Automated Firmware Burning for PCIe Switches

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method for upgrading firmware in PCIe Switches is cumbersome and time-consuming, making it difficult to apply in production line settings and potentially affecting work progress.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for automatically burning firmware, which includes a firmware burning device with refresh, test scripts, and communication units to remotely burn firmware onto a PCIe Switch, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual firmware burning method is used, then firmware can be updated, but the process is time-consuming and difficult to apply in production line

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirmware burning automationVSAvoidfirmware burning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The firmware burning device automatically executes pre-configured burning scripts and commands without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-manages the firmware extraction, transmission, and burning processes, enabling automated production line operations while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A firmware burning device is introduced as an intermediary between the PC and PCIe Switch. This intermediary automatically manages the firmware update process through pre-configured communication protocols and burning scripts, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly reducing burning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual firmware burning method is used, then firmware can be updated, but operator intervention is required which affects work progress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-writing burning commands and scripts into the firmware burning device before actual firmware updates are needed. This preliminary setup enables automated execution during production, improving productivity without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The firmware burning device autonomously executes the firmware update process using pre-configured scripts, eliminating the need for operator intervention. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving work efficiency by allowing parallel processing in production lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated firmware burning is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirmware burning efficiencyVSAvoidfirmware burning device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The firmware burning device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a storage unit for firmware and a execution device for burning operations. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, increasing productivity while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the firmware storage function and the firmware burning execution function into a single integrated device. This combination eliminates the need for separate manual intervention systems, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250036390A1Device and method for automatically burning firmware
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD
  • US20250036390A1 patent drawing
  • US20250036390A1 patent drawing
  • US20250036390A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device and a method for automatically burning firmware are provided. The device includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a processing unit. The processing unit is connected with the first communication unit and the second communication unit. The first communication unit establishes a communication connection with the first electronic device and receives a to-be-burned firmware from the first electronic device. The second communication unit establishes a wired communication with a PCIe Switch. The processing unit obtains the to-be-burned firmware received by the first communication unit and burns the to-be-burned firmware to the PCIe Switch through the second communication unit.