FIRMWARE - THE TECHNOLOGICAL ROOT

Using devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and other equipment’s has allowed users to be more familiar with the software and hardware terms. Both have a user-oriented interface. And the firmware? Does it have any relationship patterns with software or hardware?

 

WHAT IS FIRMWARE?

Firmware is a type of specialized software built into a non-volatile memory chip, whose main task is to set the hardware at a low-level layer invisible to the user. Hardware behaviours are set in the firmware through a set of basic, low-level operating instructions. To understand how far the firmware works, these instructions can be used to set how to communicate with other devices or input and output features.

To understand what these chips are, where firmware is integrated and executed, non-volatile memory is a form of static memory used to store the sequence of instructions that are executed by the chip's microcontroller or processor, ensuring that they are not lost when power is removed. Briefly, it does not require a continuous power supply to retain the data.

We can say that firmware is the backbone of hardware. Without this, it will not be possible to use the hardware properly.

One of the most common examples of firmware that we have certainly heard of is BIOS, which is often referred to in the first boot images of a computer.

 

FIRMWARE UPDATES

Firmware upgrade process was not an easy-to-perform practice as we know it today. Nowadays, and with the variety of devices for applications with distinctive features, this need has become more pronounced in order to add value to devices and extend their lifetime.

Updating currently installed firmware versions may occur for different needs:

• bug fixing;
• deploy new resources;
• improve security;
• process renewal;

Many devices with an internet connection can check for firmware updates and perform their installation automatically. In other cases, device manufacturers only allow the firmware version to be updated manually, with the user having to download the file and install it.

 

HOW FAR DOES FIRMWARE GO?

In fact, nowadays no device is free of firmware and small microcontrollers that run it, as features like communication modem's, USB controllers, LCD controllers, AC controllers, radio, power windows, interactive dashboard (cars), washing machine controller, food processor, etc., depend on the execution of firmware on microcontrollers distributed by their architecture.

Tekon Electronics has a specialized department for firmware development. The constant innovation of processes and methodologies ensures the development of solutions suitable to the constant needs of the wireless technologies market.

All our products are ready for a new firmware deployment so that any necessary enhancements occur simply and reduce downtime.