Pulling firmware from consumer devices

bitrex · 2012-04-10T01:15:05+00:00

I have a little media player box that I'd like to be able to pull the firmware from and run through a disassembler. I'm fairly certain that one of the chips on the board is an SPI flash memory; the trouble is that I can't pull up anything resembling a datasheet on the Web based on its markings.So to do what I'd like to do, assuming I'm not able to identify the chip, I have to a) confirm that it is indeed an SPI flash chip, or if not, what protocol it is using; b) identify the SCLK, MOSI, MISO, etc. lines; c) somehow solder a header to the chip on the board (it's a 64 pin Type II TSSOP); d) read from the device in-situ while the device is powered up and still connected to its host processor (is this possible?)Obviously I have not attempted something like this before, so any suggestions for a plan of attack would be much appreciated!

Apr 10, 2012 22 Replies

Rate this thread:

Jan Panteltje 14 years ago

On a sunny day (Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:18:44 -0400) it happened Spehro Pefhany wrote in :

OK, Leonardo has copyright on the invention of the helicopter. He can have it:-)

Vote

Spehro Pefhany 14 years ago

There is certainly an advantage to be had in defining when history starts for a given situation.

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward" speff@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com

Vote

Neanderthal 14 years ago

You all owe me for every time you have ever used fire. That includes inside your car engine's combustion chambers. :-)

Vote

Join the Discussion

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

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required