MICROSAR Bootloader

The Security option for the Vector Bootloader protects your ECU against unauthorized flashing and execution of secured software. It includes cryptographic functions from Cryptovision and supports extended Seed/Key methods for ECU access protection on request.

The data compression option lets you reduce the size of your flash data efficiently. It uses an LZ77-based method optimized for automotive ECUs and is available for all supported microcontrollers. 

Many automotive OEMs require data compression to accelerate flash procedures at a constant baud rate. Compression reduces flashing time even for smaller data volumes and offers the highest savings for large datasets, for example in infotainment systems. It also supports short cycle times, such as those in end-of-line programming. 

The "Pipelined programming" option lets you program flash memory while receiving the next data block. This uses the programming time to transfer additional data and shortens download time. 

The "Pipelined verification" option verifies written flash data in parallel with incoming data, similar to pipelined programming. 

The "Delta download" option reduces time and bandwidth during updates. Instead of transferring the entire software, it only downloads the changes compared to the previous version. The ECU generates the updated software level locally. 

Vector provides a Bootloader for ECU reprogramming via vehicle bus systems that meets OEM specifications and aligns with the target hardware. This allows you to update the application or selected parts of it without removing the ECU. The Bootloader remains stored in the ECU’s flash memory for its entire lifetime, maintaining control over the reprogramming process. 

If requirements change over time, you may need to replace the Bootloader. You can do this in the vehicle using a dedicated updater configured for the specific Bootloader. 

The Bootloader Updater supports in-vehicle replacement of the Vector Bootloader. It uses the controller’s security mechanisms for power-up handling to reduce the risk of ECU failure caused by external disturbances.

The Universal Measurement and Calibration Protocol (XCP) is designed for measuring and calibrating internal ECU parameters. It supports multiple physical interfaces, including CAN, FlexRay, Ethernet, USB, and SPI/SCI.

With XCP, you can also reprogram ECUs without removing them from the vehicle. In addition to the XCP software module in the ECU, you need a calibration tool such as CANape from Vector.

The Vector Bootloader for AUTOSAR-conformant ECUs is also available with extensions for POSIX-compatible operating systems such as Linux. Communication with the flash tool runs via Ethernet using ISO 13400-2 (DoIP), in line with OEM-specific download specifications.

Based on the Linux runtime environment, the Bootloader supports both address-based and file-based software downloads. This enables efficient updates, including updates of individual software components, during development, in production, and in service.

Additional security options protect ECUs that handle sensitive vehicle data. The Vector Bootloader is available for all major automotive OEMs and embedded Linux systems. On request, the basic software can also be adapted for other POSIX-compatible operating systems.