Microcontroller Firmware Update via Power Holding Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable work devices, such as power tools, lack the ability to easily update firmware and securely manage parameter changes without risking data corruption or unintended operation during the update process, especially when they lack a dedicated power switch.
Innovation Solution
A work device configuration that includes a microcontroller with a self-holding circuit for maintaining power supply, a power holding portion with an electricity storage part for automatic restarting, and a communication apparatus for wireless firmware updates, along with a regulation mechanism to ensure safe and reliable parameter and firmware updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the microcontroller power is automatically turned off by a delay timer function to suppress battery consumption, then power savings are improved, but the ability to perform firmware updates is worsened because the microcontroller cannot be restarted automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary actions by automatically restarting the microcontroller after a predetermined period following power-off. This preliminary automatic restart capability enables the system to perform firmware updates without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between power savings and firmware update capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microcontroller is restarted automatically after power-off to enable firmware updates, then firmware update capability is improved, but power consumption increases due to repeated restarts
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus uses periodic action by implementing a delay timer function that keeps the microcontroller powered off for a predetermined period before automatic restart. This periodic power-off and restart cycle reduces overall power consumption while still enabling firmware updates when needed, resolving the contradiction between firmware update capability and power consumption.
3Productivity
If the device allows operation during parameter or firmware rewriting to maintain productivity, then operational continuity is improved, but data corruption risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus applies preliminary anti-action by preventing device operation during the firmware rewriting process. This restriction eliminates the risk of data corruption that would occur if the device operated simultaneously, while still maintaining productivity by allowing normal operation after successful update completion.
4Reliability
If the device enters an inoperable state after failed firmware update to prevent data corruption, then data safety is improved, but operational availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus uses beforehand cushioning by implementing a protective measure where the device enters an inoperable state after failed firmware updates. This prior cushioning prevents potential data corruption from occurring, and the system can be restored to full operational availability by reconnecting the battery or performing a reset operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In the work device that has a self-holding circuit (61) maintaining power supply from a power supply circuit (12) by output from a microcomputer (40) and has a structure in which stopping output to the self-holding circuit (61) causes interruption of power supply from the power supply circuit (12) to the microcomputer (40), the firmware of the microcomputer (40) is made to be rewritable and a power holding unit (condenser C1) for temporarily continuing power supply to the microcomputer (40) is provided, thereby realizing a so-called “off-delay timer function” for restarting the microcomputer (40). This configuration enables maintenance of power to the microcomputer (40) after update of the firmware even in a work device that cannot be restarted once power has been turned off unless trigger operation is performed, thereby enabling automatic restart of the microcomputer 40 after resetting is enabled.