Meta Boot Loader

[Scott C. Karlin]

Great.  I posted the original message because it seemed from the
documentation that the boot loader was expecting a file in some
(potentially proprietary) VxWorks format.  I was thinking that
the boot loader required a file which had to be built using VxWorks.

If the boot loader can load our code directly, this is just what we
want.  I guess we just need to get the details of the initial boot
loader.  For example, what is the format of the file it pulls over?
Where in memory is the image placed?  (i.e., where do we need to
link our text, bss, and data sections.)

-Scott


Raghunandan, Makaram writes:
> 
> The VxWorks boot image that is on the Flash ROM of IXP1200 Evaluation
> system does exactly what you need.  The initial boot loader comes up
> initializes the Chip, and, the Ethernet NIC.  After that the full
> suite of VxWorks is pulled over from the network.  Now, in your case,
> you can use this method to load your OS rather than the default file.
>
> Another alternative is to use the Angel Debug Monitor that is also
> loaded on the FlashROM. The ARM SDT (from ARM LTD.) can be used in
> conjunction with this to load any program on to the StrongARM core.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Scott C. Karlin [mailto:scott at CS.Princeton.EDU]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2000 8:27 PM
> To: ixp1200 at CS.Princeton.EDU
> Subject: Meta Boot Loader
> 
> 
> We'd like to begin porting our own operating system (Scout)
> to the StrongARM core of the IXP1200.  To do this we'll
> need a way to get code into the device.  We have a couple
> of thoughts on this and would like to get some feedback
> (especially from the Intel folks who are on the list).
> We basically need a way to load a raw image into the core
> and start running it.  We are not using VxWorks or eCOS.
> 
> Approaches:
> 
>    1.  Purchase or lease a NetROM device.
>    2.  Use a device programmer to program the flash EEPROM.
>        Is the flash in a socket?  The chip packaging looks
>        unfamiliar.
>    3.  Use a Meta Boot Loader.  This is code that runs
>        under VxWorks.  The preprogrammed boot loader in
>        ROM can load the meta boot loader which will, in
>        turn, load our OS code.  
> 
> Number 3 has the advantage that it is an all software solution.
> The problem is that it appears to need a VxWorks executable
> (the meta boot loader) but we aren't interested in purchasing
> a license for this one little program.  Is this something
> that someone else has done (or could do)?