Firmware Debugger Application RAM Update Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of updating firmware is time-consuming and expensive, requiring frequent re-flashing of firmware images onto ROM devices during debugging, which involves physical reconfiguration of the target computer system and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A firmware debugger application establishes a communication link with the target computer system to receive and transmit updated firmware modules, allowing the debugging sequence to continue from the updated image without the need for physical re-flashing, using a debugger driver to load the updated image into memory and pass control to its designated entry point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware is updated by re-flashing onto ROM device, then firmware can be updated, but the process is time-consuming and requires physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a software-based firmware image stored in RAM as a copy of the ROM device, allowing multiple updates without physical re-flashing. The debugger application loads updated firmware images into RAM, enabling rapid iteration during debugging without the time-consuming physical reconfiguration required by ROM devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical flashing process with a software-based update mechanism. Instead of physically re-flashing ROM devices, the system uses a debugger application that loads updated firmware images into RAM through software communication, eliminating the need for physical reconfiguration and significantly reducing update time.
2Reliability
If physical re-flashing is used for firmware updates, then firmware can be updated, but the process is expensive and requires additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software-based copy of the firmware storage function using RAM and a debugger application. This virtual firmware image can be updated multiple times without requiring physical ROM devices or additional hardware adapters, eliminating the complexity and cost associated with physical re-flashing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical flashing hardware process with a software-based update system. The debugger application communicates with the target computer system through existing software interfaces, allowing firmware updates without additional hardware adapters or physical reconfiguration, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Quantity of substance
If ROM device is used for firmware storage, then firmware can be stored, but larger firmware images cannot be used due to size conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage medium parameter from fixed-size ROM to flexible RAM-based storage. The debugger application can load firmware images of varying sizes into RAM, allowing the system to accommodate larger firmware images without the size constraints imposed by physical ROM devices. This parameter change enables greater adaptability for different firmware configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media provide for updating a firmware image during a debugging sequence using a firmware debugger application without re-flashing each updated firmware image on a non-volatile memory device. Embodiments include a debugger application operating on a host computer system and a debugger driver located within a firmware image undergoing the debugging sequence on a target computer system. The debugger application and debugger driver may communicate and transfer data between one another. Upon detecting an error in a firmware image, the debugger driver notifies the debugger application. The debugger application sends an updated firmware image to the debugger driver on the target computer system. The debugger driver loads the updated firmware image and passes control to an entry point of the updated firmware image for continued debugging from the new entry point.