BOOT Mode

BOOT Mode, low level communication with the processor

BOOT Mode is an advanced system that allows direct communication with the control unit processor at low level. This mode is used when the control unit has BENCH Mode locked, when a corrupted file has been written previously, or when the control unit is not set up for BENCH Mode and requires work with the control unit open.

DFOX® supports BOOT Mode on a wide range of automotive processors:

C167
ST10
Infineon Tricore
Infineon Aurix
Renesas
Mitsubishi
Fujitsu
Hitachi

The DFOX V2 software provides the operating procedures for every supported architecture, guiding the operator in connecting the BOOT and in handling the low level communication.

Working in BOOT Mode with DFOX®

The BOOT Mode system is used to communicate at low level with the control unit processor. This mode allows direct access to the memory of the microprocessor.

Unlike communication through the diagnostic protocols of the car manufacturers, BOOT mode works through the native protocol of the processor, allowing a direct dialogue with the architecture of the microcontroller. This approach makes it possible to work with different hardware platforms and BOOT systems.

BOOT Mode proves particularly useful when:

Microprocessor reading and writing:

access to the internal flash of the microcontroller where the control unit’s operating software resides.

EEPROM reading and writing:

management of the EEPROM memory that contains configuration parameters, adaptations and vehicle specific data.

External flash reading and writing:

where present, management of additional flash memories external to the microprocessor.

External EEPROM reading and writing:

management of additional EEPROM memories for extended data.

BOOT Mode operating procedure

In most cases it is only necessary to connect a BOOT or CNF1 pin on the board, which can also be done using a retractable spring needle. The BOOT pin sets the processor to low level programming mode, allowing direct communication with the bootloader.

In this way it is possible to read and work on the entire content of the control unit, including protected areas that cannot be reached through other high level protocols.

Processors supported in BOOT Mode

DFOX® supports BOOT Mode for the main processor architectures used in the automotive sector:

Infineon processors:

– C167 29Fxxx
– Tricore TC17xx

STMicroelectronics processors:

– ST10F series

Freescale/NXP Motorola:

– Boot BAM (BOOT Access Motorola) for SPC5xxx processors

Renesas processors:

– SH7xxx series (SH7054, SH7055, SH7058, SH7059, SH7251, SH72543, SH72544, SH72513)

Mitsubishi processors:

– MH7xxx and MH8xxx series

Other supported processors:

– Fujitsu
– Hitachi

For the complete technical list of all the supported processor models, see the DFOX® Technical Specifications section on the complete system page.

Safety and automatic checks

DFOX® calculates and corrects the Checksum of the file and runs the checks needed to avoid any risk, before programming the vehicle’s control unit.

Pre writing checks:
File integrity verification: basic file compatibility checks
Automatic Checksum calculation: automatic recalculation and correction of the checksum
Compatibility verification: check that the file matches the type of control unit
Connection test: verification of the stability of the BOOT connection before critical operations