Multi-Core Embedded Firmware Upgrade via PCIe Memory Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multi-core embedded systems, such as MPSoC, lack external interfaces like JTAG, SD card, or Ethernet, necessitating device power-off and restart for firmware upgrades, which disrupts other functional modules in servers.
Innovation Solution
An online upgrade system for multi-core embedded systems that includes a service system and a system on chip with a programmable logic module, communication module, register module, and DMA module, allowing firmware upgrades without powering down the device by mapping memory and using a PCI-Express interface for communication and interrupt processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional firmware upgrade methods using external interfaces (JTAG, SD card, Ethernet) are used, then firmware can be upgraded, but the device must be powered off and restarted, affecting other functional modules
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the firmware upgrade process into independent stages: firmware file reception via PCI-Express interface, firmware validation, and firmware activation. This segmentation allows the upgrade process to be performed while the system remains operational, with other functional modules continuing to work normally during the upgrade process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a firmware upgrade module as an intermediary component that handles firmware reception, validation, and installation through the PCI-Express interface. This intermediary manages the upgrade process without requiring system shutdown, enabling continuous operation of other functional modules while firmware is being updated.
2Ease of operation
If external interfaces (JTAG, SD card, Ethernet) are added for firmware upgrade, then firmware can be upgraded online, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing PCI-Express interface for multiple purposes: data transmission, firmware upgrade, and system communication. By making the PCI-Express interface multi-functional, the system achieves online firmware upgrade capability without adding dedicated external interfaces, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining upgrade functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing PCI-Express interface resources to perform firmware upgrades, eliminating the need for separate dedicated upgrade interfaces. The system serves its own firmware update needs through its existing communication infrastructure, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an online upgrade method and system for a multi-core embedded system. The system includes a service system and a multi-core embedded system. The service system is used to provide upgrade firmware files. The multi-core embedded system includes: a system on chip, including a multi-core embedded processor system and a programmable logic module, the programmable logic module maps the memory of the multi-core embedded processor system to the service system; a communication module, establishing the communication connection between the system on chip and the service system, receiving and caches the upgraded firmware files from the service system; a DMA module, used for fast data transfer between the communication module and the memory of the multi-core embedded processor system; an interrupt controller, executing interrupt processing, so that the multi-core embedded processor system can obtain the upgraded firmware files through the memory.