| The FWUpdater system is a collection of programs and
standards which facilitates the transfer and loading
of firmware. FWUpdater is unique in that the process
of distributing firmware images is very secure. In
fact, the encryption key for any given update is
derived from the current firmware in the device to be
updated. This convention ensures that only owners of
devices can use the distributed firmware.
If you have arrived at this page in an attempt to
find an update image for a device you own, click
here to be taken to the Protean Secure Update database.
However, most devices work with the FWUpdater program
to automatically direct you to the correct update
image within the database.
You can download the latest Windows
based update client here. The FWUpdater client
runs on a Windows PC and will need a cable that
connects the device to the PC. Cables and any device
drivers required by those cables are usually available
from the device's manufacturer.
You can download the Linux based update client when
it becomes available.
The FWUpdate System
The FWupdate system consists of many programs,
resources, and overarching standards. The elements of
the system are listed as follows:
- A boot-loader code fragment to be included in
the firmware of every device which implements the
FWUpdater strategy.
- A freely available program which is downloaded
and installed on a Windows or Linux PC.
- A collection of update image files called
"protean secure updates" or .PSU files.
This collection may be maintained by the device
manufacturer, an association which supports the
devices. Physically, these files can reside
virtually anywhere but Protean Logic makes
available a data driven web server that can be
used by registered manufacturers to host and
organize their update images.
- A web resource to allow the downloading of the
FWUpdater programs and the PSU update images.
- Manufacturers also need another program called
FWUImageGen.exe which is used to create the PSU
files from the actual firmware object files of
devices.
- Manufacturers may also supply hardware options
for cabling to their devices. If special drivers
are needed for this link, those drivers will also
need to be supplied to users.
The data driven web resource provided by Protean
Logic is located at:
https://proteanpaper.com/fwupdate.cgi
The login portal for manufacturers is located at:
https://proteanpaper.com/backoff.htm
If you are a manufacturer interested in using the
FWUpdate system for a device that you make, please
email protean at: sales@protean-logic.com.
Provide contact information and we will get back with
you about specifics as soon as we can. Keep in mind
that use of the FWUpdate system does require a good
amount of facilitation by your device hardware and
current firmware. It also will require rigorous
discipline in version management and documentation. |
