Motload Firmware; Overview; Implementation And Memory Requirements; Motload Commands - SMART Embedded Computing MVME7100ET Installation And Use Manual

MOTLoad Firmware

6.1

Overview

The MOTLoad firmware package serves as a board power-up and initialization package,
as well as a vehicle from which user applications can be booted. A secondary function of
the MOTLoad firmware is to serve in some respects as a test suite providing individual tests
for certain devices. This chapter includes a list of standard MOTLoad commands, the
default VME and firmware settings that are changeable by the user, remote start, and the
alternate boot procedure.
MOTLoad is controlled through an easy-to-use, UNIX-like, command line interface. The
MOTLoad software package is similar to many end-user applications designed for the
embedded market, such as the real time operating systems currently available.
Refer to the MOTLoad Firmware Package User's Manual, listed in
Documentation, for more details.
6.2

Implementation and Memory Requirements

The implementation of MOTLoad and its memory requirements are product specific. The
MVME7100ET single-board computer (SBC) is offered with a range of memory (for
example, DRAM or flash). Typically, the smallest amount of on-board DRAM that a SBC
has is 32MB. Each supported product line has its own unique MOTLoad binary image(s).
Currently the largest MOTLoad compressed image is less than 1MB in size.
6.3

MOTLoad Commands

MOTLoad supports two types of commands (applications): utilities and tests. Both types of
commands are invoked from the MOTLoad command line in a similar fashion. Beyond that,
MOTLoad utilities and MOTLoad tests are distinctly different.
6.3.1

Utilities

The definition of a MOTLoad utility application is very broad. Simply stated, it is considered
a MOTLoad command if it is not a MOTLoad test. Typically, MOTLoad utility applications
are applications that aid the user in some way (that is, they do something useful). From the
perspective of MOTLoad, examples of utility applications are: configuration, data/status
displays, data manipulation, help routines, data/status monitors, etc.
Operationally, MOTLoad utility applications differ from MOTLoad test applications in
several ways:
MVME7100ET Single Board Computer Installation and Use (6806800K87G)
Chapter 6
Appendix B, Related
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