DESC:FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

Title: AUTO FAULT DETECTABLE AND AUTO CONFIGURABLE MODULAR HARDWARE PLATFORM WITH REMOTELY AND INSTANTANEOUSLY REPROGRAMMABLE ON THE FLY

APPLICANT DETAILS:
(a) NAME: BHARAT ELECTRONICS LIMITED
(b) NATIONALITY: Indian
(c) ADDRESS: Outer Ring Road, Nagavara, Bangalore 560045, Karnataka India

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The following specification (particularly) describes the nature of the invention (and the manner in which it is to be performed):

AUTO FAULT DETECTABLE AND AUTO CONFIGURABLE MODULAR HARDWARE PLATFORM WITH REMOTELY AND INSTANTANEOUSLY REPROGRAMMABLE ON THE FLY

FIELD OF INVENTION:
The invention is directed to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly, to systems and methods for upgrading firmware in electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication expressly or implicitly referenced is prior art.
While hardware design and development is the first phase in creating our devices, the firmware is what ensures a proper functioning of the hardware components. More often than not, our devices are running multiple programs at a time, which will eventually degrade the system performance and will slow the pace of operations. The obvious solution that people consider in such cases is to replace the old, worn out hardware with new parts. The other and the better way out is to update the firmware that the system runs on. Firmware updates are far more cost-effective and simpler when compared to replacing the hardware.
For example, US Patent Application US12/690,617 discloses an electronic device includes an input/output (I/O) interface and a plurality of memory elements comprising a non-volatile memory portion for storing a default firmware and a working memory portion having a firmware area. The device also includes a controller coupled to the I/O interface and the memory elements, where the controller is configured for operating the memory elements, according to the firmware area, and for monitoring the I/O interface. In the device, the controller is also configured for loading the default firmware into the firmware area when the controller is enabled and for granting access to the firmware area for loading an alternate firmware if a bypass code is detected at the I/O interface.

The US Patent Application US12/852,952 discloses a processing device including a control unit and a power amplifier is disclosed. The control unit generates a plurality of control signals according to an input signal. The power amplifier includes a plurality of switches. The control signals control the switches to turn on or off such that a short through current does not occur in the power amplifier.
The cited US Patent US11/945,893 discusses methods and apparatus that provide a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) for a robot are disclosed. A HAL can reside as a software layer or as a firmware layer residing between robot control software and underlying robot hardware and/or an operating system for the hardware. The HAL provides a relatively uniform abstract for aggregates of underlying hardware such that the underlying robotic hardware is transparent to perception and control software, i.e., robot control software. This advantageously permits robot control software to be written in a robot-independent manner. Developers of robot control software are then freed from tedious lower level tasks. Portability is another advantage. For example, the HAL efficiently permits robot control software developed for one robot to be ported to another. In one example, the HAL permits the same navigation algorithm to be ported from a wheeled robot and used on a humanoid legged robot.
In US Patent Application document US12/615,325 discloses a method for determining if a system is compatible with an upgrade to a hardware resource of the system, receiving instructions from a remote server to upgrade the hardware resource if the system is compatible, and programming the hardware resource based on the instructions. In one such embodiment, the hardware resource may be programmed via programmable fuses to enable circuitry of the hardware resource. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
In brief, there is a requirement of automatic fault detection in firmware, which requires automatic and remote programmable upgradation of firmware of the systems without replacing the existing hardware.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:
The primary object of the present invention is to overcome the problem stated in the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform with remotely and instantaneously reprogrammable on the fly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention provides an auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform comprising:
a) a master controller card (MCC) which communicates at least four slave controller cards (SCCs) through a RS485 interface;
b) a host/exciter unit, where the master controller card (MCC) communicates with the host/exciter unit through an Ethernet/RS485/RS232/SPI interface;
c) an redundant interfaces comprises a LAN, a UART through the RS485 and the RS232, and the SPI interfaces connected with the host/exciter unit;
where when only one interface is required, the primary interface is LAN only, while UART through RS485 and RS232, and SPI interfaces are secondary or redundant.
In an embodiment, the plurality of DIP switches on the modular hardware platform, where based on the switch settings which are read during the power on by the master controller, the master controller identifies the required program image for self-loading or programming or power on auto configuration.
In an embodiment, the programming of the host/exciter unit is performed through an Ethernet or the UART.
In an embodiment, the new image is first loaded to a QSPI memory of MCC and SCC, where once new image is transferred to the QSPI memory, then “new image flag” is set in the MCC.
In an embodiment, the new image is booted from the QSPI during the overhead time if “new image flag”, where as soon as the “new image flag” is detected, new image booting is initiated during overhead time within a same frame and is named as instantaneous remote programming.
In an embodiment, the primary interface fails, the modular hardware platform automatically switches to the next interface based on priority.
In an embodiment, the master controller card and the slave controller card is configured through a single dip switch which is read during the power on.
The present invention provides a method of operation of an auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform comprising steps of:
a) communicating at least four slave controller cards (SCCs) through a RS485 interface by a master controller card (MCC);
b) communicating the master controller card (MCC) with the host/exciter unit through an Ethernet/RS485/RS232/SPI interface; and
c) connecting an redundant interfaces through the RS485 and the RS232, and the SPI interfaces connected with the host/exciter unit;
where when only one interface is required, the primary interface is LAN only, while UART through RS485 and RS232, and SPI interfaces are secondary or redundant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of their scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1: illustrates a detailed block diagram of hardware architecture.
Fig. 2: illustrates a flow diagram for remote programming and reprogrammable on the fly to change the functionalities of the hardware platform without the necessity to switch off the system.
Fig. 3: illustrates a remote programming the Personnel Computer (PC)/ Host/ Exciter through Ethernet.
Fig. 4: illustrates a remote programming the Personnel Computer (PC)/ Host/ Exciter through UART.
Fig. 5: illustrates a flow diagram showing priority of interface between host and MCC.
Fig. 6: illustrates a flow diagram showing interface between SCC and MCC.
Fig. 7: illustrates a flexible interface with LCD

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.
Embodiments in the present invention relates to visualized instantaneous remote reprograming on the fly hardware platform architecture. The present invention ensures system’s intended operation even during system up gradation without the necessity to spare a single frame. In addition, the same electronic embodiment with upgradable firmware is constructed as auto configurable hardware platform through auto fault detection and switching over to an alternate interface. Selection of an alternate interface out of redundant interfaces support the system’s intended operation during the complete mission time without the necessity for immediate manual repairing. Further, the present invention provides a modular hardware platform with flexible interconnections and with support for instantaneous display of monitoring status. This increases the module reusability, reduces Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) and maintenance efforts. Digital hardware platforms enabled with aforementioned arrangements are the preferred platforms for the mission critical applications.
In the following description, for purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present disclosure, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.
However, the systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Further, structures and devices shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are meant to avoid obscuring of the present disclosure.
It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
An objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic device with instantaneous remotely programmable on the fly hardware platform to achieve more mission time and remote programing to support the up gradation.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic device with an auto configurable hardware through auto fault detection and switching over.
Further objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic device with modular hardware platform with flexible interconnections with redundant interfaces to reduce Mean Time to Repair, MTTR, and instantaneous display of monitoring status.
In the present invention, the control system is based on current state of the art technology providing complete solution for medium and long range communication in High Frequency, HF, band. The present invention further relates to the Master Controller Card, MCC, and Slave controller card, SCC, of a system. Wherein, the hardware platform used in MCC and SCC of a system is the same. The system here is a personnel computer or a host computer or an exciter. But the MCC and SCC of a system differ in terms of hardware configuration, software configuration, functionalities, and interworking systems.
Figure 1 is a detailed block diagram of hardware architecture of the computer system according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. Basically, the system as shown in Figure 1, consists of Master Controller Card, MCC, which communicates to the four Slave Controller Card’s, SCCs, through RS485 interface. The MCC also communicates with Host/exciter unit through Ethernet/RS485/RS232/SPI interface. Slave Controller Card communicates with MCC through RS485 interface. Wherein, the commands, data and the functionalities differ based on the positioning of the controller card, this controller of the present invention has been designed by accommodating all the functionalities required to be used as a single controller card hardware platform as MCC and SCC. Redundant interfaces are provided for the futuristic purpose that can be used through reconfiguration in case of the failure of the primary interface. LAN, UART through RS485 and RS232, and SPI interfaces are provided with Host/Exciter. When only one interface is required, the primary interface is LAN only, while UART through RS485 and RS232, and SPI interfaces are secondary or redundant.
Many salient features have been added to enrich the reuse of the existing hardware or systems across many applications and to reuse the same module in ‘n’ number of places in the same system or subsystem. These salient features added in the hardware platform are: 1) reconfigurable hardware either with hardware settings or through software configuration, 2) remote programming and reprogrammable on the fly to change the functionalities of the hardware platform without the necessity to switch off the system and to remove the hardware platform from the system for programming, 3) a compact hardware with huge peripherals support for interfacing options, 4) 100 % utilization of micro controller pins to effectively utilise all the on chip peripherals meaning to support maximum number of standard interfaces to increase the reusability and to meet the futuristic needs, etc.
In an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 2, illustrates DIP switches are provided on the hardware platform. Based on the switch settings which are read during the power on by the controller, the controller identifies the required program image for self-loading or auto programming or power on auto configuration. Based on the requirement during the reprogramming, or due to the damage in the DIP switch interface, or in general to overcome the hardware based configuration issues, priority is provided to the operator initiated command through interactive device either remotely or through the Host with GUI through serial port UART or through LAN. Redundancy is provided for the critical interfaces such as UART and LAN to ensure the working interface used for monitoring and controlling. Instantaneous display for monitoring is provided to each LRU / SCC subsystem using LCD and alarm.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the software and hardware have been developed, where the hardware is made to be configurable. In addition, the interconnections with other boards are made through discrete cables; hence the extent of flexibility is extremely high. By making use of this flexible, modular, reconfigurable hardware platform, the usage of UARTs could be reconfigured to accommodate the remote programmability through a specific serial port.
In an embodiment of the present invention, discloses an instantaneous remotely programmable on the fly to achieve more mission time and remotely programmable to support the up gradation. Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrates remote programming of the Personnel Computer (PC)/ Host/ Exciter through Ethernet or UART feature, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the new image is first loaded to QSPI memory of MCC and SCC by making use of the set up provided in Figure 3 and Figure 4 without disturbing the current execution of the system. Once new image is transferred to QSPI memory, then “new image flag” is set in the controller. The new image is booted from QSPI during the overhead time if “new image flag” is set in the software. As soon as the “new image flag” is detected, new image booting will be initiated. Overhead time is the small cushion time within a frame time. So the new image can be booted during this overhead time within the same frame, and is named as instantaneous remote programming.
Referring to Figure 5 and 6, illustrates a flow diagram of auto configurable hardware through auto fault detection and switching over has a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates the master controller card being interfaced with the host using RS485, RS232, and SPI. The Master controller card and slave controller card are interfaced using two RS485 with one being redundant. This makes the module more reliable. The firmware is written in such a way that if the primary interface fails, the module automatically switches to the next interface based on priority. The priority of the interfaces is 1) RS485 2) SPI 3) RS232. This makes the module redundant and ensures no single point of failure. In auto configuration of the system (i): card functionalities as Master Controller Card and Slave Controller Card can be configured through a single dip switch which is read during the power on and accordingly the functionalities are executed. Further, in auto configuration of the system (ii): The selection of interface between the modules is auto configurable to increase the life span of the card, and to ensure more reliable operation. Redundant interfaces are automatically reconfigured in case of the failure of the primary / default interface which will be detected automatically by making use of the failure of the reception of the acknowledgement within the expected time.
In an embodiment of the present invention, discloses modular hardware platform with flexible interconnections with redundant interfaces to reduce MTTR and instantaneous display of monitoring status. Wherein, the hardware is designed in such a way that MCC and SCC can be used interchangeably by loading the appropriate software. This makes the module more modular and independent of the hardware. The main difference between MCC and SCC is MCC connects with host using RS485 interface whereas all SCCs connects with MCC using RS485 interface. The SCC collects the monitoring status information of its local system, displays on the LCD, and also sends its health status to MCC. The MCC will receive the health status from all SCC’s and display the information on the LCD.
The module provides redundant interfaces not only with host, but with other peripherals also. For example, the LCD interface used for the instantaneous display of monitoring data is having 3 interfaces to operate with 1) RS232 2) SPI 3) I2C. Hardware connections are provided with all 3 interfaces. An external switch is provided to select between RS232, SPI and I2C interfaces. By default, the interface used for LCD interface is RS232. The switch table to select the interface is given below:
SW.1 SW.2 Interface
Open Closed SPI
Closed Open I2C
Open Open RS232

All the monitoring status information is displayed instantly on LCD for the user access. The LCD interface driver is implemented in interrupt mode so that information is displayed instantly. Since the driver is written in bare metal and is not OS based, the processing speed is much faster making the module suitable for the mission critical applications.
The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.

,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. An auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform comprising:
a) a master controller card (MCC) which communicates at least four slave controller cards (SCCs) through a RS485 interface;
b) a host/exciter unit, where the master controller card (MCC) communicates with the host/exciter unit through an Ethernet/RS485/RS232/SPI interface;
c) an redundant interfaces comprises a LAN, a UART through the RS485 and the RS232, and the SPI interfaces connected with the host/exciter unit;
where when only one interface is required, the primary interface is LAN only, while UART through RS485 and RS232, and SPI interfaces are secondary or redundant.
2. The auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform as claimed in claim 1, comprises plurality of DIP switches on the modular hardware platform, where based on the switch settings which are read during the power on by the master controller, the master controller identifies the required program image for self-loading or programming or power on auto configuration.
3. The auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the programming of the host/exciter unit is performed through an Ethernet or the UART.
4. The auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein a new image is first loaded to a QSPI memory of MCC and SCC, where once new image is transferred to the QSPI memory, then “new image flag” is set in the MCC.
5. The auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the new image is booted from the QSPI during the overhead time if “new image flag”, where as soon as the “new image flag” is detected, new image booting is initiated during overhead time within a same frame and is named as instantaneous remote programming.
6. The auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein when primary interface fails, the modular hardware platform automatically switches to the next interface based on priority.
7. The auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master controller card and the slave controller card is configured through a single dip switch which is read during the power on.
8. A method of operation of an auto fault detectable and auto configurable modular hardware platform comprising steps of:
a) communicating at least four slave controller cards (SCCs) through a RS485 interface by a master controller card (MCC);
b) communicating the master controller card (MCC) with the host/exciter unit through an Ethernet/RS485/RS232/SPI interface; and
c) connecting an redundant interfaces through the RS485 and the RS232, and the SPI interfaces connected with the host/exciter unit;
where when only one interface is required, the primary interface is LAN only, while UART through RS485 and RS232, and SPI interfaces are secondary or redundant.