DSP Firmware Update via CAN Interface Without Pin Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of digital signal processors (DSPs) into complex electronic systems, such as fuel cell power generation systems, makes physical access for programming and updating software/firmware costly and labor-intensive, as it requires manual setting of jumpers and mode select pins, which is impractical for systems deployed in the field.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for remotely updating DSP firmware using a controller area network (CAN) and Ethernet-based communication, where the DSP is configured to suspend operations, erase existing firmware, install new firmware, and verify its integrity through cyclic redundancy checks, without requiring physical access or changes to pin settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical access to DSP is required for programming, then programming can be performed reliably, but labor cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a CAN bus as an intermediary communication channel between the remote computing device and the DSP. This mediator enables programming operations without direct physical access, resolving the contradiction by maintaining programming reliability through structured communication protocols while eliminating time-consuming physical access requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical access and manual pin configuration with an electronic communication system. The CAN bus interface substitutes for physical jumper settings and mode select pin manipulation, allowing programming to be performed remotely through electrical signals transmitted over the communication network.
2Reliability
If physical access to DSP is required for programming, then programming can be performed directly, but cost increases due to labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The CAN bus serves as an intermediary that enables remote programming operations. This mediator allows the programming process to be performed from a distance, significantly improving ease of manufacture by eliminating the need for costly field trips to physically access and reconfigure the DSP hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physically accessing jumpers and mode select pins) with automated electronic communication through the CAN bus. This substitution dramatically improves ease of manufacture by transforming a labor-intensive physical process into an automated software-based programming operation.
3Ease of operation
If mode select pins are manually set, then programming mode can be established, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CAN bus acts as an intermediary that abstracts away the physical pin configuration complexity. Instead of requiring manual manipulation of mode select pins, the system uses network-based commands to establish programming mode, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing the visible complexity of the configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin configuration system with an electronic communication-based mode selection mechanism. The CAN bus interface substitutes for physical jumper and pin settings, allowing programming mode to be established through software commands rather than manual hardware manipulation, thus improving ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If DSP is integrated into complex electronic systems, then system functionality improves, but accessibility for programming decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The CAN bus serves as an intermediary communication channel that bridges the gap between the integrated DSP and external programming devices. This mediator enables programming operations on DSPs that are physically integrated into complex electronic systems, maintaining system functionality while improving accessibility for programming through the network interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical access to the DSP with remote electronic communication through the CAN bus. This substitution allows programming operations to be performed on integrated DSPs without requiring physical disassembly or access to the complex electronic system, thereby maintaining system integration capability while improving programming accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and devices for remotely updating software installed on a digital signal processor (DSP) without setting the mode select pins on the DSP control card. Firmware configured to suspend operations upon receiving a programming signal is installed on the processor. A controlling computing device send the programming signal, causing the processor to halt execution, erase portions of the firmware, set an update firmware flag, and send control signals to the controlling computing device. The remote computing device sends updated firmware and an application program cyclic redundancy check to the processor. The processor compares a cyclic redundancy check of an on-chip flash memory with the received application program cyclic redundancy check. If the two match, the processor installs the received firmware, unsets the update firmware flag, and restarts itself.