Boot loader and firmware update protocol for embedded devices

Abstract

This thesis details the design and implementation of a firmware update process developed for an embedded device network. A boot loader program was developed for a group of peripheral devices used in marine vessels. These peripherals were connected to a master device through a CAN bus network. This master device, a Linux-based tablet PC, displayed an interface for and issued commands to the peripheral devices. The boot loader was developed as necessary to enable firmware updating on the peripheral devices. The thesis goes over the boot loader embedded platform and design decisions made on the boot loader program. The CAN bus protocol for communication between the master and boot loader is defined. The functionality of the updater program developed for the tablet PC is described. As a result, the complete update process of all three systems working together is demonstrated. Finally, the update process was released as a feature in the group of products it was developed for.