RAPIDSEA Bootloader – An overview

In the dynamic landscape of the embedded systems and electronics products, the ability to efficiently update and reprogram the software residing on the device has become a critical imperative. With a growing array of software-driven functionalities, the need for seamless and secure firmware reprogramming has never been more paramount.

Whether it is an ECU in a vehicle, a PLC in an industrial automation system or a home appliance in consumer electronics segments, Embien’s RAPDISEA advanced flash bootloader has revolutionized the way manufacturers and service providers approach software updates. By empowering software updates throughout the product lifecycle - from the development phase to manufacturing and even on-field updates- our flash bootloader transform the industry's approach to firmware management and optimization.

RAPDISEA ECU Bootloader

Embien, a leading provider of advanced embedded solutions, offers the RAPIDSEA Bootloader - a cutting-edge flash bootloader solution designed to empower automotive manufacturers and service providers in their ECU reprogramming endeavors.The RAPIDSEA Bootloader is a modular and flexible solution that can be pre-configured to support a wide range of communication protocols, including CAN, CAN-FD, and Ethernet-based standards like UDS over IP (DoIP). This versatility ensures seamless integration with the diverse in-vehicle networks and diagnostic interfaces found in modern automotive architectures.

RAPIDSEA Embedded Bootloader

As the electronics industry continues to evolve, the demand for advanced flash bootloader solutions that enable secure, efficient, and future-proof system reprogramming will only continue to grow. By partnering with industry-leading providers like Embien, OEMS and ODMs can unlock the full potential of their firmware management, empowering them to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional in-vehicle experiences. Supported across numerous communication standards including CANOpen, Ethernet/IP, XCP etc, our bootloader in a one-stop solution for all your OTA needs.

Wide Array of Bootloader Architecture

RAPIDSEA flash bootloader allows system to operate multiple configurations based on the application need such as
A/B Bootloader with redundancy

There are 2 application images of which the latest and greatest is run with option for rollback.

Golden Image based Bootloader

A golden image is preserved so that it can be used to reprogram the system in case the updates hindered operations.

Bootloader + Application Model

A non-updatable bootloader that can be used to reprogram the application image without any support from it

In addition to these architectures, RAPDISEA also supports Primary Bootloader (PBL) + Secondary Bootloader (SBL) approach where space and boot time constraints are there.

Communication Protocols

Enabling Seamless Reprogramming

Our flash bootloaders are designed to support a wide range of communication protocols, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility with the diverse in-vehicle networks, diagnostic interfaces, industrial devices and appliances.

Interfaces

CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, FlexRay, UART, Wi-Fi, LTE, and Ethernet

Protocols

UDS over IP (DoIP), UDS over CAN (DoCAN), CANOpen, DeviceNet, XCP

Web Standards

AMQP, HTTPS, MQTT, FTP, TFTP, TCP/IP

Secure and Reliable Software Updates

  • To safeguard the integrity of the embedded software update process, RAPDISEA flash bootloader solutions incorporate robust security features. This includes the implementation of Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), which enable secure boot, data encryption, and digital signature verification - all critical measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the authenticity and integrity of the reprogrammed software.
  • Asymmetrical crypto-signed images to prevent security breaches
  • Encrypted for extra protection - AES, MD5, RSA, SHA
  • Ability to revoke security keys and move to next slot
  • Hardware crypto-accelerator support

Optimized Reprogramming Workflows

RAPDISEA flash bootloader solutions prioritize efficiency and speed in the ECU reprogramming process. Features like pipelined programming, data compression, and optimized erase/flash sequences contribute to significantly reduced download times, minimizing device downtime and enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, the ability to resume interrupted programming sessions and support for master/slave programming architectures further streamline the update workflow.

Seamless Integration with AUTOSAR and Non-AUTOSAR Platforms

Versatile RAPIDSA flash bootloader solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with both AUTOSAR and non-AUTOSAR-based ECU applications. This flexibility allows car makers to leverage the benefits of these bootloader technologies across their entire vehicle fleet, irrespective of the underlying software architecture, ensuring a consistent and efficient ECU reprogramming experience.

Our secure boot mechanism is also inspired by AUTOSAR architecture based on key slots leveraging the proven practice recommended by the industry body.

RAPIDSEA Firmware Update Tool

The RAPIDSEA firmware update tool is a Windows based tool that can be used to download the new firmware over various communication protocols on the firmware. Some of the salient features include
  • Support for code signing and encryption
  • Multiple file formats - ELF, MOT, bin etc.
  • Supported Communication Protocols: CAN, CAN-FD, TCP/IP-DoIP, UDS, Custom
  • Support for Vector Secure DLL
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Option to tie to USB security dongle for protection

RAPIDSEA Bootloader Device Support

The RAPIDSEA bootloader supports a variety of devices from silicon vendors such as
  • Renesas
  • NXP
  • Infineon
  • STM

Flint based Configuration Tool

Embien offers its Flint System configurator to configure the Bootloader with ease. After selecting the underlying platform, it is possible to choose the bootloader architecture, configure memory regions, protocols to be supported, security features and so on over the PC tool. Up on exporting the headers are generated which can be directly compiled saving time and energy.

Bootloader Deliver

The bootloader is available in source form written in MISRA compliant ANSI C. Deliverables for the Bootloader stack includes:
  • Source code
  • Demo Applications
  • User Manual and Developer Manual
  • Technical Support

FAQs

The concept of bootloader remains the same across embedded devices. While our RAPDISEA bootloader is primarily used in automotive space for ECU reprogramming, it is also used in other domains such as industrial, consumer electronics, medical and mission critical. Technically it is the same with deviations in supported protocols.