Remote Microcontroller Firmware Update Using FlexiHub

Microcontrollers need periodic firmware updates to improve security, add new features, and streamline performance. Technicians can avoid physically visiting the devices by performing a firmware over the air (FOTA) update. Over-the-air firmware updates simplify maintenance for embedded systems and IoT devices. This article discusses using FlexiHub to perform over-the-air flashing to perform firmware updates remotely.

The Benefits of Over-the-Air (OTA) Firmware Updates

Teams gain several advantages by using over-the-air programming techniques to update microcontroller firmware remotely.

Convenience: There is no need to access the device physically.
Security: Security patches can be deployed quickly to address identified vulnerabilities.
Cost-saving: Companies can reduce the number of visits by field technicians.
Scalability: Teams can quickly deploy updates to multiple devices across the network.

Popular microcontrollers like the STM32 and ESP32 support over-the-air programming capabilities and remote support.

Performing Remote Firmware Updates with FlexiHub

FlexiHub is a software tool that creates a virtual connection between remote USB devices and a local computer. Technicians can use the virtual connection to access embedded systems with the same functionality as if physically attached to the device. The virtual connection allows teams to perform OTA firmware updates.

How to update firmware over-the-air with FlexiHub:

1.

Install FlexiHub on the local computer and the remote machine that will be attached to the microcontroller.
2.

Connect the microcontroller to the remote machine.
3.

Create a virtual USB connection to the microcontroller to provide remote access.
4.

Perform the OTA update remotely using standard firmware flashing tools.

OTA Firmware Update for STM32

Teams must use a bootloader supporting OTA to perform an STM32 over-the-air update. FlexiHub supports the process by:

Enabling remote connection to an STM32-based device;
Allowing firmware updates without physical access;
Using flashing solutions over a virtual USB connection.

Using FlexiHub for ESP32 OTA Updates

Technicians often use WiFi connectivity to perform an ESP32 OTA update. FlexiHub offers a practical alternative for performing the update over a USB connection. FlexiHub lets developers:

Access an ESP32’s serial port remotely;
Leverage Arduino OTA update tools or ESP-IDF using virtual USB connectivity;
Perform secure and encrypted firmware updates remotely.

Conclusion

FlexiHub simplifies performing ESP32 OTA and STM32 OTA updates by creating secure virtual USB connections. The tool provides direct access to the microcontrollers so they can be updated to maintain security and performance.

Developers should consider FlexiHub when looking for OTA remote programming solutions to eliminate the cost and time required to visit devices and update firmware physically.

Firmware Update Over the Air with FlexiHub

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Requirements: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and Raspberry Pi.
11.51MB Size.
Version 7.0.15297. (24 Mar, 2025).
Pricing starts $14 per month billed annually

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