Dos

1
Dos Don'ts of Flashing Firmware
ENG912
Presenters Tique Crespo and Dan Strachan
2
What is Firmware?

• Operating System for the Hardware, much like
  Windows XP is to a Lap Top.

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3
RSLogix Software and Firmware Revisions are
Connected

• Software Features and Enhancements are
  implemented in the associated firmware. This
  allows for Flexibility to New Existing
  Hardware. This means hardware will stay current
  longer.

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4
Why Do You Use Firmware?

• If Firmware is not Flashable then you are
  limited to the existing file set of the
  processor.
• Firmware allows for changes in how the hardware
  works without making changes to the hardware.
• Allows older hardware to be updated so it will
  take advantage of new features and corrections to
  anomalies.

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5
Revisions Levels and Compatibility

• Revision Level is defined by a Major and Minor
  Rev (Ex. 16.03, 16 Major, .03 Minor)
• Electronic Keying has 3 selections
• 1.) Exact (Major and Minor must Match)
• 2.) Compatible (Major must Match)
• 3.) Disabled (Doesnt care about Major or
  Minor)
• I/O Firmware has various file sets that are used
  by the processor, this is chosen in hardware
  property box. When disabled keying is chosen bare
  minimum file set is used. When compatible Keying
  is chosen most of the features of the file set
  are used. When exact keying is chosen complete
  file set is used.

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6
When Do We Flash?

• New Logic Processor Needs to be Flashed
• When Software Revision is changed Processor needs
  to be Flashed.
• If Serco's motion is used then motion card most
  be flashed to match processor major revision.
• Based on Hardware Compatibility Firmware Matrix
  I/O, Motion, or Communications cards may need to
  be Flashed to Firmware levels that do not match
  Processor Revisions.
• To utilize a new feature such as seeing a Sercos
  network in RSLinx.
• Customer wants to Upgrade Software on Plant Floor
  to newer revisions
• Current software is older than new firmware and
  you need to down Flash Firmware to older level.
  (Such as PV, ships with V5.0 and you have V4.0)
• DNet may be using ADR which requires Firmware of
  I/O device to match. (Ex. PF700 version 2.09
  installed and is replaced with firmware 3.0
  drive) Alternate fix would be to update ADR to
  show V3.0 drive.
• Something does not work correctly and AB
  recommends upgrade

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7
When Dont we Flash?

• Existing Customer Software Rev has been
  established as base for the plant.
• Uncomfortable with Flash Procedure (Always try to
  perform off-line first)
• Existing hardware has reached its Firmware limit
  such as the L55. (V16.03)
• Plants that utilize Validation practices (Ex.
  Pharmaceutical)

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8
What Tools are used for Flashing?

• Note Consult AB Knowledge base for specific
  Firmware upgrading procedures for product being
  flashed.
• Current RSLogix 5000 Software has Flash Embedded
  (P to P or Network)
• Control Flash
• Drive Explorer and Drive Executive (12.03 USB
  Cable or Network)
• FUW Firmware Upgrade Wizard for (PV)
• Compact Flash Card With Firmware File Loaded (Ex.
  PV, PV, and Logix Processors with Compact Flash
  Slot.

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9
Basic How to for Flash Upgrading

• Acquire Firmware File
• Prepare needed cabling or flash card
• Back Up existing program files
• Put Hardware into appropriate mode for Flashing
• If using laptop verify plugged in and screen
  saver and power save is off.
• Flash Restore program if needed

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10
Hardware to be Flashed

• L42 Compact Logix Processor
• Motion Card
• PV Plus HMI

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