[U-Boot-Users] [RFC] Host tool to perform semiautomatic updates

[llandre]

Hi all,

I need a tool running on host (Linux or Windows) that is able to 
interact with u-boot command line emulating a human operator. Also it 
must be able to retrieve from a text file a sequential list of commands 
it must issue.
One of the purpose is to have a simple procedure to perform on-the-field 
upgrades with just a laptop connected to the target via serial cable 
(I'm aware about this 
http://www.denx.de/wiki/view/UBootdoc/AutomaticUpdates but I need a 
procedure that does not require USB nor ethernet).

For example it should be able to parse and execute a "script" like this:

- wait U-Boot startup messages
- interrupt autoboot sequence
- download new linux kernel image
- erase flash region
- program new linux kernel image
- verify new linux kernel image is stored correctly
- in case it failed, retry the erase/writing cycle until it is ok or 
retry counter is reached
- notify human operator about success/failure

So the human operator should just:
a) connect the target to the laptop via RS232 cable
b) start the program on laptop
c) reset the target

 From now on the program will handle all the communication with the 
target and the human operator will have just to wait for notification.

Anybody knows is there is something like this available? If not, any 
suggestions about how to implement it?


Thanks in advance,
llandre

DAVE Electronics System House - R&D Department
web:   http://www.dave.eu
email: r&d2 at dave-tech.it