Microchip’s reference design enables secure CAN-based firmware updates for embedded systems, reducing maintenance time while simplifying development for automotive and industrial applications.
Microchip has introduced its 8-bit MCU CAN Bootloader Reference Design, providing embedded developers with a ready-to-use platform for implementing firmware updates over a Controller Area Network (CAN). Designed to reduce development effort and accelerate deployment, the reference design is suitable for automotive, industrial and other CAN-enabled embedded applications.
The solution enables in-field firmware upgrades without requiring a dedicated external programmer. Instead, application firmware can be transferred through the CAN interface using a host command-line utility, allowing maintenance and software updates to be carried out quickly and efficiently. The lightweight bootloader occupies approximately 2 KB of Flash memory, leaving more space available for the main application.
The reference design is built around Microchip’s 8-bit microcontroller family with integrated CAN capability and supports companion devices, including CAN transceivers and USB-to-CAN bridge solutions. It is fully compatible with MPLAB X IDE, enabling developers to configure, compile, debug and programme applications using Microchip’s established software ecosystem.
During operation, the bootloader checks for an incoming firmware update request when the microcontroller starts. If detected, it receives firmware packets over the CAN network, verifies data integrity before programming the application memory, and finally restarts the system to run the updated software. If no update request is present, the controller immediately launches the existing application.
Microchip also supplies design resources, including hardware documentation, firmware source code, bill of materials and development tools, allowing engineers to adapt the reference design to their own products with minimal effort.
The reference design is well suited to electronic control units, industrial automation equipment, robotics, electric vehicles and other embedded systems where reliable remote firmware updates improve product maintenance, reduce downtime and extend operational life.
Click here to review full reference design.
