Meta Boot Loader

[Scott C. Karlin]

Thanks, Dale.

I was able to "open" the socket.  Since it required considerable
force, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they really want
to get the chip out.  Is there a trick or a tool to close the lid
when the time comes?  It seems like it will require more force
than I am comfortable exerting on the board.

-Scott


Paige, Dale W writes:
> 
> Scott - 
> 
> For a low cost solution I think that you should consider 2.  If you can load
> your own bootloader, or maybe the cygmon monitor for the SA1 then you should
> only have to deal with reprogramming the flash a few times.  Once you have
> some way to boot code you can then use the BSP code as an example of how to
> program the flash form your program.  When that is successfully integrated
> into a bootable option you should not have to open the flash packages.
> 
> To open them you need to be careful.  There are some arrows on the top
> pointing in the direct that it must be slid (away from the "front" of the
> board).  Once the tabs protruding from the front have cleared you can gently
> lift the lid, it kind or hinges on the protrusions on the "back" side of
> the socket.  Note the orientation of the flash in the socket.  Save the
> originals, you can do some stuff just with the vxWorks bootup interface, and
> the Angel and diagnostics are totally functional.
> 
> 
>    Happy coding    -   Dale
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Scott C. Karlin [mailto:scott at CS.Princeton.EDU]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2000 5:27 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)?
> 
> -Scott