USB Device Firmware Update via Self-Defined Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firmware updating methods for USB devices are complex and require establishing a temporary communication channel between the electronic computer and microcontroller units, often necessitating external cables and drivers.
Innovation Solution
A firmware updating method that uses a self-defined communication protocol between the USB microcontroller unit and an application program installed on the electronic computer, allowing direct transmission of update firmware information without the need for a temporary communication channel or external cables, using predefined connection interfaces like UART, I2C, SPI, or USB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a driver is executed to establish a temporary communication channel for firmware updating, then the firmware update can be performed, but the updating process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the driver execution step and temporary communication channel establishment from the firmware updating process. By using a self-defined communication protocol that is pre-configured in the USB device, the updating process directly transmits firmware information through the USB interface without requiring external driver installation or temporary channel setup, thereby simplifying the overall process while maintaining update capability
Solution Approach 2:
The communication protocol is pre-configured and built into the USB device before the firmware updating process begins. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for runtime driver installation and temporary communication channel establishment, allowing direct firmware transmission through the pre-established USB interface
2Reliability
If external cables and drivers are used for firmware updating, then the update can be performed, but the updating speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/external cable-based communication system with a direct electronic USB interface communication system. By using a self-defined communication protocol over the USB interface, the system eliminates the need for external RS-232 cables and intermediate communication channels, achieving direct digital transmission of firmware information at much higher speeds
3Reliability
If a temporary communication channel is established through driver execution, then firmware information can be transmitted, but the process requires additional steps and external cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication protocol directly into the USB device firmware and the USB interface itself. Instead of using separate external cables and standalone driver software, the communication capability is integrated into the device's existing USB interface, allowing firmware updates to be performed through a single unified interface without additional external components or separate communication channel setup
Data Source
AI summary
A USB device and a firmware updating method for the USB device are provided. The firmware updating method includes the following steps. Firstly, a communication protocol is provided. Then, the communication protocol is installed in the at least one microcontroller unit of the USB device. Then, an application program is produced according to the communication protocol. The application program is installed in an electronic computer. The application program contains at least one update firmware information. Then, the at least one update firmware information is transmitted from the electronic computer to the at least one microcontroller unit through the communication protocol. Consequently, at least one original firmware information in the at least one microcontroller unit is replaced by the at least one update firmware information.