Ipl; Partition Update Vs. File Update; Upgrade Requirements - Symbol MC50 User Manual

6-20 MC50 Integrator Guide

IPL

IPL allows upgrading the mobile computer with software updates and/or feature enhancements.

Partition Update vs. File Update

There are two types of update 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 accessed using a file name and a location in the
file system. Replacing a file erases only the contents of the previous file. The operating system must be running to update a file, 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 or monitor. (Again using a desktop computer comparison, these partitions are similar to the BIOS or special
hidden system files.) Updating a partition erases all data in its storage region, i.e., it is not a merge but rather a replacement
operation. Typically, the operating system is not running when updating partitions, 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:

• The hex files to download (on development computer)
• A connection from the host computer and the mobile computer (either serial or wireless)
• TCM (on development computer) to download the files.
After meeting these requirements, upgrade the mobile computer by invoking IPL and navigating the menus. See
Image using an MMC/SD Card on page 6-13 for procedures on downloading a hex file to the mobile computer.
Downloading the Hex