Emerson MVME7100 MOTLoad Firmware, Overview, Implementation and Memory Requirements, Utilities

MOTLoad Firmware

6

6.1Overview

The MOTLoad firmware package serves as a board power-up and initialization package, as well as a vehicle from which user applications can be booted. A secondary function of the MOTLoad firmware is to serve in some respects as a test suite providing individual tests for certain devices. This chapter includes a list of standard MOTLoad commands, the default VME and firmware settings that are changeable by the user, remote start, and the alternate boot procedure.

MOTLoad is controlled through an easy-to-use, UNIX-like, command line interface. The MOTLoad software package is similar to many end-user applications designed for the embedded market, such as the real time operating systems currently available.

Refer to the MOTLoad Firmware Package User’s Manual, listed in Appendix B, Related Documentation, for more details.

6.2Implementation and Memory Requirements

The implementation of MOTLoad and its memory requirements are product specific. The MVME7100 single-board computer (SBC) is offered with a range of memory (for example, DRAM or flash). Typically, the smallest amount of on-board DRAM that a SBC has is 32 MB. Each supported product line has its own unique MOTLoad binary image(s). Currently the largest MOTLoad compressed image is less than 1 MB in size.

6.3MOTLoad Commands

MOTLoad supports two types of commands (applications): utilities and tests. Both types of commands are invoked from the MOTLoad command line in a similar fashion. Beyond that, MOTLoad utilities and MOTLoad tests are distinctly different.

6.3.1Utilities

The definition of a MOTLoad utility application is very broad. Simply stated, it is considered a MOTLoad command if it is not a MOTLoad test. Typically, MOTLoad utility applications are applications that aid the user in some way (that is, they do something useful). From the perspective of MOTLoad, examples of utility applications are: configuration, data/status displays, data manipulation, help routines, data/status monitors, etc.

MVME7100 Single Board Computer Installation and Use (6806800E08A) 81