The ZC.Qinglong BootLoader is an independently developed program refreshing software (BootLoader) by ZC. Controllers using the ZC.QingLong BootLoader can achieve application program updates through communication methods such as CAN, LIN, SPI, and UART. The ZC.Qinglong BootLoader supports chips from multiple manufacturers including NXP, Infineon, Renesas, and ST, and adheres to the program refreshing standards of various vehicle manufacturers, offering customized development services.

Building upon the original Bootloader capabilities, the ZC.Qinglong BootLoader has implemented Master and Slave chip communication for flashing on the KW45 platform: the controller can forward CAN messages intended for the Master side to the Slave side using an SPI transmission method via a CAN-to-SPI module, and the Slave side processes the forwarded diagnostic messages for software updates. This feature not only provides a secure interface for Slave side refreshing, increases the efficiency of software program updates on the Slave side, but also supports the standards of various vehicle manufacturers and can provide customized development services based on customer requirements. 

The ZC.Qinglong BootLoader can be applied to the controller program refreshing function based on the KW45 chip. The supported application scenarios include:

Ø  Key

    Hands-free Unlocking/hands-free Start(PEPS)

Ø  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

    Sensors

Ø  Wireless Control System Car sharing

    Wireless Vehicle Diagnostics Functions

Currently, the electronic and electrical architecture in vehicles is becoming increasingly complex, accompanied by the electrification, intelligence, connectivity, and sharing of automobiles. The proportion of software development in automobiles is also growing larger. For example, the Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) system, as a new generation of anti-theft technology, is gradually growing and maturing. It has already expanded from high-end sedans to a broader range of applications. The requirement for PEPS from vehicle manufacturers and suppliers is increasing day by day, and they need to support the development of Bootloaders for related chips.The KW45 is a tri-core architecture chip, integrating a 96 MHz CM33 application core, a dedicated CM3 radio core, and an isolated EdgeLock security enclave. It also features a dedicated SRAM core for flash-based radios, providing highly configurable and upgradeable software to implement radio functions, making it a favored choice. Moreover, the KW45 MCU integrates a FlexCAN module, which supports the flexible data rate of CAN (CAN FD) to increase bandwidth and reduce latency. This supports functions in scenarios such as car sharing and wireless onboard diagnostics. It also provides more feasibility for remote diagnostics and remote monitoring in industrial fields. However, all these factors lead to an increasing frequency of software updates. Moreover, throughout the entire life cycle of a vehicle, including the R&D stage, production stage, and after-sales stage, software update functions need to be implemented in each stage. Therefore, the requirement for Bootloaders from customers is becoming more and more urgent.

 For vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, the Bootloader is an essential function for controller development. Moreover, different vehicle manufacturers have different program update specifications, and the Bootloader driver depends on different chips. Therefore, to meet the different program update requirements of vehicle manufacturers and to adapt to different chips, Zhichong Technology provides a complete Bootloader solution—ZC.QingLong Bootloader. The ZC.QingLong Bootloader is suitable for different vehicle manufacturer program update specifications and different chips from various chip manufacturers, allowing customers to focus more on their own controller product development.

Ø  Applicable to the program update specifications of up to more than ten vehicle manufacturers

Ø  Supports chips from multiple chip manufacturers.

Ø  Supports mainstream compilers in the industry.

Ø  Supports update functions for applications and data.

Ø  Supports HIS specifications.

Ø  Supports communication protocols such as CAN and SPI.

Ø  Compatible with ZC.XuanWu program update tool, providing a complete program update solution.

ZC.XuanWu—Program Update Tool

The ZC.QingLong BootLoader software adopts a layered architecture, which consists of the following layers: Hardware Driver Layer (HwDrv), ECU Abstraction Layer (EcuAbstr), System Service Layer (SysSer), and Boot Management Layer (BootManager). The entire software is modularized, with each layer having specific functions:

Ø  HwDrv

The hardware driver layer implements the hardware module drivers for the chip. It is dependent on the specific chip, and the drivers in this layer need to be replaced for different chips.

Ø  EcuAbstr

The ECU abstraction layer provides an abstraction of the ECU, including the external drivers of the MCU.

Ø  SysSer

The system service layer implements functions such as communication, diagnostics, memory management, watchdog management, and security algorithms.

Ø  BootManager

The boot management layer is responsible for scheduling and managing the entire BootLoader software module, as well as managing the interface with the application program.