Firmware Update
Firmware is the foundational software that runs on the DevKit. Keeping firmware up to date is essential for ensuring stability, security, and access to new features and performance improvements.
Note
Please install or upgrade sima-cli before continuing. This guide is intended for use with the latest sima-cli version.
There are four supported methods for updating the DevKit firmware:
Using sima-cli — Transfer the firmware image over the network and automatically trigger the update on the DevKit. This method is ideal for field updates or environments where Palette is not available.
Using Palette SDK — Use the Palette development environment and MPK CLI tools to streamline the update process. Recommended for developers working with Palette on their local machine.
Flash boot device — Create or recover bootable media for the DevKit. Useful for restoring faulty devices or provisioning multiple boot devices.
Boot over network — Start a local TFTP server and boot the DevKit directly over the network without flashing media. Ideal for recovery, factory bring-up, or rapid kernel/rootfs development.
Starting with the 1.7 release, Sima provides two variants of Yocto system images: Headless and Full. Prior to the 1.7 release, all images are Headless.
Feature |
Full Image |
Headless Image |
|---|---|---|
NVMe Drive Support |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Graphics Controller |
✅ Yes, 2D Acceleration only |
❌ No |
GUI Interface |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
USB Support |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
HDMI Output |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Audio Input/Output |
✅ Yes, through USB |
❌ No |
Suitable For |
Standalone systems with embedded User Interface, or requiring access to more interfaces |
Lightweight, non-embedded GUI applications |
Supported DevKits |
Modalix DevKit only |
All DevKits |
Users can use sima-cli to update the Modalix DevKit with the Full image or switch to the Headless image as needed. For more details, see Update with sima-cli.