A new profile for updating the firmware of IO-Link devices is currently being specified. This profile will allow the user to update IO-Link devices in the field by using the standard IO-Link masters. The profile is fully compliant with the IO-Link Interface specification and does not need much more than a specific PC tool that handles the download process and communicates with the IO-Link master. The working draft of this new profile is already accessible to IO-Link members.
Device Bootloader for Firmware Update
In order to support the Firmware update, a device must be equipped with a specific bootloader. On the master side, standard IO-Link masters can be used. Of course some software support that handles the update files is required.
Firmware Update Software Solutions
It is to be expected that in future many master manufacturers will provide tools that communicate with their masters to support IO-Link device firmware updates. Initially, only a limited number of masters, in particular USB masters will be equipped with such a tool.
TEConcept is actively participating in this IO-Link working group and has already started to develop a "proof-of-concept" implementation of a device that has the required bootloader and is also writing software tools that can interact with IO-Link masters that are equipped with the TEConcept Stack.
How to add the Firmware Update profile to your device?
After finalization of the firmware upload profile, TEConcept plans to offer firmware download bootloaders and IO-Link master solutions that support the new profile. This bootloader can be added to an existing IO-Link product. In addition to the integration of the new bootloader, only a few modifications to an existing product are required to support the IO-link Firmware Update Profile.
Supported Devices | STM32,STM8 |
Software Function | Connect |
Middleware | IO-Link |
Deliverable | Source |
License Type | Commercial |
Site |
ST Products |
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