"No update" FLASH

Sep 15, 2026 Last reply: 15 hours ago 1 Replies

My design executes entirely out of RAM, fetching the binary at IPL (so the "boot rom" has fixed/unevolving responsibilities -- get it right first time)



I am strongly tempted to *prohibit* updates to it after deployment as that just seems like another opportunity for feeping creaturism and the potential for bricking devices (though, for the life of me, I can't see how FLASH updates should *ever* be capable of that sort of outcome, if designed properly!)



Are there any reasons I might *want* to leave that door open?


What CPU?

We use the RP2040 in a new product line, with a giant flash for the programs (dual CPUs) and for the FPGA config.

The Pi cpu has wonderful provisions for field code upgrades. It can't be bricked. So we can fix bugs or add features safely and easily, by email.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required