.. _firmware_update:

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::

   To use Palette, the device firmware must be **strictly on the same version** as the installed SDK. After updating the device firmware, install the SDK containers that match the new firmware version — mismatched versions are not supported and may result in unexpected behavior or incompatibility. See :ref:`Palette installation` to install the matching SDK.

.. include:: blocks/install_sima_cli.rst
.. include:: blocks/elxr_conversion_note.rst

There are four supported methods for updating the DevKit firmware:

- :ref:`Using sima-cli <sima_cli_update>` — 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.
- :ref:`Using Palette SDK <palette_assisted>` — Use the :ref:`Palette CLI` development environment and MPK CLI tools to streamline the update process. Recommended for developers working with Palette on their local machine.
- :ref:`Flash boot device <prepare_bootimage>` — Create or recover bootable media for the DevKit. Useful for restoring faulty devices or provisioning multiple boot devices.
- :ref:`Boot over network then flash <netboot>` — 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.

.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 2
   :hidden:

   firmware_update/os.rst
   firmware_update/sima_cli_update.rst
   firmware_update/palette_assisted.rst
   firmware_update/bootimage.rst
   firmware_update/netboot.rst