputs the second power enable signal, and stopping the output of the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal before the firmware update is completed; re-outputting the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal using the processing unit after the firmware update is completed, and outputting another operation signal to the extended input / output chip via the control pin using the processing unit; and stopping the output of the second power enable signal using the extended input / output chip according to the other operation signal.

[0007] In summary, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the processing unit stops outputting the power enable signal and the chip enable signal due to a firmware update, the extended input / output chip that receives the operation signal can at least output a power enable signal to the controlled chip, and may even output a chip enable signal, so that the controlled chip can continue to operate. By implementing the online software upgrade method of the present invention to ensure uninterrupted service, even if the user upgrades the software of the device during normal use, it will not cause interruption of chip services such as communication services, such as interruption of the upload or download of important data, or stuttering of cable TV video, etc.

[0008] The above description of the content of this invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principle of this invention, and to provide a further explanation of the scope of protection of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted service according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted business operations according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted business operations according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the online software upgrade method for maintaining uninterrupted service according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an online software upgrade method for maintaining uninterrupted service, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0015] 11, 11' processing unit

[0016] 12, 12' Extended Input / Output Chip

[0017] 2 Power source

[0018] C1 First Controlled Chip

[0019] C2 Second Controlled Chip

[0020] P11 First power enable pin

[0021] P12 First chip enable pin

[0022] P13 control pin

[0023] P21, P21' Second power enable pins

[0024] P22 Second chip enable pin

[0025] P23, P23' Controlled pins

[0026] Pc1 and Pc2 drive pins

[0027] Ra pull-down resistor

[0028] Rb pull-up resistor

[0029] Rc pull-down resistor

[0030] VCC power supply terminal Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of the present invention in the embodiments is sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. Based on the content, scope of protection, and drawings disclosed in this specification, those skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of the present invention. The following embodiments further illustrate the viewpoints of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 The online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted service according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include: a processing unit 11, an extended input / output chip 12, and a pull-down resistor Ra. Figure 1The processing unit 11 further includes a power source 2 and a first controlled chip C1. The processing unit 11 has a first power enable pin P11, a first chip enable pin P12, and a control pin P13. The first power enable pin P11 is used to output a first power enable signal, the first chip enable pin P12 is used to output a first chip enable signal, and the control pin P13 is used to output an operation signal. The first chip enable pin P12 is electrically connected to the drive pin Pc1 of the first controlled chip C1, and the first power enable pin P11 is electrically connected to the power source 2 supplying power to the first controlled chip C1. The extended input / output chip 12 has a second power enable pin P21, a second chip enable pin P22, and a controlled pin P23. The second power enable pin P21 is electrically connected to the first power enable pin P11 and is used to output a second power enable signal. The second chip enable pin P22 is electrically connected to the first chip enable pin P12 and is used to output a second chip enable signal. The controlled pin P23 is electrically connected to the control pin P13 to receive an operation signal. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the controlled pin P23 and the control pin P13 can be electrically connected via an integrated circuit bus (I2C). Further description of each component follows.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 11 may be, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU). In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the processing unit 11 is in preset operation, it can transmit a first power enable signal to the power source 2 and a first chip enable signal to the first controlled chip C1 via the first power enable pin P11 and the first chip enable pin P12, respectively, so that the first controlled chip C1 can operate normally. In this embodiment, the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal output by the processing unit 11 are in a high-level state; however, the present invention does not limit this.

[0034] Furthermore, the processing unit 11 can be used to perform a firmware update. The firmware update is performed, for example, when the device's firmware needs to be updated to a new version. It typically occurs after the new firmware data has been downloaded, thereby initializing the processing unit 11 to enable the new firmware version. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 11 can transmit an operation signal to the extended input / output chip 12 before performing the firmware update, and stops outputting the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal during the firmware update. Finally, after completing the firmware update, the processing unit 11 re-outputs the first chip enable signal and the first power enable signal, and transmits another operation signal to the extended input / output chip 12.

[0035] The extended input / output chip 12 is preset to an open-drain state. Upon receiving an operation signal, it outputs a second power enable signal to the power source 2 and a second chip enable signal to the first controlled chip C1 via the second power enable pin P21 and the second chip enable pin P22, respectively. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the first power enable signal and the second power enable signal have equal voltage levels, and the first chip enable signal and the second chip enable signal also have equal voltage levels. In short, considering the operation of the processing unit 11 and the extended input / output chip 12, the extended input / output chip 12 can be seen as the processing unit 11 outputting the chip enable signal and the power enable signal in place of the processing unit 11 during firmware updates. Therefore, from the perspective of the power source 2 and the first controlled chip C1, the supply of the chip enable signal and the power enable signal is not interrupted due to the processing unit 11 performing a firmware update, thereby ensuring that the service of the first controlled chip C1 is not interrupted.

[0036] The first terminal of the pull-down resistor Ra is electrically connected to the enable pin P12 of the first chip and the enable pin P22 of the second chip, and the second terminal is grounded. The pull-down resistor Ra can suppress the surge current generated by instantaneous overvoltage to protect the component connected to the first terminal, such as the first controlled chip C1 in this case.

[0037] The online software upgrade device for uninterrupted service in this first embodiment is applicable to power source 2 and first controlled chip C1. Power source 2 can be used to supply power to the first controlled chip C1 by receiving a first power enable signal from processing unit 11 or a second power enable signal from extended input / output chip 12. Furthermore, Figure 1 It may further include another pull-down resistor Rc, one end of which is electrically connected to the first power enable pin P11 and the second power enable pin P21, and the other end is grounded. The pull-down resistor Rc can suppress inrush current caused by momentary overvoltage to protect the power source 2. The first controlled chip C1 can be used to receive power from the power source 2 and to receive chip enable signals from the processing unit 11 or the extended input / output chip 12. The first controlled chip C1 is electrically connected to the first end of the pull-down resistor Ra.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 2 The present invention further provides a second embodiment of an online software upgrade device for uninterrupted service, which may include: a processing unit 11, an extended input / output chip 12', and a pull-up resistor Rb. Figure 2The processing unit 11 further includes a power source 2 and a second controlled chip C2. The processing unit 11 has a first power enable pin P11, a first chip enable pin P12', and a control pin P13. The first power enable pin P11 outputs a first power enable signal, the first chip enable pin P12' outputs a first chip enable signal, and the control pin P13 outputs an operation signal. The first chip enable pin P12' is electrically connected to the drive pin Pc2 of the second controlled chip C2, and the first power enable pin P11 is electrically connected to the power source 2 supplying power to the second controlled chip C2. The extended input / output chip 12' has a second power enable pin P21' and a controlled pin P23'. The second power enable pin P21' is electrically connected to the first power enable pin P11 and outputs a second power enable signal, while the controlled pin P23' is electrically connected to the control pin P13 to receive the operation signal. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the controlled pin P23' and the control pin P13 can also be electrically connected via an integrated circuit bus (I2C). Figure 2 The connections of the components in the second embodiment are generally the same as those in the first embodiment. In particular, the extended input / output chip 12', the second power enable pin P21', and the controlled pin P23' in this second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, except that the extended input / output chip 12' and the second controlled chip C2 are not directly connected. Other similarities will not be described in detail here.

[0039] The second controlled chip C2 can be electrically connected to the power source 2 to receive power, and is electrically connected to the first chip enable pin P12' of the processing unit 11 to receive the chip enable signal. Compared to the first controlled chip C1 in the first embodiment, the second controlled chip C2 in the second embodiment has lower power consumption, so there is no inrush current problem compared to chips with higher power consumption. Therefore, the online software upgrade device for uninterrupted service in the second embodiment may further include a pull-up resistor Rb, with a first end electrically connected to the first chip enable pin P12' and a second end electrically connected to the power supply terminal VCC. Through the pull-up resistor Rb, even if the processing unit 11 performs a reset procedure and changes the level state of the first enable pin, the second controlled chip C2 can still receive the voltage from the power supply terminal VCC and remain in a high-level state, thus operating normally.

[0040] The present invention has been described above using first and second embodiments with a first controlled chip C1 having higher power consumption and a second controlled chip C2 having lower power consumption, respectively. In practice, the present invention does not limit the power consumption of the chips included in the online software upgrade device that maintains uninterrupted service. Figure 3As shown, the online software upgrade device for maintaining uninterrupted service according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a first controlled chip C1 and a second controlled chip C2, and the device operates as described above. Furthermore, Figure 3 For the sake of illustration, one first controlled chip C1 with higher power consumption and one second controlled chip C2 with lower power consumption are drawn. In practice, while adhering to the spirit of this invention, an online software upgrade device that ensures uninterrupted service may include more chips with different power consumption.

[0041] This invention, through the above-described apparatus, illustrates how the extended input / output chip 12 temporarily replaces at least a portion of the operation of the processing unit 11 during a reset procedure. The following will use... Figure 4 and Figure 5 This invention describes an embodiment of an online software upgrade method that ensures uninterrupted service.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 4 The online software upgrade method for maintaining uninterrupted service according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the online software upgrade apparatus for maintaining uninterrupted service according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The method includes the following steps.

[0043] Please refer to step A1. Processing unit 11 transmits a first power enable signal to power source 2 via the first power enable pin P11, and transmits a first chip enable signal to drive pin Pc1 via the first chip enable pin P12. This is the default operation of processing unit 11 under normal operation. After receiving the power enable signal from processing unit 11, power source 2 supplies power to the first controlled chip C1, and the first controlled chip C1 operates normally due to receiving the power supply and the first chip enable signal.

[0044] Please refer to step A2 to transmit an operation signal from processing unit 11 to extended input / output chip 12. Since processing unit 11 resets its first chip and power enable pins P11 and P12 during firmware update, an operation signal is transmitted to extended input / output chip 12 in step A2 to ensure that when processing unit 11 resets its enable pins P11 and P12, the enable pins P21 and P22 of extended input / output chip 12 can output enable signals.

[0045] Please refer to step A3 to enable the extended input / output chip 12 to output a second power enable signal from the second power enable pin P21 according to the operation signal, and to output a second chip enable signal from the second chip enable pin P22 to the drive pin Pc1.

[0046] Please refer to step A4 to perform a firmware update using the processing unit, and stop outputting the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal before the firmware update is completed. At this time, the enable pins P11 and P12 of the processing unit 11 are in a reset state due to the update, while the second power and chip enable pins P21 and P22 of the extended input / output chip 12 can still maintain the transmission of the power enable signal and the chip enable signal, and the first controlled chip C1 can continue to operate.

[0047] Please refer to step A5. After the processing unit 11 completes the firmware update, it re-outputs the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal, and outputs another operation signal to the extended input / output chip 12 via the control pin P13. This other operation signal is different from the operation signal in step A2. If the operation signal in step A2 changes the second power and chip enable pins P21 and P22 of the extended input / output chip 12 from a preset open-drain state to, for example, a high-level state, then the other operation signal in step A5 changes the second power and chip enable pins P21 and P22 of the extended input / output chip 12 back from a high-level state to an open-drain state.

[0048] Finally, please refer to step A6 to extend the input / output chip 12 to stop outputting the second power enable signal and the second chip enable signal based on the other operation signal. This completes the online software upgrade method that ensures uninterrupted service during firmware updates by the processing unit 11. If the processing unit 11 needs to perform another update, the upgrade method of this invention can be repeated to maintain uninterrupted service.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 5This is a method for online software upgrades that maintain uninterrupted service according to a second embodiment of the present invention, applicable to an online software upgrade device that maintains uninterrupted service according to a second embodiment of the present invention (i.e., when the device uses a second controlled chip C2 with lower power consumption). The method includes: step B1, where processing unit 11 transmits a first power enable signal to power source 2 via the first power enable pin P11, and transmits the first chip enable signal to drive pin Pc2 via the first chip enable pin P12; step B2, where processing unit 11 transmits the operation signal to extended input / output chip 12'; step B3, where extended input / output chip 12' outputs the second power enable signal via the second power enable pin P21' according to the operation signal; step B4, where extended input / output chip 12' outputs the... After the second power enable signal, the processing unit 11 performs a firmware update and stops outputting the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal before the firmware update is completed; in step B5, after the processing unit 11 completes the firmware update, the processing unit 11 re-outputs the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal, and outputs another operation signal to the extended input / output chip 12' through the control pin P13; and in step B6, the extended input / output chip 12' stops outputting the second power enable signal according to the other operation signal.

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The methods are generally similar, but steps A3 and B3 differ slightly because the connections between the extended input / output chip 12 and the first controlled chip C1 and the second controlled chip C2 are slightly different. Therefore, in step B3, the extended input / output chip 12' only uses the second power enable pin P21', which is in, for example, a high-level state, to transmit a power enable signal to the power source. When the first power and chip enable pins of the processing unit 11 are in, for example, a reset state, the drive pin Pc2 of the second controlled chip C2 receives the voltage from the high-level power supply terminal VCC through the pull-up resistor Rb, thus enabling normal operation.

[0051] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a third embodiment of an online software upgrade method that ensures uninterrupted service, applicable to the online software upgrade apparatus that ensures uninterrupted service in the third embodiment of the present invention. Since the apparatus of the third embodiment is combined with the first and second embodiments, those skilled in the art can understand its implementation method accordingly, and will not be described in detail here.

[0052] In summary, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the processing unit stops outputting the power enable signal and the chip enable signal due to a firmware update, the extended input / output chip that receives the operation signal can at least output a power enable signal to the controlled chip, and may even output a chip enable signal, so that the controlled chip can continue to operate. By implementing the online software upgrade method of the present invention to ensure uninterrupted service, even if the user upgrades the software of the device during normal use, it will not cause interruption of chip services such as communication services, such as interruption of the upload or download of important data, or stuttering of cable TV video, etc.

Claims

1. An online software upgrade device that ensures uninterrupted business operations, characterized in that, The processing unit comprises a first power enable pin for outputting a first power enable signal, a first chip enable pin for outputting a first chip enable signal, and a control pin for outputting an operation signal, wherein the first chip enable pin is electrically connected to a driving pin of a controlled chip, and the first power enable pin is electrically connected to a power source for supplying power to the controlled chip. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal.

2. The apparatus for performing an online software upgrade without interrupting service according to claim 1, wherein The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal.

3. The apparatus for performing an online software upgrade without interrupting service according to claim 1, wherein The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal.

4. An apparatus for maintaining uninterrupted service during online software upgrades, comprising: The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal.

5. The apparatus for upgrading online software without interrupting service of claim 4, wherein The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal.

6. The apparatus for upgrading online software without interrupting service of claim 4, wherein The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal.

7. A method for online software upgrade with no service interruption, characterized in that, The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for outputting a second chip enable signal, and a controlled pin electrically connected to the control pin to receive the operation signal. The extension I / O chip comprises a second power enable pin electrically connected to the first power enable pin and for outputting a second power enable signal, a second chip enable pin electrically connected to the first chip enable pin and for output after the expansion input / output chip outputs the second power enable signal and the second chip enable signal, the processing unit executes a firmware update, and before the firmware update is completed, the processing unit stops outputting the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal; after the processing unit completes the firmware update, the processing unit re-outputs the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal, and the control pin outputs another operation signal to the expansion input / output chip; and the expansion input / output chip stops outputting the second power enable signal and the second chip enable signal according to the another operation signal.

8. A method for online software upgrade with no service interruption, characterized in that, The method for maintaining uninterrupted service during online software upgrade as claimed in claim 4, the method comprises: the processing unit transmits the first power enable signal from the first power enable pin to the power source, and transmits the first chip enable signal from the first chip enable pin to the driving pin; the processing unit transmits the operation signal to the expansion input / output chip; the expansion input / output chip outputs the second power enable signal from the second power enable pin according to the operation signal; after the expansion input / output chip outputs the second power enable signal, the processing unit executes a firmware update, and before the firmware update is completed, the processing unit stops outputting the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal; after the processing unit completes the firmware update, the processing unit re-outputs the first power enable signal and the first chip enable signal, and the control pin outputs another operation signal to the expansion input / output chip; and the expansion input / output chip stops outputting the second power enable signal according to the another operation signal.

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