EtherCAT Slave Firmware Upgrade via Dual Flash Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The EtherCAT bus communication protocol lacks sufficient support for firmware upgrades of slave stations, requiring additional buses or tools, which complicates the process and reduces security and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A method for firmware upgrade of slave stations using the EtherCAT bus, where the master station sends upgrade instructions and new firmware over the EtherCAT bus, storing it in a separate area of the slave station's flash memory without affecting the running firmware, and then copying and executing it during restart, eliminating the need for additional buses or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional buses or tools are used for firmware upgrade, then firmware upgrade can be performed, but system complexity increases and security decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The EtherCAT bus is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both communication and firmware upgrade functions. The slave station includes a firmware upgrade execution unit that can receive upgrade requests and execute firmware updates through the same EtherCAT bus used for normal communication, eliminating the need for separate upgrade buses or tools.
2Ease of operation
If additional buses or tools are used for firmware upgrade, then firmware upgrade can be performed, but operation convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave station performs firmware upgrades autonomously through its built-in firmware upgrade execution unit. When the master station sends a firmware upgrade request through the EtherCAT bus, the slave station's execution unit receives and processes the request, executes the firmware update, and manages the entire upgrade process without requiring external tools or additional buses.
3Reliability
If flash memory is used for storing firmware, then firmware can be stored and executed, but firmware upgrade affects running firmware
Solution Approach 1:
The flash memory is segmented into multiple independent storage areas: a first storage area for the running firmware and a second storage area for receiving and storing upgrade firmware. This segmentation allows the upgrade firmware to be stored without affecting or overwriting the currently running firmware, enabling safe firmware updates while maintaining system operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A firmware upgrade method for a slave station of a robot communicates with a master station of the robot via an EtherCAT bus of the robot, includes: switching a work mode of the slave station to an upgrade mode in response to a firmware upgrade instruction, receiving a new firmware corresponding to this firmware upgrade via the EtherCAT bus, storing the new firmware in a second storage area of a flash memory of the slave station, restarting the slave station after the new firmware is received, and copying the new firmware stored in the second storage area to a first storage area of the flash memory and executing the new firmware in the first storage area when the slave station is started. A slave station of the robot and a machine readable storage medium are also provided.