OTA, or Over-the-Air programming technology, enables embedded systems to be updated online through remote upgrades. With the rapid development of IoT, OTA technology has become a standard feature in smart home devices. IoT applications based on embedded MCUs are shown in the diagram below:

Figure 1: OTA Diagram

 MCU: The control core responsible for function control, display, touch buttons, and is the primary target for OTA upgrades.
RF Communication Module: Establishes network connectivity, handling the reception and transmission of data and commands, serving as the bridge between the MCU and the cloud.

1、MCU OTA Upgrade Process:

1)     Obtain the update command, such as automatic update or manual update.

2)     Program download: download the updated software package from the cloud and store it in the MCU Flash area.

3)     Program update: execute the IAP (In-Application Programming) operation to update the program.

4)     Update complete.

2、Traditional 8-bit MCU OTA Solution:
    "In the ROM area, the boot section is allocated to store the bootloader program. Due to limited storage space, downloading and erasing are done simultaneously, which poses a risk of erroneous erasure and can easily lead to a 'bricked' device."

Figure 2: Traditional Program Upgrade Process

3、SinOne OTA Backup Dual-Zone Upgrade Solution:
    Based on SinOne's extensive resources and eFlash technology MCU, the ROM storage is divided into an APP code area and a BUFFER backup area. The APP area stores the factory-installed functional code, while the BUFFER area is used to receive upgrade code downloaded from the cloud. Upon receiving an update command, the download task can be executed through the APP program or the Bootloader program, storing the downloaded code in the BUFFER area. After the download is completed and verified, the IAP operation is executed to copy the code from the BUFFER area to the APP area, completing the program update.

 Figure 3: SinOne OTA Process

SinOne OTA Technology Features:

4K Independent LDROM Zone: Stores the bootloader program

• Manages  application programs, enabling program jumps.

• Establishes  communication connections for OTA package downloads (user-defined).

• Performs program  package verification.

• Copies the  backup zone program to the running area to upgrade device firmware.

Up to 128K Flash ROM Zone: Divided into code area and backup area

• App Code Area:

• Runs APP services.

• Receives upgrade commands.

• Downloads program packages to the Buffer backup zone.

• Buffer Backup Zone:

• Stores upgrade files.




4、 Advantages of SinOne OTA Solution: