A problem was discovered in the way the embedded processor performs flash
update operations.
The problem occurs when the time required to complete a write operation
is significantly different between the two flash memory chips on an
Empack baseboard.
The problem had remained undiscovered because the timing had been very
consistent across the flash devices used.
However, recent batches of flash memory chips used for Empack baseboards
have enough timing variation to trigger the problem.
The result is that updating the flash data may fail,
rendering the unit inoperable.
The embedded code is fixed with this release including the "full code"
version 3.5.7 (in flash file fld357.bin) and the "boot code" version B013
(in flash file boot357.bin).
Empacks that are affected will require replacement of the flash chips
because to update the code stored in flash requires that the code
not have the problem.
It is suggested that affected units be returned to CAC for updating.
Contact CAC for further details.
For those wishing to update the embedded code on non-affected boards,
note that both the "boot code" and "full code" should be updated
because the "boot code" is run while updating the flash data for the
"full code".
To perform both updates, the following sequence of commands should be used,
first, updating the boot code, then the full code.
Note, these assume that you have installed release 3.5.7 and the flash files
are available in the default locations.
On Windows:
Repeat for other Empacks in the system (e.g. emp01, emp02, etc.).