Simplest options for firmware updates using physical link?

09 Feb 2015

Wondering what the easiest paths to driver-less firmware updates were, with end users in mind.

I'm looking at the ST Nucleo range. These seem to support standard USB classes, so was wondering if any of these could be used for updates?

Are there any known/supported methods?

Is it possible to have a update process as simple as a drag and drop of a binary, without a custom driver needing to be installed? I wondering if this could be done driver-less, so all OS such as Linux would all be supported.

Many thanks

13 Feb 2015
13 Feb 2015

That does require another MCU though (which indeed almost all mbeds have).

If you would consider NXP MCUs, they have a range of MCUs which support drag and drop programming build into the target MCU (so the one you are programming) itself. For example the LPC11u24 does this.

13 Feb 2015

Thanks Erik : )

13 Feb 2015

Addition to the minion's answer: There is a new bootloader from Freescale, you can read more http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/prod_summary.jsp?code=KBOOT&nodeId=0152101E8C1EF7&fpsp=1&tab=Documentation_Tab. Might help you

(although you are looking for STM, you can at least evaluate what options others provide)

13 Feb 2015

I'm fully up for other non ST based option, I was attracted by low ST IC costs, but if there are reasons to go with others (NXP, Freescale ...) I'm fully up for those too... I hadn't realised yet that the NXP route, for example, has built in drag and drop. If there are any other recommended solutions or other issues I should be aware of please let me know!

Thanks again