OpenBLT

OpenBLT is an open source bootloader that can run on any microcontroller and use any type of communication interface to perform software updates, without the need of specialized debugger hardware. Example applications are:

• In-field reprogramming. After your customer started using your microcontroller based product, it is always possible that a software update needs to be made. For example to enable new features or to resolve an existing problem. With OpenBLT you can easily reprogram the software program, even on location at the customer.

• End of assembly line. Using OpenBLT it is possible to flash your product's software program at the end of the assembly line, allowing the most up-to-date version to be shipped with your product.

• Development stage. During the development stage of your software program, you frequently reprogram the software program. OpenBLT enables you to do this without the need of special debugger hardware.

• Calibration stage. While fine-tuning your software program, you optimize parameters of your software program. OpenBTL can be used to quickly reprogram the optimized calibration parameters.

• Starter kits. By preloading the bootloader on a microcontroller starter kit, the end user does not need to purchase an expensive debugger interface. It is also not necessary to include an on-chip debugger on the starter kit board. This lowers the cost price of the starter kit, making it more appealing for the end user.

• Available for Free!
• Includes user-friendly PC download utility.
• Full source code available.
• Works with STM32, XMC4, XCM1, Tricore, HCS12, and other ARM Cortex based microcontrollers.
• Easily portable to different microcontrollers.
• Supports common available communication interfaces such as RS232, CAN, TCP/IP, USB and Modbus RTU.
• Supports software updates from a locally attached storage such as an SD-card.
• Small ROM footprint.
• Highly configurable.
• Organized and well documented code.
• Extendable to support extra memory such as serial EEPROM or external Flash.
• Extendable to support a user defined backdoor entry.
• Professional support available.

OpenBLT is open source and licensed under version 3 of the GNU GPL. OpenBLT is free under this license and can be freely used and distributed under its terms.

The freedom that this GNU GPL license offers, comes with responsibilities and side effects that are not always desirable. This is especially the case if you want to integrate OpenBLT in your closed source product and/or don’t want your customers to know that your product contains OpenBLT.

As an alternative, OpenBLT can be made available under a commercial license. Under the commercial license, OpenBLT does not contain any references to the GNU GPL. Refer to the following license comparison matrix to determine the OpenBLT license your product requires.

Using the online quote generator, you can obtain both pricing information and the actual quote for your OpenBLT commercial license. To obtain the commercial license, simply submit a purchase order to Feaser using the instructions found on the quote. For additional information about the commercial license, feel free to contact Feaser (info@feaser.com).

The OpenBLT bootloader project is sponsored by Feaser. Feaser’s engineering services range from getting the OpenBLT running on your hardware all the way to creating a tailor-made bootloader solution that fits your specific requirements.

Feaser even offers maintenance and support contracts, so you can be certain there is always someone available to answer your questions and solve your bootloader related problems.

For more information, visit the Feaser website.