Software Release Notes - 4.5 Patch 2 (v4.5.264)

Introduction

These software release notes describe Release 4.5 Patch 2 of the Chameleon Firmware. This patch includes numerous new features, enhancements, and bug fixes. See below for details.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Chameleon.4.5.264.$cc (2.86 MB)
NIM2L.4.5.264.$cc (3.98 MB)

Note: These files are included in the Design Pad and/or Schema Viewer v4.5.2xx installation. They can be found in \Program Files\Fairmount Automation\<PROGRAM NAME> folder (where <PROGRAM NAME> is 'Design Pad G4' or 'Schema Viewer G4').

Release Date

April 24, 2012

Download Contents

These files contains the firmware v4.5.264 for Chameleon hardware.

Firmware for all modules except NIM-2: Chameleon.4.5.264.$cc
Firmware for NIM-2: NIM2L.4.5.264.$cc

File Signatures

INSTALLATION

Special Considerations

1. IMPORTANT NOTE: Because this patch changes the NIM-2 operating system there are additional actions that must be performed when compared to a standard firmware update. As such, the process to update the first firmware upgrade from a version prior to 4.5.264 on the NIM2 can take up to 10 minutes. The status LED can be steady or flashing green, amber and/or RED during that time. The board must not be removed from the node or power cycled during that time. Failure to follow this guideline will likely result in a nonfunctional board. This additional time for the firmware update is only needed for NIM-2 modules.
2. IMPORTANT NOTE: The NIM2 firmware in this release cannot be downgraded in the field to versions prior to v4.5.264. If after upgrading the user wants to return to a version prior to v4.5.264, the NIM2 must be returned to the factory. In general, please contact Fairmount Automation technical support if there is a desire to downgrade a product firmware to a version previous to that it shipped with. Also, it is recommended that you contact Fairmount Automation technical support if upgrading a NIM-2 from a version prior to v4.5.x.
3. The NIM-2 firmware files NIM2.4.5.xxx.$cc and NIM2_Release-kernel.4.5.xxx.bin are obsolete and replaced by NIM2L.4.5.xxx.$cc.
4. Power should not be removed during the firmware update process or the device may need to be returned to the factory.
5. As always, customers should ensure the updated software meets their requirements in a test environment prior to deploying in a production environment.

Installing the Firmware

IMPORTANT: When updating nodes that contain NIM-2 modules, the NIM-2s should be updated first and then the non-NIM-2 modules next. This will ensure that the NIM-2s maintain the needed network settings to perform the update over Ethernet.

Updating NIM-2 Modules:

1. Ensure the NIM-2(s) are configured (IP address loaded, etc.) to be on the same network as the computer that is performing the update.
2. Start Design Pad or Schema Viewer v4.5.230 or higher.
3. Select 'Use Ethernet' from the Communications Menu.

...

To Update Multiple NIM-2s from Design Pad G4 or Schema Viewer G4 v4.5.264:
        a. Open the Workspace associated with the NIM-2 to update.
        b. Right-click on the word 'Workspace' in the Workspace window and select Update Firmware (All Ethernet Hardware) from the Communications sub-menu.
        c. Press the 'Browse' button and select the NIM2L.4.5.264.$cc file
        d. Select the NIM-2s to update in the 'Select Ethernet Hardware' window.
        e. Press the 'Upload' button to start the update process.

Non-NIM-2 Modules:

1. Remove any NIM-2 active boards from the node
2. Start Design Pad or Schema Viewer
3. Choose 'Firmware Update' from the Communications Menu
4. Align the IR wand to the right-most module
5. Select the Chameleon.4.5.230264.$cc file when requested
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the download
7. Restore any NIM-2 active boards back into the node

NEW FEATURES, ENHANCEMENTS, AND CHANGES

New Features

• The NIM-2 operating system was changed to improve stability and provide a sustainable path for future enhancements. Among other things, this change resolved an issue of occasional device reboots under certain conditions. (NIMIIL Project, SWGEN-16)

• The ability to have a limited custom Binary message definition has been added to the Ethernet channel. See the Design Pad Programming Manual for more information. (NIMIIL-288, NIMIIL-275)

Enhancements

• The Chameleon backplane position algorithm has been improved to force a particular module to remain in its initial discovered position in the node and not shift. The previous implementation opened the possibility for the module to incorrectly shift positions when certain error conditions were encountered. This change will improve the stability of a running node when faults are introduced to the system. (SWCHA-612)

...

• Improved the FLASH write time in the algorithm that runs in response to a power loss. (SWFACGII-68)

Changes

• In certain scenarios it is possible for the Backplane Signaling Operator to not properly transition the associated line. This was resolved. (SWCHA-576)

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