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OpenBLT GNU GPL Bootloader

OpenBLT GNU GPL Bootloader

OpenBLT is an open source bootloader for microcontroller based products. It makes firmware updates possible in a user-friendly manner, through commonly present communication and storage media such as RS232, USB, CAN, TCP/IP, Modbus RTU and SD-card. OpenBLT is programmed in the C programming language.

After the one-time integration of the bootloader into your microcontroller based product, your end-user or technician can work with the bootloader to conveniently perform a firmware update. Because firmware updates are possible at the end-user’s location, there is no need to ship the product back to you for servicing. This lowers the downtime and increases the customer’s satisfaction with your product.

Open Source

In our opinion, open source is the only sensible way to release a bootloader product. It gives users the often requested flexibility for adjusting the bootloader's functionality to their specific needs and wishes. Furthermore, we want you to see the quality of our source code, because a bootloader becomes such an integral part of your product.

Supported Targets

OpenBLT is mostly used as an STM32 bootloader, due to the popularity of STM32 microcontrollers. However, the bootloader’s architecture is such that it can work with any microcontroller. It currently supports ST STM32, Infineon XMC, NXP S12, and TI TM4C and LM3S microcontrollers. The source code organization creates a separation between microcontroller dependent and independent functionality, making it easy to port the bootloader to microcontroller targets that are not yet supported.

Getting Started

The first step is to download OpenBLT. The latest version is available by clicking the download button below. The download package contains numerous preconfigured demonstration programs for popular microcontroller evaluation boards. You can either obtain one of these low-cost boards to first get familiar with operating the OpenBLT bootloader, or dive right in and port a demonstration program to your own hardware.

For additional information, including an in-depth explanation of the bootloader’s internal workings, we dedicated a separate Wiki website to the OpenBLT project. Click on the link below to visit this website.


License Options

OpenBLT is open source and licensed under version 3 of the GNU GPL. OpenBLT is free under this license and can be freely used and distributed under its terms.

The freedom that this GNU GPL license offers, comes with responsibilities and side effects that are not always desirable. This is especially the case if you want to integrate OpenBLT in your closed source product and/or don’t want your customers to know that your product contains OpenBLT.

As an alternative, OpenBLT can be made available under a commercial license. Under the commercial license, OpenBLT does not contain any references to the GNU GPL. Refer to the following license comparison matrix to determine the OpenBLT license your product requires.

Question GNU GPL version 3 Commercial license
Is OpenBLT free? yes no
Do I have the right to change the OpenBLT source code? yes yes
Can I use OpenBLT in my closed source product? no yes
Do I have to open my source code? yes no
Do I have to open source my changes to OpenBLT? yes no
Do I have to offer the OpenBLT source code to users of my product? yes no
Do I have to document that my product uses OpenBLT? yes no
Can I redistribute OpenBLT in source code format? yes no
Can I receive professional technical support on a commercial basis? no yes

If you would like to receive further information about the pricing, please click on the button below to generate an online quote for a commercial license.

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About Feaser

Feaser is a provider of products and engineering services for microcontroller based embedded systems. We develop and maintain the open source OpenBLT bootloader and are known for creating innovative and customer oriented solutions that are delivered on time and within budget.

Contact Information

Feaser
Tristanstrasse 8
45473 Muelheim
Germany
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+49 (0)151-22441258
info@feaser.com
https://www.feaser.com
DE292641469