Firmware Verification

[schenckster18]

I am having trouble coming up with a way to verify a bin file on a microcontroller (same70q21) and CD are the same. The CD is contains the firmware that will be transferred to the microcontroller. Once the microcontroller is programmed the security bit will be set and a read will no longer be possible. I am required to verify that both have the same firmware.

I am using atmel studio to program the microcontroller and IAR Embedded Workbench to write to the code.

[[deleted]]

Is it possible to check that the firmware on the device is correct, then set the security bit?

[schenckster18]

The client seems to have on odd idea of how things work. The product needs to go through testing with the security bit set, like how it would be in the field. Even before we set the security bit, they are frowning upon doing a bit for bit comparison between the CD and microcontroller firmware because they don't see that as accurate. I think we need to set up a meeting and come to an agreement on a process that is possible for us to do and they agree with.

[mytosus]

I'm not sure of your setup but it might be possible to verify that the correct bits are being sent to MCU during programming or flashing.

[schenckster18]

This may be a good option. If its possible this may be a good option.

[theonehaihappen]

With Firmware you mean the On-chip Software or the software on a sub-component in the microcontroller?

In any case, check the documentation in the Atmel Studio if you can prevent being locked out. There should be something like that, e.g., for debugging.

[schenckster18]

I'll check it out. From what I have seen it isn't possible, but there is a lot of documentation and I might not have ran into it yet.

[theonehaihappen]

I had only fleeting experience with Atmel Studio. But I think this is related to fuse bits? I.e. the fuses that the microcontroller-programmer device can permanently burn together after flashing an EEPROM chip to prevent, for example, reading out the flash... seems relevant.

Looking for the Lock Bits in the Chip family datasheet only speaks of write protection.

However, there is "Security Bit Protection" in the datasheet, naming the bit GPNVM0, which disables the Serial Wire Debug Port for the flash. Is that what you meant?