CN103577203A - Special CPU (Central Process Unit) with storage card and automatic batch update method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a dedicated CPU with a card in which all firmware information is contained. Automate batch updates of various modules on the same platform. A special-purpose CPU, comprising: a detachable memory card for storing latest version firmware information of a plurality of modules; and a batch update unit for detecting firmware information of a plurality of modules located in a network connected to the special-purpose CPU version, and update the firmware information in multiple modules in batches with the latest version firmware information in the memory card. The present invention can save time for upgrading and reduce related costs. It is very convenient for users and can reduce the risk for updating. In addition, it saves the cost of service trade personnel's business trips to the site for upgrades.

Description

Dedicated CPU with memory card and automatic batch update method

technical field

The present invention relates to a special-purpose CPU (central process unit central processing unit) with a memory card, more specifically, relates to a special-purpose CPU with a memory card containing all firmware information therein and an automatic batch update method.

Background technique

For a new product upgrade mode, in the current mode, users need to upgrade software and firmware in order to obtain new features or resolve some defects. Upgrading firmware is often laborious and risky.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for upgrading a module according to the prior art. As shown in Figure 1, service industry personnel can only update one module at a time using the Unity Loader software. The Unity Loader software provides a transfer function for transferring firmware (FW) from a PC to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller, Programmable Logic Controller) or a module with firmware. As shown in Figure 1, for example, the module to be updated and the CPU can be connected through the following four connection methods: TCPIP, MODBUS, UNTELWAY, and USB.

In the prior art, users or service industry personnel need to manually upgrade the modules one by one sequentially, so it will take too much time and some modules may be missed in a large project.

Fig. 2 is the operation interface of the Unity Loader software that upgrades the module according to the prior art.

Usually, there are many modules in the user's system configuration and most of them are consistent.

For example: there is a CRA (control register access, control register access) module that needs to be updated from V1.0 to V2.0 in the system configuration used, the firmware information is the same, and the modules have the same type. However, these modules need to be updated sequentially, one after the other. Therefore, if there are 20 CRA modules, then 20 updates need to be performed.

As shown in Figure 2, on the operation interface of the Unity Loader software, only one module can be found and updated.

Therefore, the manual upgrading method in the prior art is time-consuming and slow, and it is easy to miss some modules.

Contents of the invention

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Design a dedicated CPU module with a memory card. We are able to store all the firmware information in the card and when the CPU reads the card it will verify all the modules on the same platform. If there are modules that need to be updated, the update is performed automatically.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a batch upgrade using the CPU and the card so that there is no need to manually perform updates to modules one by one.

The present invention is capable of performing mass upgrades of modules, which can be applied in factories (eg power stations) or distribution centers.

The invention provides a special-purpose CPU, comprising: a detachable memory card for storing the latest version firmware information of multiple modules; and a batch update unit for detecting multiple modules located in a network connected to the special-purpose CPU version of the firmware information in the storage card, and update the firmware information in multiple modules in batches with the latest version of the firmware information in the memory card.

The present invention also provides a method for batch updating multiple modules in the network by using a dedicated CPU, the CPU includes a detachable memory card for storing the latest version firmware information of multiple modules, the method includes: The batch update step is used to detect versions of firmware information of multiple modules located in the network connected to the dedicated CPU, and update the firmware information of multiple modules in batches with the latest version of firmware information in the memory card.

Description of drawings

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for upgrading a module according to the prior art.

Fig. 2 is the operation interface of the Unity Loader software that upgrades the module according to the prior art.

Fig. 3 shows a system architecture diagram for batch upgrading of modules according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a dedicated CPU in the system structure of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 shows the storage directory of the latest version firmware information in the memory card in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 shows an example of the status information of the modules recorded by the comparison unit 4021 in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 shows a switch 7011 of the CPU 40 .

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the LED display unit 403 .

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of a dedicated CPU for different platforms according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10A is a dedicated CPU according to the present invention for the M340 platform; FIG. 10B is a dedicated CPU according to the present invention for the Quantum platform; and FIG. 10C is a dedicated CPU according to the present invention for the Pentium Premium platform.

Detailed ways

The present invention will be fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments of the invention. However, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an "element" is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present. The same reference numerals designate the same elements. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. in the description and claims, if present, are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a specific sequential or order chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the various embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Moreover, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, thus a process, method, article, means or apparatus comprising a set of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include without other elements explicitly listed or inherent in these processes, methods, systems, articles, means or equipment.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in idealized or extremely formalized meanings, unless explicitly stated herein defined in this way.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations that support methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create implementing flow diagrams and/or block diagrams means of specifying the function/action in the box.

Fig. 3 shows a system architecture diagram for batch upgrading of modules according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 3, by simultaneously connecting multiple modules in the same network as a dedicated CPU with a memory card, module upgrades can be performed automatically in batches. The connection method includes, for example, inserting the dedicated CPU and the multiple modules into a rack on the same network.

The connection methods between the dedicated CPU and the module to be upgraded include the following:

1. According to the classification of connection media, it mainly includes 5 types: direct connection through the backplane, connection through the expansion backplane and connecting wires, connection with all modules on the slave station through cables, connection with all modules on the slave station through optical fibers, connection through switches or network cables All modules and more.

2. According to the classification of sub-stations, the main ones are as follows:

1) RIO-Remote I/O, that is, remote I/O substation;

2) DIO-Distribute I/O, that is, distributed I/O substation;

3) EIO-Ethernet I/O, that is, Ethernet remote I/O substation;

4) DRSs&double DRSs double loop switch connection circuit. etc.

However, those skilled in the art should understand that the connections between the dedicated CPU and the modules according to the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned ones, and other existing or future connection methods can also be used.

Described storage card is for example SD card (Secure Digital Memory Card, safe digital card, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory, static random access memory) card etc. Those skilled in the art should understand that, also can adopt according to special-purpose CPU of the present invention Existing or future memory cards of other types.

As shown in Fig. 3, batch upgrade can be performed according to the present invention to save time and avoid missing any modules because we can utilize the whole scheme to perform the upgrade. When the CPU is inserted into the rack connected with the multiple modules, the dedicated CPU will scan the memory card, and on this platform, the firmware information of the new version in the memory card and the firmware information of the multiple modules will be Compare. If there is a mismatch, a bulk update will be performed automatically.

In addition, when the user inserts the memory card into the dedicated CPU, the dedicated CPU will scan the memory card and automatically perform batch updates.

According to the present invention, the current mode is changed to the batch mode, and the service trade personnel will not have to go to the field to perform the update operation.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a dedicated CPU in the system structure of FIG. 3 .

As shown in Figure 4, the dedicated CPU 40 includes: a memory card 401, a batch update unit 402 and an LED display unit 403.

It should be understood that each block of the block diagram in FIG. 4 and/or combinations of blocks in the block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be stored in a dedicated sub-area of the CPU separate from the area used to store user programs. In addition, each block may represent a code module, segment, or portion, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing specified logical functions.

The memory card 401 is used to store the latest version of firmware information of a plurality of modules. The multiple modules may be of the same type or of different types. The firmware information of the latest versions of these modules can be stored in different subfolders according to the types of the modules. FIG. 5 shows the storage directory of the latest version firmware information in the memory card in FIG. 4 . For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , in the memory card 401 , the latest versions of firmware information of different types of modules are stored in different folders, such as folders CPU, communication, and so on. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the types of modules shown in FIG. 5 are only schematic, and according to different requirements, the latest version firmware information of other types of modules can be stored.

Batch update unit 402 is used to detect the versions of the firmware information of multiple modules in the network connected to the dedicated CPU 40, and update the firmware information in multiple modules in batches with the latest version of firmware information in the memory card.

The batch update unit 402 is automatically operated when the CPU 40 is inserted into a rack connected to the entire network. In addition, according to different requirements, when the user removes the memory card 401 from the CPU 40 and reinserts the memory card 401 again, the batch update unit 402 will automatically run. The automatic update process is performed only once after the memory card 401 is inserted.

The batch update unit 402 further includes: a comparison unit 4021 and a selection unit 4022 . The comparison unit 4021 is used to compare the firmware versions of all modules in the entire network with the firmware versions of the corresponding modules stored in the memory card 401 .

The comparison can be performed sequentially one by one according to the types of all modules in the network. That is, compare modules of the same type in the network first, and then compare modules of another type in the network until the comparison of all modules is completed. In addition, the comparison step can be performed sequentially according to the position of the modules in the network, regardless of the module type. In addition, it can also be set to compare in order of slave stations. For example: there are 10 slave stations on site (distributed in different control rooms), you can compare the master station first, refer to the two methods mentioned above when comparing, after the comparison is completed, compare all the modules of the next slave station. In this way, if there is a problem, the on-site personnel can fix the position to deal with it.

The comparison unit 4021 records the status information of all modules during the comparison process. When the comparison of the versions of all modules has been completed, a record is formed in the CPU 40 that contains the status information of all modules.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the status information of the modules recorded by the comparison unit 4021 in FIG. 4 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , the module status information includes: module type, module address, current version, latest version, and module update status. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the status information that can be recorded is not limited to the ones shown in FIG. 6 , and may also include other status information according to actual needs. Likewise, one or more of the state information shown in FIG. 6 may not be recorded.

Figure 6 shows the initial recording status of all modules in the network after the CPU detects. After comparison, if the versions are the same, the module update status record is "No", and if the versions are different, the module update status record is "Yes".

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the selection unit 4022 automatically batch-updates all the firmware information of the old versions in the module according to the record result of the comparison unit 4021 . That is, if the version of the module in the network is the same as that in the memory card 401, the update of the module is ignored. If the version of the module in the network is different from the version in the memory card 401, the updating of the modules is automatically performed in batches.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 40 may also include a switch, and the selection unit 4022 automatically updates the firmware information in the modules in batches or outputs the records generated by the comparison unit 4021 to the display or PC according to the state of the switch of the CPU 40.

FIG. 7 shows a switch 7011 of the CPU 40.

As shown in FIG. 7, the switch 7011 has two states of on and off. When the switch 7011 is turned on, the selection unit 4022 automatically performs batch update of the module version according to the record result of the comparison unit 4021 . When the switch 7011 is turned off, the selection unit 4022 outputs the record generated by the comparison unit 4021 and displays it on the PC. At this point, the user can modify the update status of the module according to actual needs. For example, when the user does not need to update the firmware information of the EHC 20200 recorded in Figure 6, the user can change the update status of the module from "Yes" to "No". Therefore, when the switch 7011 is turned on, the selection unit 4022 will not update the firmware information of the module EHC 20200. That is to say, even if the versions are different, if the current customer does not want to update, the older version can be kept for use. In addition, the user can also change the module update status from "No" to "Yes", so that when the switch 7011 is turned on, the selection unit 4022 will update the firmware information of the module.

After the update, the user's program in the CPU will not be erased. In order to separate user information from firmware information. We can save only the firmware information in the memory card and the user information in the CPU.

The LED display unit 403 is used to display the working process and working result status of the CPU. FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the LED display unit 403 .

As shown in Figure 8, the LEC display unit 4014 includes: a first LED display, used to flash when the automatic update unit 402 detects the version of the firmware information of the module in the network; a second LED display, used to flash when the automatic update The unit 402 blinks when updating the firmware information of the modules in the network; the third LED display is used to light up when the update is completed; and the fourth LED display is used to light up when an error occurs during the update process.

According to the current situation, we can design different CPUs 40 with relevant memory cards for different platforms.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of a dedicated CPU for different platforms according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9 , it shows the schematic outlines of CPUs for three platforms. The platforms include: M340, Quantum Quantum and Pentium Premium. The dedicated CPU according to the invention is matched to the corresponding platform. Those skilled in the art should understand that the dedicated CPU according to the present invention can also be used in other existing or future platforms.

When multiple modules need to be updated, it is necessary to download the correct module firmware information to the memory card according to different platforms, so that the CPU can perform batch automatic update.

In practical application, the product supplier can send the new correct firmware information program package to the user according to different platforms, and then the user saves it in the memory card. Insert the card into the CPU, and the CPU will automatically update all modules.

FIG. 10 shows physical appearance diagrams of dedicated CPUs for different platforms according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10A is a dedicated CPU according to the present invention for the M340 platform; FIG. 10B is a dedicated CPU according to the present invention for the Quantum platform; and FIG. 10C is a dedicated CPU according to the present invention for the Pentium Premium platform.

Notice:

1. Even if we unplug the card, the CPU runs fine.

2. After the update, the CPU will continue to run from the breakpoint.

The present invention has following advantage:

1. Time spent on upgrades can be saved, and associated costs can be reduced.

2. It is very convenient for users and can reduce the risk for updating.

3. Saves service trades personnel the expense of business trips to the site for upgrades.

The above is illustrative of the invention and should not be considered as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. It is to be understood that the above is a description of the invention and should not be considered limited to the particular embodiments disclosed and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (24)

1. a dedicated cpu, comprising:

Detachable storage card, for storing the latest edition firmware information of a plurality of modules; With

Batch updating unit, for detection of the version of firmware information that is arranged in a plurality of modules of the network being connected with dedicated cpu, and with the firmware information in a plurality of modules of latest edition firmware information batch updating in described storage card.

2. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 1, further comprises: switch, for controlling automatically carrying out of batch updating;

Wherein, described batch updating unit further comprises:

Comparing unit, compares for the version of the corresponding firmware information the successively version of the firmware information of a plurality of modules stored with described storage card, and the status information of a plurality of modules is recorded in CPU; And

Selected cell, for according to the state of described switch, the status information based on module utilizes the firmware information automatic batch of the redaction in described storage card to upgrade the firmware information of a plurality of modules or the status information of the module that output is recorded.

3. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when described switch connection, described selected cell automatic batch upgrades the firmware information of a plurality of modules; And when described switch disconnects, the status information that described selected cell output is recorded, and be presented on display.

4. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the status information of the module recording comprises: the type of module, module's address, module current version, module latest edition and module be new state more.

5. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 4, wherein, the firmware information of the update module module that more new state is "Yes" only;

Can change module in the status information of demonstration more new state only to upgrade the firmware information of part of module.

6. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 5, further comprises: LED display unit, and for showing the course of work and the working result state of CPU.

7. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 6, wherein said LED display unit comprises:

The first light-emitting diode display, glimmers during for the version of the firmware information when described comparing unit Sampling network module;

The second light-emitting diode display, for glimmering when described selected cell upgrades the firmware information of network module;

The 3rd light-emitting diode display, is used to indicate described renewal and completes; And

The 4th light-emitting diode display, is used to indicate described renewal and occurs mistake.

8. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 7, wherein, when by described CPU and a plurality of module access identical network, moves described batch updating unit automatically.

9. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 8, wherein, when each described storage card inserts described CPU, moves described batch updating unit automatically.

10. dedicated cpu as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described CPU is suitable for multiple different platform.

11. dedicated cpus as claimed in claim 10, wherein, described platform comprises: the Quantum of Quantum, Pentium Premium and M340.

12. dedicated cpus as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described storage card is safe digital card or static RAM card.

13. 1 kinds are utilized dedicated cpu a plurality of modules in network to be carried out to the method for batch updating, and described CPU comprises detachable storage card, and for storing the latest edition firmware information of a plurality of modules, described method comprises:

Batch updating step, for detection of the version of firmware information that is arranged in a plurality of modules of the network being connected with dedicated cpu, and with the firmware information in a plurality of modules of latest edition firmware information batch updating in described storage card.

14. methods as claimed in claim 13, described CPU further comprises for controlling the switch automatically carrying out of batch updating;

Wherein, described batch updating step further comprises:

Comparison step, compares for the version of the corresponding firmware information the successively version of the firmware information of a plurality of modules stored with described storage card, and the status information of a plurality of modules is recorded in CPU; And

Select step, for according to the state of described switch, the status information based on module utilizes the firmware information automatic batch of the redaction in described storage card to upgrade the firmware information of a plurality of modules or the status information of the module that output is recorded.

15. methods as claimed in claim 14, wherein, when described switch connection, automatic batch upgrades the firmware information of a plurality of modules; And when described switch disconnects, the status information of the module that output is recorded, and be presented on display.

16. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, the status information of the module recording comprises: the type of module, module's address, module current version, module latest edition and module be new state more.

17. methods of stating as claim 16, wherein, the firmware information of the update module module that more new state is "Yes" only;

Can change module in the status information of demonstration more new state only to upgrade the firmware information of part of module.

18. methods as claimed in claim 17, further comprise: utilize LED display unit to show the course of work and the working result state of CPU.

19. methods as claimed in claim 18, wherein,

The first light-emitting diode display of described LED display unit glimmers when detecting the version of described module;

The second light-emitting diode display of described LED display unit glimmers when upgrading the version of described module;

When described renewal completes, light the 3rd light-emitting diode display of described LED display unit; And

When mistake appears in described renewal, light the 4th light-emitting diode display of described LED display unit.

20. methods as claimed in claim 19, wherein, when described CPU and a plurality of module are during in identical network, automatically perform described batch updating step.

21. methods as claimed in claim 20, wherein, when each described storage card inserts described CPU, automatically perform described batch updating step.

22. methods as claimed in claim 21, wherein said CPU is suitable for multiple different platform.

23. methods as claimed in claim 22, wherein said platform comprises: the Quantum of Quantum, Pentium Premium and M340.

24. methods as claimed in claim 23, wherein said storage card is safe digital card or static RAM card.

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