METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR WRITING SOFTWARE AND / OR FIRMWARE ON A PROGRAMMABLE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for writing software and / or firmware onto a programmable integrated circuit according to claim 1, and to an arrangement for wirelessly writing software and / or firmware onto at least one programmable integrated circuit according to claim 11.

[0002] Such writing of software and / or firmware onto a programmable integrated circuit is also referred to as "flashing." The previously unspecific or newly written programmable integrated circuit is prepared for its later use and programmed accordingly through the process of flashing, i.e., writing the software and / or firmware. Such a programmable integrated circuit is, for example, a so-called MCU chip or an FPGA element. However, the invention explained below is not limited to MCU chips or FPGA chips, but is fundamentally applicable to all types of programmable integrated circuits.

[0003] An MCU chip is defined below as integrated circuits for microcontroller units (MCUs). Such MCUs are referred to in the art as single-chip computer systems or "System on a Chip" (SoCs). Such units contain software, known as firmware, implemented during production to execute the respective data processing functions. This firmware is loaded or written onto the MCU's integrated circuit during the MCU's production process.

[0004] An FPGA (field programmable gate array) is a digital integrated circuit into which a logic circuit can be loaded by means of programming.

[0005] For an FPGA element, this type of programming involves defining a required circuit structure. This is formulated using a hardware description language. A generation software converts this into a configuration file. This file specifies how the physical elements in the FPGA are to be interconnected. Therefore, when programming an FPGA, one also speaks of the FPGA receiving a configuration.

[0006] Writing software and firmware into the semiconductor structures of such circuits is called "flashing." In the conventional state-of-the-art, flashing is performed by hard-wiring the MCU chip or FPGA element onto a circuit board. In a subsequent step, the board is brought into contact with an external flashing device, such as an external computer system. The intended firmware is then loaded into the MCU chip or FPGA component via the circuit board and written there for the first time.

[0007] US 2008 / 041930 A1 discloses a device configuration using RFID technology. The subject of the document is a computer system consisting of an RFID tag and relevant computer components, in particular a CPU or memory. The RFID tag disclosed in the document contains tag logic, a non-volatile memory, and an interface. The RFID tag has an antenna and wirelessly receives data via it; the interface is connected to the computer components.

[0008] US 2013 / 144991 A1 discloses a wireless configuration for a computing device, in particular a PCI expansion card for computer access to networks. The computing device comprises a wireless receiver, a management module for device configuration, and a computer memory. The wireless receiver can, in particular, be an RFID receiver. According to the document, the computer memory is intended for storing program instructions and configuration and metadata.

[0009] US 2009 / 0159191 A1 discloses a system with an integrated RFID programmer. The document discloses an RFID applicator system with an integrated RFID programmer for programming RFID tags before or after attaching the tags to the intended objects. It also provides an external device for controlling the programmer.

[0010] US 2008 / 0303639 A1 discloses a system and method with partial pre-programming of RFID data. The document teaches a system and method in which RFID labels can be written with program data via a wireless RFID connection.

[0011] In the publication by Yang Wenyu et al. (“Wireless firmware execution control...,” 2015 IEEE Int. Conf. on RFID, IEEE, April 15, 2015, pages 129–136), a programming method via RFID is disclosed that utilizes a so-called FirmSwitch configuration. FirmSwitch is a functionality for switching between existing firmware blocks. With a FirmSwitch functionality, several intended firmware components are stored in advance within the MCU, with the FirmSwitch process merely switching between the otherwise already existing firmware blocks.

[0012] The publications Yuanquing Zheng et al., "P-MIT," IEEE / ACM Transactions on Networking, Vol. 24, No. 4, August 1, 2015, pages 1356–1366, and Buettner et al., "Dewdrop: An Energy Aware Runtime...", USENIX, The Adv. Comp. Syst. Ass., February 25, 2019, pages 1–29, describe programmable integrated circuits and firmware optimizations in general.

[0013] The procedures known from the state of the art are comparatively complex in terms of equipment and involve a large number of work steps.

[0014] The task is therefore to specify a method with which software, in particular firmware, can be written into an MCU chip or an FPGA component with a minimized expenditure of time and equipment.

[0015] In particular, this should ensure that the entire handling process is accelerated in all its individual steps.

[0016] The object is achieved with a method for writing software and / or firmware to at least one programmable integrated circuit having the features of claim 1 and an arrangement for wirelessly writing software and / or firmware to at least one programmable integrated circuit having the features of claim 11. The subclaims contain expedient and / or advantageous embodiments of the method and / or arrangement.

[0017] The method for writing software and / or firmware onto at least one programmable integrated circuit is characterized according to the invention in that the software and / or firmware is written as a flashing of a programmable MCU and / or an FPGA wirelessly and contactlessly by means of an RFID data transmission.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the invention, at least one programmable integrated circuit, a wired short-range interface for writing software and / or firmware to the programmable integrated circuit, an RFID front-end and an antenna device are arranged as an overall arrangement on a common carrier, wherein the wired short-range interface is implemented in hardware structures within the RFID front-end and / or in hardware structures of the programmable integrated circuit.

[0019] It is also a component of the method according to the invention that the wired short-range interface has a master functionality in which an active and request-free transmission of data to the programmable integrated circuit can be carried out, wherein the at least one programmable integrated circuit is coupled to the RFID frontend via the wired short-range interface.

[0020] According to the invention, the RFID frontend comprises the RFID antenna device, and the software and / or firmware to be written is sent wirelessly from an external RFID unit to the RFID antenna device and written onto the programmable integrated circuit via the RFID frontend and the short-range interface.

[0021] The method for writing software and / or firmware onto at least one programmable integrated circuit is thus characterized according to the invention in that the software and / or firmware is written wirelessly using RFID data transmission. The at least one programmable integrated circuit is coupled to an RFID frontend via a wired near-field interface, wherein the RFID frontend has an RFID antenna device. The software and / or firmware to be written is sent wirelessly from an external RFID unit to the RFID antenna device and written onto the programmable integrated circuit via the RFID frontend and the near-field interface.

[0022] Part of the inventive method is that the wired short-range interface has a master functionality. This means that active and unattended data transmission to the programmable integrated circuit is possible. This is advantageous because the wireless response provides immediate access to the programmable integrated circuit.

[0023] In a suitable design, the entire assembly consisting of the RFID front end, the short-range interface, and the programmable integrated circuit operates in the same way as a passive RFID tag. The software and / or firmware to be written is transferred to the programmable integrated circuit using a conventional RFID write command or another specifically designed command. Thus, standard and existing RFID devices can be used to program the circuit.

[0024] Advantageously, the RFID frontend provides an electrical power supply for the programmable integrated circuit at least during the software and / or firmware write process. Such an overall arrangement is completely electrically passive and does not require its own power source during the write process.

[0025] The energy for the electrical power supply is extracted by converting the field energy from an external RFID source. In a practical design, the field energy received by the RFID antenna device is converted into electrical energy for the programmable integrated circuit via a fast rectifier circuit, followed by smoothing and filtering, and voltage regulation.

[0026] However, it is also possible that the programmable integrated circuit is supplied with electrical power via a battery and / or accumulator unit.

[0027] Various configurations of the method are possible for programming a plurality of programmable integrated circuits. In a first embodiment, the programmable integrated circuit, the RFID frontend coupled via the wired near-field interface, and the RFID antenna device contained in the RFID frontend are each configured as a plurality of RFID transponder units arranged on a continuous web, wherein the continuous web is guided past an external RFID writing device for writing the software and / or firmware onto the programmable integrated circuit. It is understood that such a continuous web can be separated after programming.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the programmable integrated circuit, the RFID frontend coupled via the wired near-field interface, and the RFID antenna device contained in the RFID frontend are each embodied as a plurality of RFID transponder units arranged individually or on a common carrier. The plurality of RFID transponder units are brought together as a group into the area of the external RFID writing device and programmed. In this case, too, the common carrier can be separated after programming.

[0029] The multiple transponders can be moved into the reader field as a single, non-isolated whole. They are located in the reader field simultaneously. The data is then exchanged between only one tag and one reader at a time, and is thus transmitted sequentially. The programming process itself is therefore not parallelized, but the surrounding handling, i.e., the insertion and removal of the entire assembly, is.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, a batch write command is provided, which causes all RFID transponder units of the batch located in the field of the external RFID writing device to be written and programmed simultaneously. A special write command is established. This causes all transponders in the field to execute a special write command simultaneously and thus to be written simultaneously. Verification of the successful write process can then again be performed sequentially.

[0031] In the case of parallel programming, the external RFID writing device has a special geometry that allows for the application of a sufficiently strong field strength to multiple transponder units. However, parallel programming across multiple readers is difficult with the usual geometry and range, so appropriate structural modifications are required.

[0032] As mentioned, the programmable integrated circuit can be an MCU chip or an FPGA chip.

[0033] An arrangement for wirelessly writing software and / or firmware to at least one programmable integrated circuit in the form of a programmable MCU and / or an FPGA consists of at least one RFID circuit arranged as a complete arrangement on a carrier and addressable by an external RFID unit, containing the at least one programmable integrated circuit, an RFID frontend with an RFID antenna and a wired short-range interface coupling the RFID frontend to the programmable integrated circuit.

[0034] This arrangement is characterized according to the invention in that the wired short-range interface is implemented in hardware structures within the RFID frontend and / or in hardware structures of the programmable integrated circuit and the wired short-range interface has a master functionality in which an active and request-free transmission of data to the programmable integrated circuit is executable, wherein the at least one programmable integrated circuit is coupled to the RFID frontend via the wired short-range interface.

[0035] According to the invention, the RFID frontend comprises the RFID antenna device, and the software and / or firmware to be written can be wirelessly transmitted from an external RFID unit to the RFID antenna device and written to the programmable integrated circuit via the RFID frontend and the short-range interface.

[0036] In a practical variant, the RFID frontend, the wired short-range interface and the programmable integrated circuit are combined in a common integrated electronic component.

[0037] In one embodiment, the aforementioned carrier is designed as a continuous web, wherein the continuous web has a plurality of RFID circuits and the continuous web can be moved past an external RFID programming device, with each RFID circuit being sequentially addressable. This means, in particular, that the carrier can have specific means and shapes that enable precise movement and positioning of the continuous web relative to an external RFID device.

[0038] The carrier can also have a plurality of RFID circuits, wherein the RFID circuits arranged on the carrier can be individually addressed by an external RFID device. In such a case, the individual programming of the programmable integrated circuits is not achieved by moving and positioning the corresponding carrier section past the RFID device. Instead, the carrier can be inserted into an RFID device as a whole. Each individual programmable integrated circuit is then addressed, for example, via a specific command. Otherwise, all circuits are located together in the RFID-sensitive area of the RFID device at all times.

[0039] It is also possible, of course, for the carrier to be designed as a single panel with only one RFID circuit. In such a case, the RFID circuit arranged on the carrier can be addressed by a mobile RFID programming device or by an external RFID device.

[0040] Such a design is particularly suitable for the outpatient retrofitting or reprogramming of circuits within the scope of customer service or for programming larger quantities of randomly arranged carriers whose circuits are inherently different from one another, but can be programmed in a single RFID device thanks to this design, whereby the laborious sequential programming of the individual panels can be eliminated.

[0041] The method according to the invention and the arrangement for carrying out the method will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Figures 1 to 8 . The same reference symbols are used for identical or equivalent parts. Fig. 1 shows a basic structure of an arrangement for flashing a programmable integrated circuit in a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a basic structure of an arrangement for flashing a programmable integrated circuit in a second embodiment, wherein the RFID frontend is combined with the programmable integrated circuit in a single integrated circuit. Fig. 3 shows an exemplary implementation of an arrangement using a JTAG interface, an RFID frontend, and an MCU or an FPGA. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary implementation of an arrangement in which the RFID frontend, a program memory, and the JTAG interface are combined within an MCU or FPGA. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment in which the electrical power supply of the programmable integrated circuit is provided via the RFID antenna device.Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which the electrical power supply of the programmable integrated circuit is provided via a battery device arranged on the common carrier. Fig. 7 shows an exemplary endless track with a plurality of individual RFID circuits. Fig. 8 shows an exemplary arrangement of a group of RFID circuits with individual addressability.

[0042] Fig. 1shows a basic structure of an arrangement for flashing a programmable integrated circuit 1 in a first embodiment. The programmable integrated circuit 1 is coupled to an RFID frontend 3 via a wired short-range interface 2. The RFID frontend 3 has an RFID antenna 4, which can communicate with an external RFID device 5, i.e., receive data from it or send data to the external RFID device. The entire arrangement comprising the RFID frontend with RFID antenna, the wired short-range interface, and the programmable integrated circuit is arranged on a carrier 6. This entire structure can thus be handled like an RFID tag and influenced by the external RFID device.

[0043] The wired short-range interface is designed as a master interface. This means that it forwards data from the RFID front-end 3 to the programmable integrated circuit 1 without any request. Ultimately, this enables the writing of software and / or firmware from the external RFID device via the RFID front-end 3 to the programmable integrated circuit 1. Externally, the entire arrangement acts like an RFID tag.

[0044] The wired short-range interface is implemented in hardware structures within the RFID frontend 3 and / or in hardware structures of the programmable integrated circuit 1.

[0045] In the arrangement according to Fig. 2Basically, the same structure is implemented. In the embodiment shown here, however, the RFID frontend 3 is combined with the programmable integrated circuit 1 and the wired short-range interface 2 in a common integrated electronic component 7, i.e., in particular, within a common chip. The arrangement present on the carrier 6 then practically only shows the RFID antenna device 4 and the common integrated electronic component 7, i.e., the common chip, in its external appearance, and thus appears like a conventional RFID tag. This RFID tag, however, is programmable.

[0046] The Figures 3 and 4show exemplary implementations of an arrangement using a JTAG interface as a wired short-range interface 2, the RFID frontend 3 and an MCU and / or an FPGA as a programmable integrated circuit 1. In the embodiment according to Fig. 4 The RFID frontend 3, a program memory 8, and the JTAG interface as a short-range interface 2 are combined within the MCU or FPGA as the programmable integrated circuit 1. This thus forms the common integrated electronic component 7 in this example.

[0047] In summary, the RFID frontend 3 can be implemented as a separate IC mounted on a circuit board or similar substrate, or alternatively, it can be integrated on the common integrated electronic component 7. Various wired short-range interfaces, such as JTAG, Spy-Bi-Wire, UART, SPI, and I2C, can be used as a short-range interface between the RFID frontend and the programmable integrated circuit 1.

[0048] The arrangements according to the embodiments in the Figures 1 to 4enable wireless and contactless flashing, particularly of programmable MCUs or FPGAs, using RFID technology (based on and expanded upon functionality according to ISO 18000-6C). The external RFID device 5 serves as the flashing unit. The connection between the flashing unit and the MCU or FPGA component is established via an air interface between two antennas. A first antenna is part of the RFID technology of the external flashing unit, and a second antenna, the aforementioned RFID antenna device 4, is coupled to the MCU chip or the FPGA element.

[0049] The RFID frontend, which is either separate or integrated into the MCU or FPGA, enables data exchange, i.e. communication between the MCU chip or the FPGA element and the RFID reader of the external flashing unit.

[0050] The RFID frontend is either an integral part of the MCU chip or the FPGA. Such a configuration is Fig. 2 also in Fig. 4 The RFID frontend can also be assigned to the MCU chip or the FPGA as an additional hardware component on a common substrate, as in Fig. 3 or also in Fig. 1 The MCU or FPGA therefore has an RFID frontend or is connected to an RFID-compatible component that transfers the data to the MCU or FPGA.

[0051] The RFID frontend and the MCU chip or FPGA communicate with each other via a corresponding interface. In particular, a so-called JTAG interface is used here.

[0052] With respect to external devices, specifically the external flashing unit, the entire MCU or FPGA chip and RFID front-end, including the RFID antenna, functions like a conventional RFID tag. This means, in particular, that it responds to and interacts with RFID reader commands.

[0053] The MCU chip, the FPGA, or the MCU chip, the FPGA, and its RFID front end are coupled to a suitable RFID tag antenna and tuned to it. This tuning particularly affects the sensitivity and power consumption of the RFID tag antenna.

[0054] In the method according to the invention for flashing the MCU chip or the FPGA, the software to be programmed, ie in particular the firmware to be programmed, is transmitted wirelessly to the RFID tag including the MCU chip or the FPGA contained therein via an RFID write command and / or a comparable control command by means of the RFID reader of the external flashing unit.

[0055] The firmware is then written to the MCU chip or FPGA in the usual way. The firmware transmitted via RFID is written to the designated program memory of the MCU chip or the corresponding structures of the FPGA.

[0056] This can also be done in such a way that a special RFID command is required, so that the data is first written to a special memory area of the RFID tag and only then moved to the program memory of the MCU chip or the circuit structures of the FPGA.

[0057] The described method can be applied in various manufacturing processes.

[0058] Different embodiments can be used to supply electrical power to the programmable integrated circuit 1, ie the MCU or the FPGA.

[0059] Fig. 5shows an embodiment in which the RFID frontend 3 provides a power supply to the integrated circuit 1 to be programmed during the programming process. Energy is extracted from the electromagnetic reading field of the RFID read / write device, which is used during the programming process to supply the programmable circuit 1 with sufficient power. Such a power supply accordingly consists of a fast rectifier circuit 9 connected to the RFID antenna device 4, which, after rectification and subsequent smoothing and filtering of the pulsating DC voltage, additionally regulates the generated fluctuating DC voltage to fixed voltage values. The fast rectifier circuit 9 can, of course, also be connected to the RFID frontend 3.

[0060] As an alternative to such a power supply from the electromagnetic alternating field, Fig. 6a battery or accumulator 10 can be used.

[0061] The programming method enabled by such RFID tags can be used for wireless programming of MCU or FPGA chips during the production process of RFID tags equipped with MCU or FPGA chips. This avoids the need for electrical contact, which is difficult under production conditions and ultimately detrimental to the RFID tag.

[0062] Fig. 7 An example of a continuous web with a multitude of individual RFID circuits. Such a configuration can be used in a roll-to-roll manufacturing process.

[0063] Fig. 7shows a continuous web 11 containing a plurality of RFID transponder units 12. Each of these transponder units 12 includes the previously explained arrangement of the programmable integrated circuit 1, the wired short-range interface 2, the RFID front end 3, and the RFID antenna device 4. The continuous web 11 is separated into individual RFID tags in a later process step. Together with the transponder units 12, the continuous web thus forms a transponder web.

[0064] When combining the inventive flash process with roll-to-roll production, the transponder web is continuously moved or passed along in a synchronized manner as an endless belt during production. At one production station, the RFID elements and integrated circuits of the transponder units 12 are printed onto the corresponding substrate, while at another production station, the integrated programmable circuit, i.e., in particular, the MCU chip or the FPGA, together with the RFID frontend either integrated in the MCU chip or the FPGA or additionally, is deposited onto the substrate and contacted with the printed RFID antenna. Of course, further production stations can be provided here, such as covering with an adhesive layer, a cover layer, and similar manufacturing steps.

[0065] The entire endless web 11 is continuously advanced, with the finished RFID elements finally being fed to the external RFID device 5 as a flashing unit, which then writes the firmware to the MCU chip or FPGA for each individual RFID element via wireless and contactless data exchange. Afterward, or before the firmware is written, the RFID elements are separated along designated separation lines 13 on the endless web. These separation lines can be defined separation lines, for example, in the form of punched perforation lines or predetermined break lines. However, they can also refer to the imaginary line, pre-stored in a production system, along which the individual elements are cut and separated in a defined manner.

[0066] It goes without saying that instead of the aforementioned firmware, other software of all kinds can be installed on the MCU chip or the FPGA. This particularly applies to the programming of the MCU or the FPGA with control software or comparable implementable code.

[0067] This creates an RFID air interface that can potentially be programmed directly during component production. This eliminates the need for conventional writing or evaluation of an RFID chip; instead, an RFID interface (RFID frontend) is used to communicate with an MCU or FPGA.

[0068] Specifically, this is done, for example, by placing the MCU or FPGA with an integrated or separate RFID front end on the continuous web 11, which is designed as an inlay web. The inlay web is processed in a roll-to-roll process by adding various covers or, if necessary, intermediate layers to the transponder web. The inlay web consists of a continuous material (e.g., PET film, PI film, or other suitable substrates) on a roll, onto which individual conductive structures, usually of the same layout, are applied (e.g., printed, etched, milled).

[0069] These structures, which have a similar layout, consist of at least one RFID antenna, at least one MCU or FPGA, and possibly additional components such as sensors, batteries, or various electronic components. The manufacturing process takes place at a constant feed rate or with short cycle times. This makes conventional electrical contact for programming impossible or difficult.

[0070] Wireless programming via the RFID interface can also take place while a transponder track is moving. The track is guided past a reader antenna in a defined and reproducible manner. The reader is triggered, for example, by a light barrier control. For this purpose, the endless track 11 can additionally have a series of holes 14, which, on the one hand, support the transport of the endless track in functional connection with guide and conveyor devices, but, on the other hand, are also registered by the light barrier control as pinholes and thus as position markers. The RFID transponder units 12 can then be detected in the optimal position relative to the external RFID device 5 and thus the RFID flash unit, so that the flash process itself can proceed smoothly.

[0071] Fig. 8shows an exemplary arrangement of a group of RFID circuits with individual addressability. Such a configuration is advantageous for enabling wireless programming in a so-called group. During group programming, several RFID transponder units 12, i.e., several programmable integrated circuits contained therein, are simultaneously programmed wirelessly via RFID access. It is advantageous here to establish a special write command that ensures that writing occurs simultaneously on all RFID transponder units within the group.

[0072] A plurality of MCUs or FPGAs with an integrated or separate RFID front end, i.e., a plurality of RFID transponder units 12, for example, on a rigid or flexible printed circuit board panel 15. The printed circuit board panel 15 consists of several identical or different individual printed circuit boards 16. If necessary, covers (e.g., processed into so-called RFID labels or RFID tags) are also added to one or both sides of the individual printed circuit boards 16. "Cover" can also refer to mounting in a housing (e.g., a so-called RFID hard tag).

[0073] Programming is expediently performed in bulk programming to avoid having to address and program the RFID transponder units 12 on each individual circuit board 16 separately. This results in enormous cost savings. In contrast to the previous embodiment, where each transponder on the endless track is programmed individually, in bulk programming, programming is addressed. This means that the aforementioned write command initially activates simultaneous writing for the RFID transponder units, while the addressing only addresses individual or a subset of RFID transponder units, so that individual data is transmitted selectively.

[0074] After an initial scan, at the start of panel recognition, the number of detected individual circuit boards and their addresses / TIDs are recorded and then processed sequentially. With batch programming, this occurs as follows: for example, first, section A is exposed as a whole to an external RFID field for programming, followed by section B or section C of the 15th panel. Simultaneous processing of all three sections is also possible with large external RFID fields, in which case addressing can be used.

[0075] It is also possible for the individual programmable integrated circuits to be individually addressable, i.e., within the framework of a specific hardware configuration or prior programming. With batch programming, individual programming sequences are then sent, with each individual sequence being tailored to the specific individual addressability of the individual programmable circuits. The printed circuit board panel 15 is thus exposed to the RFID field as a whole, but the individual sequences only address specific addressed RFID transponder units or their individual integrated circuits. Thus, programming is performed in batches, possibly simultaneously but ultimately individually differently.

[0076] Individual programming after production is also possible. The MCU or FPGA with separate or integrated RFID front end is mounted on a rigid or flexible circuit board. Covers may be added to one or both sides of the circuit board (e.g., processed into so-called RFID labels or RFID tags). Covers can also refer to installation in a housing (e.g., a so-called RFID hard tag). At the time of production of the RFID labels / RFID hard tags, their subsequent use does not have to be determined. Universal transponders are initially manufactured. Since subsequent wired programming is not possible or not advantageous, programming is performed via the RFID interface. This can be performed as part of an outgoing goods inspection. The transponder to be tested is placed on the test station, programmed, measured (to check RFID performance), and tested (reading the measurement data, etc.).

[0077] Individual programming is also possible via a firmware update after delivery as part of maintenance, a firmware update, or similar on-site activities. The MCU or FPGA with a separate or integrated RFID front end is mounted on a rigid or flexible circuit board. If necessary, covers (e.g., so-called RFID labels) are added to one or both sides of the circuit board; however, "covers" can also refer to mounting in a housing (e.g., a so-called RFID hard tag).

[0078] For example, the programmed firmware is current at the time of RFID transponder production, and the RFID transponders have already been delivered to the customer. However, the firmware has improved or evolved over time. Since a subsequent wired firmware update is not possible, programming can now be performed via the RFID interface. This can be done directly at the customer's site. The RFID transponder to be updated is programmed and tested using a special RFID programming device. This involves reading the measurement data or performing a similar verification process.

[0079] The subject matter of the invention has been explained by way of example. Further refinements are possible within the scope of one skilled in the art. Further embodiments are also apparent from the dependent claims. List of reference symbols

[0080] 1 Programmable integrated circuit 2 Wired short-range interface 3 RFID front end 4 RFID antenna 5 External RFID device 6 Carrier 7 Integrated electronic component 8 Program memory 9 Fast rectifier circuit 10 Battery or accumulator 11 Continuous track 12 Transponder unit 13 Separation line 14 Hole 15 PCB panel 16 Individual PCB A, B, C Sections of the PCB panel

Claims

1. Method for writing software and / or firmware to at least one programmable integrated circuit (1), characterized in that the writing of the software and / or firmware is performed as a flashing of a programmable MCU and / or an FPGA in a wireless and contactless manner by means of RFID data transmission, wherein at least one programmable integrated circuit (1), a wired short-range interface (2) for writing software and / or firmware to the programmable integrated circuit (1), an RFID front end (3) and an antenna device (4) are arranged as a complete assembly on a common carrier (6), wherein the wired short-range interface is implemented in hardware structures within the RFID front end (3) and / or in hardware structures of the programmable integrated circuit (1) and the wired short-range interface (2) has a master functionality, in which active and request-free transmission of data to the programmable integrated circuit (1) can be executed, wherein the at least one programmable integrated circuit (1) is coupled to the RFID front end (3) via the wired short-range interface (2), wherein the RFID front end (3) comprises the RFID antenna device (4), and wherein the software and / or firmware to be written is sent wirelessly from an external RFID unit (5) to the RFID antenna device (4) and written to the programmable integrated circuit (1) via the RFID front end (3) and the short-range interface (2).

2. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overall assembly consisting of the RFID front end (3), the short-range interface (2) and the programmable integrated circuit (1) is operated as a passive RFID tag, wherein the software and / or firmware to be written is transferred to the programmable integrated circuit (1) by means of an RFID write command and / or a comparable command.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical power supply for the programmable integrated circuit (1) is provided via the RFID front end (3) at least during the writing process of the software and / or firmware.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the energy for the electrical power supply provided is taken from the field energy of an external RFID source by conversion.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the field energy received by the RFID antenna device (4) is converted into electrical energy for the programmable integrated circuit (1) via a fast rectifier circuit (9) with smoothing and filtering as well as voltage regulation.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the programmable integrated circuit (1) is supplied with electrical current via a battery and / or an accumulator unit (10).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programmable integrated circuit (1), the RFID front end (3) coupled via the wired short-range interface (2) and the RFID antenna device (4) contained in the RFID front end are each designed as a plurality of RFID transponder units arranged on an endless web, wherein the endless web is guided past an external RFID writing device for writing the software and / or firmware onto the programmable integrated circuit.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programmable integrated circuit (1), the RFID front end (3) coupled via the wired post-range interface (2) and the RFID antenna device (4) contained in the RFID front end are each designed as a plurality of individual RFID transponder units or as a plurality of RFID transponder units arranged on a common carrier, wherein the plurality of RFID transponder units are brought together as a group into the area of the external RFID writing device and programmed.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that a group write command is provided, which causes all RFID transponder units of the group located in the field of the external RFID writing device to be written and programmed simultaneously.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programmable integrated circuit (1) is an MCU chip or an FPGA chip.

11. Assembly for wirelessly writing software and / or firmware to at least one programmable integrated circuit in the form of a programmable MCU and / or an FPGA, consisting of at least one RFID circuit arranged as a complete assembly on a common carrier (6) and addressable by an external RFID unit, containing the at least one programmable integrated circuit (1), an RFID front end (3) with an RFID antenna (4) and a wired short-range interface (2) coupling the RFID front end to the programmable integrated circuit, characterized in that that the wired short-range interface is implemented in hardware structures within the RFID front end (3) and / or in hardware structures of the programmable integrated circuit (1) and the wired short-range interface (2) has a master functionality, in which active and request-free transmission of data to the programmable integrated circuit (1) can be executed, wherein the at least one programmable integrated circuit (1) is coupled to the RFID front end (3) via the wired short-range interface (2), wherein the RFID front end (3) comprises the RFID antenna device (4), and wherein the software and / or firmware to be written can be transmitted wirelessly from an external RFID unit (5) to the RFID antenna device (4) and written to the programmable integrated circuit (1) via the RFID front end (3) and the short-range interface (2).

12. Assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the RFID front end (3), the wired short-range interface (2) and the programmable integrated circuit (1) are combined in a common integrated electronic component (7).

13. Assembly according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the carrier (6) is designed as an endless web, wherein the endless web has a plurality of RFID circuits and the endless web can be moved past an external RFID programming device and, in this way, each RFID circuit can be addressed in succession.

14. Assembly according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the carrier (6) has a plurality of RFID circuits (12), wherein the RFID circuits (12) arranged on the carrier are individually addressable and responsive to an external RFID device (5).

15. Assembly according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the carrier (6) is designed as a single-use device with only one RFID circuit (12), wherein the RFID circuit (12) arranged on the carrier can be addressed by a mobile RFID programming device or can be addressed in an addressable manner by an external RFID device.