Ipl - Motorola MC3000R - Win CE 5.0 Core 312 MHz Integration Manual

4 - 24 MC3000 Integrator Guide
Non-FFS Partitions
Non-FFS partitions include additional software and data pre-loaded on the mobile computer that can be upgraded.
Unlike FFS Partitions, these partitions are not visible when the operating system is running. They also contain
system information. Non-FFS partitions include the following:
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Windows CE: The complete Windows CE operating system is stored on Flash devices. If necessary, the
entire OS image may be downloaded to the mobile computer using files provided by Motorola. The current
OS partition on the mobile computer is included as part of the TCM installation package. Any upgrades must
be obtained from Motorola. This partition is mandatory for the mobile computer.
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Splash Screen: a bitmap smaller than 16 Kb (and limited to 8 bits per pixel) is displayed as the mobile
computer cold boots. To download a customized screen to display, see Creating a Splash Screen on page
4-21.
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IPL: This program interfaces with the host computer and allows downloading via cradle or serial cable any or
all of the partitions listed above, as well as updated versions of IPL. Use caution downloading updated IPL
versions; incorrect downloading of an IPL causes permanent damage to the mobile computer. IPL is
mandatory for the mobile computer.
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Partition Table: Identifies where each partition is loaded in the mobile computer.
Downloading Partitions to the Mobile Computer
TCM is used to specify a hex destination file for each partition and download each file to the mobile computer. This
download requires a program loader stored on the mobile computer. The mobile computer comes with a program
loading utility, Initial Program Loader (IPL), stored in the mobile computer's write-protected flash.

IPL

IPL allows the user to upgrade the mobile computer with software updates and/or feature enhancements.
Partition Update vs. File Update
There are two types of updates supported by the mobile computer: partitions and files. The file system used by the
mobile computer is the same as the file system used on a desktop computer. A file is a unit of data that can be
accessed using a file name and a location in the file system. When a file is replaced, only the contents of the
previous file are erased. The operating system must be running for a file to be updated, so the IPL cannot perform
individual file updates as it is a stand-alone program that does not require the operating system to be running.
A typical partition is a group of files, combined into a single "partition" that represents a specific area of storage.
Examples of partitions are the flash file systems such as Platform or Application. (Using the desktop computer
comparison, these partitions are roughly equivalent to a C: or D: hard disk drive.) In addition to the "hard disk"
partitions, some partitions are used for single items such as the operating system, monitor, or splash screen.
(Again using a desktop computer comparison, these partitions are roughly the equivalent of the BIOS or special
hidden system files.) When a partition is updated, all data that was previously in its storage region is erased - i.e. it
is not a merge but rather a replacement operation. Typically, the operating system is not running when partitions
are update, so IPL can perform partition updates.
Partition images for selected partitions can be created by TCM. All partition images suitable for use by IPL are in
hex file format for transfer by TCM from the development computer to the mobile computer.
Upgrade Requirements
Upgrade requirements:
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The hex files to be downloaded (on development computer)