Embedded Controller Firmware Update via Standby Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of updating firmware in electronic devices, such as computers and servers, is time-consuming and costly due to the need for disassembly and reassembly, especially when updating devices stored in warehouses, as it requires connecting peripheral devices like CPUs, memory, monitors, and input devices.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a board, system electronic circuit, power connector, and network sockets that allows firmware updates via standby power and network connection without disassembly, using an embedded controller to write binary files into rewritable memory after verification, and a packaging system that exposes necessary connections for updates without unpacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the package is disassembled and peripheral devices are installed for firmware update, then the firmware can be updated, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware update function from the main system by using an embedded controller that operates independently with its own memory and network interface. This allows the update process to be separated from the main device operations, enabling updates without full system assembly and reducing update time.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller acts as an intermediary device that handles firmware updates independently. It receives update commands and binary files through its own network socket, verifies them, and writes them to memory without requiring the main system to be fully assembled or connected to peripheral devices.
2Reliability
If the package is disassembled and peripheral devices are installed for firmware update, then the firmware can be updated, but re-packing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the update functionality into an independent embedded controller with dedicated memory and network interface, the patent enables updates to be performed on the packaged device itself, eliminating the need for disassembly and re-packing operations and reducing associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller provides self-service capability for firmware updates. The packaged device can receive and process update commands independently through its own network interface, without requiring external disassembly or specialized handling, thereby reducing re-packing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device is a server, barebone computer, or motherboard requiring CPU and memory installation, then the device is complete, but the update process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update functionality from the main system by implementing it in an embedded controller with dedicated memory and network interface. This segmentation allows the update process to be simplified and performed independently, reducing complexity even when the device is complete with all components installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller serves as an intermediary that handles the complex update process independently. It manages binary file reception, verification, and memory writing through its own network interface, simplifying the overall update process for complete devices by isolating the complex operations to a dedicated component.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for updating on-board data of power off status is provided, which combines a rewritable memory, an embedded controller, and a second network socket onto a motherboard. The rewritable memory includes a target storage area. The embedded controller includes a second network interface electrically connected to the second network socket, for receiving a writing command and a binary file. After receiving power of a standby mode, the embedded controller executes a data writing program to receive the writing command and the binary file via the second network socket and the second network interface, and writes the binary data file into the target storage area of the rewritable memory by using the data writing program.