Wifi Firmware Update

WiFi Firmware Update Application

Overview

The NBWIFI-IN Firmware Update application is a C++ program designed to update the firmware on NetBurner WiFi modules. This application provides a simple interface to check current firmware information and perform firmware updates on compatible WiFi hardware.

Features

• Firmware Information Display: Shows current hardware and software revision numbers
• Interactive Firmware Update: User-prompted firmware update process
• Network Stack Integration: Built-in HTTP server and DHCP support
• System Diagnostics: Optional diagnostic capabilities for development
• Error Handling: Comprehensive error checking and status reporting

Application Flow

1. Initialization
   • Initializes the network stack
   • Enables system diagnostics
   • Starts HTTP server on default port 80
   • Waits for DHCP address assignment (5-second timeout)
2. WiFi Module Detection
   • Attempts to initialize WiFi interface
   • Sets SPI communication speed to 15 MHz
   • Validates communication with WiFi module
3. Status Display
   • Shows current hardware revision (major.minor)
   • Shows current firmware revision (major.minor)
4. Firmware Update Process
   • Waits for user input to begin update
   • Performs firmware update using embedded firmware image
   • Reports success or failure status
   • Displays updated firmware information

Hardware Requirements

• NetBurner development board with WiFi capability
• Compatible WiFi module supporting firmware updates
• Proper SPI connections for WiFi communication

Key Components

WiFi Interface Management

• Automatic WiFi driver initialization
• SPI speed configuration (15 MHz)
• Module communication validation

Firmware Update Process

• Uses embedded firmware image (nbWifiImage[])
• Validates image length (nbWifiImageLen)
• Provides real-time update status feedback

Network Services

• HTTP server for web-based management
• DHCP client for automatic IP configuration
• Network stack diagnostics

Error Handling

The application includes robust error handling:

• WiFi module communication failure detection
• Firmware update success/failure reporting
• Graceful degradation when WiFi module is unavailable

Usage

1. Compile and flash the application to your NetBurner device
2. Connect to the device via serial terminal
3. Wait for network initialization and WiFi module detection
4. Review the current firmware information displayed
5. Press any key when prompted to begin the firmware update
6. Wait for the update process to complete
7. Verify the new firmware information

Development Notes

• System diagnostics are enabled by default (consider disabling for production)
• The application runs an infinite loop after completion
• HTTP server remains active throughout the application lifecycle
• Serial output provides detailed status information

Troubleshooting

"Could not talk to Wifi module"**: Check physical connections, power supply, and ensure the WiFi module is properly seated and compatible.

Firmware update failure**: Verify the embedded firmware image is correct for your hardware revision and that the WiFi module supports firmware updates.