Downloading Partitions To The Mobile Computer; Bootloader; Deployment; Copying Files From A Host Computer - Motorola MC31 Series Integrator Manual

4 - 6 MC31XX Series Mobile Computer Integrator Guide

Downloading Partitions to the Mobile Computer

USBDownload is used to specify a hex destination file for each partition and download each file to the mobile
computer. This download requires a program loader stored on the mobile computer. The mobile computer comes
with a program loading utility, Bootloader, stored in the mobile computer's write-protected flash.

Bootloader

Bootloader allows the user to upgrade the mobile computer with software updates and/or feature enhancements.
Partition Update vs. File Update
There are two types of updates supported by the mobile computer: partitions and files. The file system used by the
mobile computer is the same as the file system used on a desktop computer. A file is a unit of data that can be
accessed using a file name and a location in the file system. When a file is replaced, only the contents of the
previous file are erased. The operating system must be running for a file to be updated, so the Bootloader cannot
perform individual file updates as it is a stand-alone program that does not require the operating system to be
running.
A typical partition is a group of files, combined into a single "partition" that represents a specific area of storage.
Examples of partitions are the flash file systems such as Platform or Application. (Using the desktop computer
comparison, these partitions are roughly equivalent to a C: or D: hard disk drive.) In addition to the "hard disk"
partitions, some partitions are used for single items such as the operating system, monitor, or splash screen.
(Again using a desktop computer comparison, these partitions are roughly the equivalent of the BIOS or special
hidden system files.) When a partition is updated, all data that was previously in its storage region is erased - i.e. it
is not a merge but rather a replacement operation. Typically, the operating system is not running when partitions
are update, so Bootloader can perform partition updates.
All partition images suitable for use by Bootloader are in hex file format for transfer by USBDownloader from the
development computer to the mobile computer.
Upgrade Requirements
Upgrade requirements:
•
The hex files to be downloaded (on development computer)
•
A connection from the host computer and the mobile computer
•
USBDownload (on development computer) to download the files.
Once these requirements are satisfied, the mobile computer can be upgraded by invoking Bootloader and
navigating the menus. See Bootloader on page 4-10 for procedures on downloading a hex file to the mobile
computer.

Deployment

This section provides information about installing software and files on the MC31XX.
Software deployment can be performed by:
•

Copying files from a host computer

•
Installing programs
•
Updating images.