Keep Your MinnowBoard Updated with UEFI Firmware | Intel

Keep Your MinnowBoard Updated with UEFI Firmware | Intel

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background on Minnowboard
3. Updating Minnowboard UEFI Firmware
   • Downloading the Firmware
   • Connecting a Serial Terminal
   • Updating Firmware from UEFI Shell
   • Updating Firmware from SPI Connector
4. Updating Minnowboard UEFI Firmware: Step by Step Guide
   • Downloading the Latest Binary Firmware Image
   • Copying the FD and EFI Files to a USB Key
   • Connecting the Minnowboard to a Windows System
   • Using TeraTerm as a Serial Console
   • Booting to UEFI Shell
   • Running the Firmware Update Utility
   • Verifying the Firmware Version
   • Using the SPI Connector for Recovery
5. SPI Programming with Dediprog SF100
   • Preparations for SPI Reprogramming
   • Connecting the SF100 Programmer
   • Programming the Flash Using Dediprog Software
   • Verifying the Programming Process
6. Restoring the Ethernet MAC Address
7. Conclusion
8. Resources

🏭 Updating Minnowboard UEFI Firmware: Step by Step Guide

The Minnowboard is an Intel Atom processor-based board tailored for the small and low-cost embedded market. Built on an open hardware design and firmware using UEFI specifications, the Minnowboard provides developers with an accessible platform for various applications. To ensure optimal functionality, it is crucial to keep the Minnowboard's UEFI firmware up to date. This guide will walk you through the process of updating the Minnowboard UEFI firmware and cover the use of the SPI connector for recovery situations.

1. Downloading the Latest Binary Firmware Image

Before proceeding with the firmware update, it is essential to have the latest binary firmware image. Visit the UEFI DK website and navigate to the Intel UEFI Community Resource Center webpage. Look for the download link in the bottom left corner and obtain the firmware image Package. It is recommended to check for the latest firmware even if you have recently purchased the Minnowboard.

2. Copying the FD and EFI Files to a USB Key

Once you have downloaded the firmware package, extract its contents. You will find release notes, two versions of the firmware image, a firmware update utility, and documentation. Copy the FD and EFI files to a USB key formatted with the FAT32 file system. The USB key will be used for the firmware update process.

3. Connecting the Minnowboard to a Windows System

To update the Minnowboard's firmware, you need to connect it to a Windows system. It utilizes the built-in USB-to-serial terminal function as a console. Use the included cable to connect the Minnowboard's mini USB connector to your Windows system. You will Notice a new COM port appearing in the Windows Device Manager.

4. Using TeraTerm as a Serial Console

Before proceeding, download and install the open-source TeraTerm program and the FTDI driver for Windows 7. These resources can be found in the Minnowboard serial console document. Once installed, open TeraTerm and set up a new serial port using the COM port number associated with the Minnowboard. This will establish a connection between your Windows system and the Minnowboard.

5. Booting to UEFI Shell

Connect the USB key containing the firmware files to the Minnowboard. Power up the board by connecting the power adapter. The Minnowboard will boot to the UEFI shell, which will be visible from TeraTerm. Before running the firmware update utility, you need to switch to the USB key.

To switch to the USB key, type FS0: at the shell Prompt and press Enter. This command will ensure that the firmware update utility accesses the firmware image on the USB key.

6. Running the Firmware Update Utility

The Minnowboard UEFI firmware update utility simplifies the firmware update process. With the UEFI shell open and the USB key selected, enter the command firmware update -f <firmware_image_file> to start the update. In this example, <firmware_image_file> refers to the Minnow FD file.

It is crucial not to interrupt the firmware update process once it has started. The system will automatically reset after the update is complete. To verify the firmware version, use the ver command in the UEFI shell.

7. Using the SPI Connector for Recovery

The Minnowboard's SPI connector serves as a backup option for firmware recovery situations. If the UEFI shell utility cannot be executed, you can use the SPI connector method. Please note that this method requires additional hardware, specifically the Dediprog SF100 programmer.

To proceed with SPI reprogramming, disconnect the power adapter from the Minnowboard. Locate the 8-Pin SPI header labeled "prog" on the board. Connect the Dediprog SF100 programmer to your computer's USB port, installing the necessary software. Attach the SF100 to the SPI header, ensuring the red edge indicates pin 1 facing away from the USB ports.

8. Programming the Flash Using Dediprog Software

After setting up the connections, open the Dediprog engineering application on your computer. In the software, select the W25Q32FV part, which should be the last part listed in the dialog box. Before programming the flash, check the configuration options, ensuring the "Reload file each time" option is selected.

Load the new firmware image using the "Load file" dialog in the Dediprog software. The programming process involves erasing the SPI flash, programming the new image, and verifying the image. To save time, you can use the Dediprog batch option, which automates these steps.

During the programming process, be patient as it can take several minutes. Interrupting the process can render the system unbootable. Once the programming is complete, close the Dediprog software and disconnect the SPI cable.

9. Verifying the Programming Process

To verify that the new firmware image has been successfully programmed, reconnect the USB terminal and apply power. Boot the Minnowboard to ensure proper functionality. It is important to note that the SPI programming process erases the Ethernet MAC address.

If you need to restore the MAC address, use the -M option of the firmware update tool. The Minnowboard's MAC address can be found on a label above the serial number. For more detailed information about SPI programming and recovery, consult the included documents in the Minnowboard zip file, particularly the Dediprog SF100 documents for both Windows and Linux.

Conclusion

Keeping the Minnowboard's UEFI firmware up to date ensures optimal performance and functionality. With the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily update the firmware using either the UEFI shell or the SPI connector for recovery situations. By following these instructions carefully, you can leverage the full potential of the Minnowboard for your embedded projects.

Resources

• UEFI DK: uefi.org/uefi-development-kit-downloads
• Intel UEFI Community Resource Center: uefi.org/intel-uefi-community-resource-center
• TeraTerm: ttssh2.osdn.jp/index.html.en
• FTDI driver: ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
• Dediprog SF100: dediprog.com/pd/spi-flash-solution

FAQ

Q: Why is it important to update the Minnowboard's UEFI firmware? A: Updating the UEFI firmware ensures that the Minnowboard operates at its full potential, with improved functionality, stability, and security.

Q: Can I update the firmware using a Linux system instead of Windows? A: Yes, the firmware update process is also compatible with Linux systems. Refer to the Dediprog SF100 documents included in the Minnowboard zip file for more information.

Q: What should I do if the firmware update process gets interrupted? A: If the firmware update process gets interrupted, it can result in a non-bootable system. Follow the recovery procedure using the SPI connector method outlined in this guide.

Q: Can I restore the Minnowboard's Ethernet MAC address after SPI programming? A: Yes, you can restore the Ethernet MAC address by using the -M option of the firmware update tool. The MAC address can be found on a label above the serial number on your Minnowboard.