[RC7611-1] Firmware Update via UART from Embedded Linux (Busybox) — Procedure & Tools?

IoT Modules RC76
1

Hardware & Environment:

  • Modem: Sierra Wireless RC7611-1

  • Host Processor: TI AM335x ARM Cortex-A8

  • OS: Linux 4.4.19, Busybox environment

  • Interface: UART (host processor ↔ modem), no USB available on this platform

  • Current Modem FW: SWI9X07H_00.03.03.00 2bb7a4 jenkins 2020/04/15 07:57:29

  • Target FW: Latest available for RC7611-1

What I need:

I need to update the RC7611-1 modem firmware over UART from an embedded Linux/Busybox environment. USB is not an option on this platform.

Specific questions:

  1. Firmware package — I don’t currently have the .cwe/.spk package. Where can I download the latest RC7611-1 firmware (SWI9X07H branch)? (I have access to the Sierra Wireless Source portal.)

  2. Flashing tool — Is fwdwl-lite or nufwdwl-uart the right tool for UART-based flashing on an embedded Linux host? Are pre-built ARM binaries available, or will I need to cross-compile for arm-linux-gnueabihf?

  3. Download mode — What is the correct procedure to put the RC7611-1 into firmware download/QDL mode over UART? Is AT!BOOTHOLD supported, or is a hardware reset sequence required?

  4. UART port — Should I be using the modem’s DM port or the AT command port for the flashing process?

  5. Baud rate — What baud rate should be used during the UART flash procedure?

Any pointers to application notes or documentation specifically covering UART-based firmware update for the RC7611-1 (SWI9X07H platform) on embedded Linux would be greatly appreciated.

2

you can have a look on this command to transfer the .spk file via UART:

image
image886×736 176 KB

BTW if you are using UART, make sure hardware flow control has been enabled

AT+IFC=2,2
AT!RESET
3

@jyijyi Thanks, I was able to update the modem firmware based on your input.

The available file is quite large (~36 MB) and takes a long time to transfer over UART with 115200 baudrate. Increasing the baudrate is not an option as the current version does not support higher baudrates as per my requirement. Are delta-update files available instead? If so:

  • Where can I obtain them?

  • How should they be flashed onto the modem?

I don’t want to use Airvantage as I need a local firmware update.

4

no, i don’t quite see there is delta image.
You might need to request this to your distributor