Flash Bootloader
Product Information
Flash Bootloader
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Table of Contents
1 Flash Memory Programming ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Flash Bootloader - ECU programming via CAN, LIN, FlexRay, MOST and Ethernet ........................................................... 3
2.1 Overview of Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Application Areas ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Functions..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Configuration ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
2.5 Scope of Delivery........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.6 Availability .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3 Options ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
3.1 Option Security (Crypto) .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Options for Fast Flash Programming ...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Option Bootloader Updater: Quick update of the Flash Bootloader .................................................................................... 8
3.4 Option XCP: Flashing with XCP during ECU development .................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Option EEPROM Emulation Module (EepM) - EEPROM Emulation in Flash Memory ....................................................... 11
4 The programming tool vFlash ................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.1 Overview of Advantages ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Application Areas ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3 vFlash Bootloader Support ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
V2.1 08/2017
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Flash Bootloader
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1 Flash Memory Programming
Today, systems for downloading software to ECUs are used in all phases of ECU development. Vector offers a number of
software solutions to meet various requirements:
> Flash Bootloader for the bus systems CAN, LIN, FlexRay, MOST and Ethernet
> Data encryption, validation, authorization and authentication with the option “Security”
> Faster flashing with the options Data Compression, Pipelined Programming, pipelined verification and Delta Download
> Replacing the bootloader using the “Bootloader Updater”
> Flashing via XCP during development
> EEPROM Emulation for optimized usage of flash memory
> PC-based flash tools
Figure 1: The Flash Bootloader in the context of the MICROSAR Basic Software
2 Flash Bootloader - ECU programming via CAN, LIN, FlexRay, MOST and Ethernet
2.1 Overview of Advantages
> Efficient and reliable reprogramming of ECUs – without having to remove the ECU
> Low memory requirement in the ECU
> Available for most OEMs and many microcontroller platforms
> Proven flash solution based on more than 10 years of use in numerous development and production projects
2.2 Application Areas
The Vector Flash Bootloader is a universal solution for the reprogramming of ECUs during development, while in production
or while in service. It conforms to the specifications of automotive OEMs and is continually coordinated with them.
Flash Bootloader
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Reprogramming is executed with a flash tool such as vFlash from Vector. Scripts needed for vFlash are supplied with the
Flash Bootloader.
The Flash Bootloader permits programming on single or multi-processor platforms. It includes the option for programming
different memory types connected either internally or externally. Due to its low memory requirement, the Bootloader is also
well suited for microcontrollers that have limited resources.
2.3 Functions
The flash download is executed according to OEM requirements using either the KWP2000 or UDS diagnostic protocol. The
Bootloader contains the communication stack needed for the specific bus system.
2.3.1 The flash procedure
The Bootloader is stored in a protected ECU memory area and is started as the first software instance in the boot phase
after a reset. It then checks whether a flash request or valid application software exists. If the ECU is to be reprogrammed,
the Bootloader starts reprogramming and - after verifying access authorization - loads the flash driver from the bus system
to the ECU’s RAM memory if needed. Then it erases the old ECU software and programs the flash memory with the new
data it receives over the bus system. A validation of the ECU software is performed after the data transfer. If the flash
procedure is interrupted, it can be repeated at any time.
2.3.2 Bus-specific communication stack
The communication with the flash tool is carried out via the bus-specific communication stack. Hereby, the Vector Flash
Bootloader supports all bus systems: CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, FlexRay, MOST and Ethernet.
2.3.3 Flash driver
The Flash Bootloader includes a flash driver that matches the hardware platform. It contains system-based routines for
reliably erasing and programming nonvolatile memory chips. All Vector flash drivers have low resource requirements, and
they conform to the HIS flash driver specification.
2.4 Configuration
You configure the Bootloader with the DaVinci Configurator Pro or the GENy configuration tool, adapting it to the specific
requirements of your application. Further modifications and extensions are possible using callback functions.
Figure 2: Configuring flash blocks with GENy
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2.5 Scope of Delivery
> Bootloader as configurable C source code
> Flash driver for your specific hardware platform
> GENy configuration tool
> Flash scripts for controlling the download process
> HexView for preparing flash data and containers during development
> Documentation
2.6 Availability
The Flash Bootloader is available for many commonly used microcontrollers and in OEM-specific variants. For more
information go to www.vector.com/fvd/ or contact us.
3 Options
The following functionalities are available as options for the Vector Flash Bootloader:
> Security (Crypto): Protection against manipulation for ECUs with sensitive vehicle data
> Quick programming of ECUs through data compression, pipelined programming, pipelined verification and delta
download
> Bootloader Updater: Cost-effective updating of the Flash Bootloader
> XCP: Programming flash memory with a calibration tool such as Vector CANape. This can be performed alternatively:
> As supplement to a download via DIAG
> As alternative to a download via DIAG
3.1 Option Security (Crypto)
For standard ECUs unauthorized access is prevented by authorization via simple or OEM-specific Seed/Key methods.
However, in the case of ECUs containing sensitive vehicle data such as an engine immobilizer function or odometer, as well as
in safety relevant ECUs, the Option Security (Crypto) modules are needed to implement extended security measures. The
"Hersteller Initiative Software" (abbr. HIS; “Manufacturers Software Initiative”) has specified cryptographic routines with
standardized interfaces in scalable security classes for this purpose.