Introduction

There are three methods to update the USB connect LPWA modem firmware :

• Firmware update over AT (FOAT)

• Firmware update over the Air (uFOTA)

• EasyFlash (restricted use)

Firmware update over AT (FOAT)

FOAT is a method to update the firmware by transferring the related file from an external device (e.g.application host processor) to the module through the AT interface.

t.b.d.

Automatic Firmware update over the Air - uFOTA

uFOTA is a managed and automated FOTA service based on WM2M protocol by u-blox. This service is able to manage the upgrading of multiple modules to new firmware version with one campaign.

Recommendations:

• uFOTA campaign shall only be planned, if the USB connect LPWA devices are ensured to have a proper power supply while the update is conducted.

• If the devices are battery powered, be aware that the uFOTA will shorten the battery lifetime.

• The update of individual devices might take up to 20min.

• Devices shall check for FW updates once per day (AT+UFOTACONF=2,86400)

• FW updates will consume data volume from your data plan.

Remark:

• By default-setting, the devices are configured not support regular uFOTA update checks.

• Exelonix GmbH can not grant warranty on devices that conducted a uFOTA campaign.

Immediate uFOTA on individual Devices

Version & Profile Check

Check if you have installed the latest firmware. And the version number should now be higher than L0.0.00.00.05.08 [Apr 17 2019 19:34:02]

>  ATI

Manufacturer: u-blox
Model: SARA-R410M-02B
Revision: L0.0.00.00.05.08 [Apr 17 2019 19:34:02]
SVN: 03
IMEI: 352753098853359

OK

uFOT requires Vodafone Global Roaming" profile (197), therefore check if the "Vodafone Global Roaming" profile (197) is present and has version 7.2, otherwise contact: info@exelonix.com

>  AT+UMNOPROF=,1

OK

>  AT+UMNOPROF=?

+UMNOPROF:

0: SW default

1: SIM ICCID select

2: ATT 7.1

6: China Telecom 7.0

31: DT 7.0

8: Sprint 7.0

100: Standard Europe 7.0

4: Telstra 7.0

21: TELUS 7.0

5: TMO 7.0

19: Vodafone 7.0

3: Verizon 7.0

197: Vodafone-global-roaming 7.2

OK

uFOTA Preparation

Execute the following commands:

>  ATI

Manufacturer: u-blox
Model: SARA-R410M-02B
Revision: L0.0.00.00.05.08 [Apr 17 2019 19:34:02]
SVN: 03
IMEI: 352753098853359

OK

>  ATI9

L0.0.00.00.05.08,A.02.04

OK

>  AT+COPS?

+COPS: 0,0,"262 02 DATA ONLY",9

OK

> AT+CGDCONT?

+CGDCONT: 1,"IP","vgesace.nb.iot","10.254.46.22",0,0,0,0

OK

Activate uFOTA (must return +UFOTACONF: 1, 1)

> AT+UFOTACONF=1

+UFOTACONF: 1, 1

OK

For immediate uFOTA update: set the Timer to one update check per hour (AT+UFOTACONF=2,3600).

Shorter timers <20min are not recommended, since URC may not be presented correctly or you may experience problems with the LWM2M client.

After the uFOTA update, set the update timing back:

• to one update check per day: AT+UFOTACONF=2,86400 or

• deactivate uFOTA (recommended): AT+UFOTACONF=2,-1

How to specify a campaign (automated updates on multiple USB Connect LPWA devices)

Devices need to be configured to check for FW updates (i.e. once per day: AT+UFOTACONF=2,86400), otherwise a campaign of firmware updates is not possible.

The following information is required to be sent to ublox:

• The product type: USB Connect LPWA (SARA-R410-02B)

• Old FW version: L0.0.00.00.05.08 please specify

• New FW version: L0.0.00.00.05.?? please specify

• The IMEI list of the device participating in the campaign:please specify

• The MNO provider: Vodafone

•  The location area: please specify

•  The requested schedule (date, time, duration) for the campaign: please specify

To initiate a uFOTA campaign (roll-out of new Firmware) send the information to support_eu@u-blox.com.

Remark:

• After the confirmed start of the campaign, do not disconnect the power supply of the devices before the update has been carried out.
  
  

EasyFlash

Definition

EasyFlash is a tool for the Windows OS to download the firmware from a PC through a serial interface (USB or UART).

Note : The EasyFlash Tool is not a public tool and could only be used internally !

If you are interested in this solution, contact the team of exelonix GmbH.

  Exelonix GmbH
  Washingtonstr. 16/16A
  D-01139 Dresden
  Germany

   Phone: +49 (0) 351 – 219 71 444
  E-Mail info@exelonix.com
  Website: www.exelonix.com