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8-bit Bootloader

What Is a Bootloader? 

The 8-bit Microchip Device Firmware Update (MDFU) Client Library enables the creation of bootloaders for 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs). The solution uses the Microchip Firmware Image Builder (pyfwimagebuilder) tool to generate the application image file (.img) and MDFU (pymdfu) host tool to program the new image using a newly designed File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Currently, only UART communication is supported but I2C and SPI support are coming soon.

A bootloader is used when users or manufacturers want to update their device's firmware in the field with a new application, without needing a conventional programmer and, while minimizing device downtime. To do this, the device in the field needs some communication method that can transfer data between the device that needs an update—the target device—and a PC or other device with the new application firmware—the host app—that needs to be installed. This implies that the device in the field must contain the end application and another piece of software that controls the loading and unloading of that end application.

Open 8-bit MDFU Client Library Release Notes
Browse MPLAB Discover Bootloader Examples

Key Features of the MDFU Client Library

  • The MDFU library utilizes a newly designed File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to communicate with the host
  • The MDFU host can be used to update firmware on any device that implements the FTP
  • The MDFU library creates an improved code architecture for expanding feature support and maximizes code portability between 8-bit devices 
  • Requires no information about the target device before the update begins
  • Contains GUI-based interface with drop-down selection menus
  • Minimizes code space required for the bootloader code
  • Simple installation within MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC)
  • Generates a source file that will:
    • Determine if a valid application is loaded
    • Determine if it is time to run the bootloader or the end application
    • Communicate with the host
  • Erases and rewrites the device
  • Transfers control to the end application
  • Detects a failed boot load and reports the failure
  • Protects from accidental self-overwrite of the bootloader code
Library Documentation
8-bit Microchip Device Firmware Update (MDFU) Client Library Release Notes
Getting Started Guide, API Reference and Update Image Specification Documents View Here
MDFU Protocol Specification Document View Here
Microchip Firmware Image Builder Tool pyfwimagebuilder
Microchip Device Firmware Upgrade Host Tool pymdfu
Known Issues for MCC Melody 8-bit MDFU Client Library Known Issues Document
Title Link
Unified Bootloader Host Application Download
Unified Bootloader Host Application (Classic) Download
Unified Bootloader Host Application User Guide Download