Hello, dear Community members!
We've been getting a lot of traction on the Forum for queries revolving around device firmware, hence we thought it would be but logical to shed some more light on the topic.
Therefore, a blog post about what firmware is would be more than in place for our current context. Let us discover more about firmware in the upcoming lines!
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
First things first. Let us start by defining 'firmware'. According to our friends over at Techopedia, firmware is 'a software program permanently etched into a hardware device such as a keyboards, hard drive, BIOS, or video cards. It is programmed to give permanent instructions to communicate with other devices and perform functions like basic input/output tasks. Firmware is typically stored in the flash ROM (read only memory) of a hardware device. It can be erased and rewritten.'
Although initially meant for software of a higher level, versatility is what recommends firmware for a wider variety of functions - it can easily be changed even without exchanging the hardware configuration for another gadget. In addition, firmware acts as basic instruction retainer for the hardware, basic instructions that basically render the hardware functional. In other words, no firmware, no hardware.
TYPES OF FIRMWARE
As you may have probably guessed, the concept of 'firmware' is not a standalone term. There are several layers of firmware, which can be found below:
firmware of low level - usually found in the shape of read-only memory (very hard to be updated/modified), low level firmware can be identified in ROM, OTP/PROM and PLA structures;
firmware of high level - normally found in flash memory, high level firmware is used for updates;
sub-systems - found in CPUs and LCD units, subsystems usually possess their own fixed microcode.
UPDATING THE FIRMWARE
Most hardware manufacturers' policies mention that regular updates are to be in place for the hardware sold by them. They even make available the required software for this operation, but the decision to release new firmware is up to the manufacturer.
It is thus common for IT manufacturers to keep their customers updated with the latest firmware, at least for several years after the purchase.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As previously stated, there is no hardware without firmware. At least not an operational one. Thus given the importance of having good firmware, it can be firmly stated that having functional firmware is but a crucial part of any hardware. Stay tuned for more similar content by subscribing to the Community Blog!
