The Bootloader technology as well as the flashing and testing are core competencies of ProMik from the very beginning.
More than 25 years of experience and in-depth know-how lie behind each of our bootloader solutions - and are constantly evolving with them.
Stricter security standards in cyber security, increasingly complex and compact components or the omission of classic test points:
The demands in production are rising and new, greater challenges have to be solved.
In its functionality, the ProMik Flash and Test Bootloader technology is both broadly based and specifically solution-oriented.
Not only is the functional scope of previous (classic) methods fully covered, but Bootloader users also profit
from an extended scope of action as well as increased efficiency and effectiveness, e.g. through shorter cycle times.
Our proven Flash and Test Bootloader technology is a practical and high performance alternative to classic tests via test points. It offers improved functionalities to cope with the increasing requirements in production. ProMik Bootloaders can be used to implement various flash, test and cyber security functions.
The ProMik Bootloader PortfolioAdaptable for different requirements | RAM Bootloader For applications containing components without available test points (e.g. memory or gateways) the Bootloader is loaded into the RAM of the MCU. The therefore so called RAM Bootloader can be used for already programmed as well as unprogrammed MCUs. Flash Bootloader Especially for multi step programming processes, the ProMik Flash Bootloader is the ideal choice. After the bootloader has been programmed at PCB level via test points, the application is prepared for various tests as well as for end-of-line flash programming. For in-package applications, the bootloader implements interfaces such as CAN (FD), Ethernet, Flex Ray and LIN to establish communication and data transfer with the hardware. After programming the ECU, the Flash Bootloader is cleared. |
During booting, the hardware is initialized by activating the processor. This in turn activates various peripherals on the motherboard. Thus, either the application mode or default mode is executed. Within the default (respectively bootloader mode) default options for the application software can be executed, the application or the ECU can be reprogrammed or the software can be updated.
The microprocessor executes the startup code to prepare the execution environment for the applications written in higher level languages. In this way, the application code is started, which implements the main function of the application.
Bootloaders are dedicated programs that act as startup software. They are usually started by the system firmware such as UEFI (predecessor: BIOS). The Bootloader code runs from the start of the application until the main function of the code is achieved.
The task of the Bootloader is to load the actual program into the memory as well as to update it if necessary. For this it has initialization as well as communication protocols.