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Methods and apparatus for upgrading firmware in an embedded system

  • US 6,834,384 B2
  • Filed: 03/14/2001
  • Issued: 12/21/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for upgrading firmware in an embedded system, comprising the steps of:

  • providing a processor;

    providing a non-volatile programmable read only memory device having a fixed vector table, a boot area for storing boot code, a first application area for storing firmware, and a second application area for storing firmware;

    providing a random access memory device (RAM) having a software vector table and a RAM application area;

    programming the fixed vector table with a reset vector address and interrupt vector addresses, said reset vector address pointing to the boot code in said boot area and said interrupt vector addresses pointing to corresponding interrupt vector addresses in the software vector table;

    loading an upgraded version of firmware into one of the first application area or the second application area;

    resetting the processor to run the upgraded version of firmware; and

    filling the software vector table with proper corresponding interrupt vector addresses for the interrupt vectors contained in the fixed vector table as determined by the upgraded version of firmware;

    wherein;

    in the event an interrupt is generated, the processor obtains a next instruction from one of the interrupt vector addresses of the fixed vector table in accordance with said interrupt;

    said next instruction points to a corresponding location in the software vector table; and

    said corresponding location in the software vector table points to a corresponding location in one of said first or second application areas.

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