KR20060040457A - Method and apparatus for remotely downloading data to sub board mounted in main board - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for remotely downloading data to a sub board mounted on a main board, and in a system including a plurality of function boards controlled by a main controller, the sub function board mounted on the main function board. By assigning a virtual slot number to identify the sub-function boards and managing the information in the main controller, not only the main board (non-MCU (Main)) mounted in the slot but also the main board (non-MCU ( Even sub-boards (non-MCU (Sub)) mounted on the main board) can be downloaded remotely through the MCU. This can save time and money for software updates of the system. In addition, there is an advantage that can eliminate the need for technicians to visit the site.

Download, Remote-Download, Sub Function Board, Sub Board, MCU

Description

METHOOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY DOWNLOADING DATA TO SUB BOARD MOUNTED IN MAIN BOARD}             

1 is a diagram illustrating a form in which a sub-board is mounted on a specific function board;

2 is a conceptual diagram for a remote download method according to a conventional embodiment;

3 is a conceptual diagram of a remote download method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a schematic block diagram of a main control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is an exemplary diagram of a slot information management table stored in a main control device for performing a remote download according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a schematic block diagram of a functional board for performing a remote download according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a schematic block diagram of a sub board mounted on the function board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a diagram illustrating a method of remotely downloading data in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.                 

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

400: MCU 410: MMI unit

420: RAM disk 430: buffer

440: control unit 450: UIPC processing unit

460: slot information management unit 500: non-MCU (Main)

510: UIPC processing unit 520: buffer

530: control unit 540: LIPC processing unit

550: data processing unit 560: FROM

600: non-MCU (Sub) 610: LIPC processing unit

620: buffer 630: data processing unit

640: FROM

The present invention provides a remote download of data to a plurality of functional boards through the MCU in a system including a plurality of functional boards controlled by a main control unit (hereinafter referred to as MCU). ) And a device thereof.

Systems that must perform various functions in one system, such as a communication system, typically implement the functions on a board-by-board basis, and shelf the main boards (MCUs) for controlling the function boards and the function boards. It is comprised by attaching to the several slot provided in the shelf. Hereinafter, the plurality of functional boards are referred to as 'non-MCU' as non-MCU boards.

However, due to the recent development of circuit technology, one function board (non-MCU) is often used by mounting another function board (non-MCU) that operates independently from the function board (non-MCU). It is happening. For example, there is a case where another board which operates by receiving power from the functional board is mounted at a predetermined position of the predetermined functional board mounted on the shelf. Hereinafter, a function board mounted on the shelf is referred to as a 'non-MCU (Main)' and another board mounted at a predetermined position of the function board is referred to as a 'non-MCU (Sub)'. It is called. As such, the form in which the sub board is mounted on the specific function board is illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, a form in which a sub board (non-MCU (Sub)) 120 is mounted in a chip form on a main board (non-MCU (Main)) 130 is illustrated.

On the other hand, a system (eg, a communication system, etc.) including a plurality of non-MCUs as described above typically performs remote download through the MCU when it is necessary to change a program or various data stored in each non-MCU. For example, a download file including a program or various data to be newly stored is remotely downloaded to the non-MCUs through the MCU. That is, the MCU identifies the non-MCUs by the slot ID (SID: Slot IDentification) of the slot in which the non-MCUs are mounted and remotely downloads the download file to the corresponding non-MCU. At this time, the download file includes the slot number of the slot in which the non-MCU is to be downloaded.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 1, when the 'sub-board (non-MCU (Sub)) 120' is mounted on the 'non-MCU (Main) 130', the 'sub-board (non-MCU)' (Sub)) 120 'does not have a separate slot number because it is not mounted in a slot. Therefore, the MCU cannot identify the 'non-MCU (Sub) 120' mounted on the 'non-MCU (Main) 130' by the slot number. As a result, when changing a program or various data previously stored in a non-MCU (Sub), it was impossible to remotely download a download file including the data in the related art.

2 is a conceptual diagram of a remote download method according to a conventional embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the MCU 110 remotely downloads a non-MCU (Main) 120 through a Universal Interworking Processor Communication (UIPC) module 115. However, it can be seen that it is disconnected from the non-MCU (Sub) 130.

That is, when data is input through the MMI module (Man Machine Interface) 111, the software management module (SW_MGMT: software_management) 113 of the MCU 110 may update the software of the MCU 110. Determine if it is data. If the input data is a file to be downloaded, the destination (eg, slot number (SID)) of the data is identified and transmitted to the UIPC module 115. The UIPC module 115 then transfers the corresponding data (eg, a download file) to the function board (non-MCU (Main) 120 in the example of FIG. 2) corresponding to the slot number (SID).                         

Meanwhile, the UIPC module 121 of the function board (eg, the non-MCU 120) receives the download file and manages it through the software management module (SW_MGMT) 123.

As such, the non-MCU (Main) 120 may be downloaded remotely by the MCU (110).

However, since the non-MCU (Sub) 130 is disconnected from the MCU 110, a technician takes the download file directly to the field and changes the files on the board to update the software installed in the non-MCU (Sub) 130. Should be. For example, you need to upload a package using tftp provided by pSOS.

Therefore, there is a conventional hassle of having to spend time and effort for the technician to go to the field to update the software installed in the non-MCU (Sub) (130). As a result, there is a disadvantage in that the labor cost and time for software management as a whole of the system is wasted.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method that can reduce the time and cost for software update of the system.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of remotely downloading data to a sub board mounted on a main board of the present invention includes a plurality of functions through the main controller in a system including a plurality of function boards controlled by a main controller. A method of remotely downloading data to boards, the method comprising: assigning a virtual slot number to a sub function board mounted on a main function board, and providing slot information of a system including the virtual slot number to the main control device; And remote-download data to be remote-downloaded to at least one of the plurality of functional boards including the sub-function board to the main control device, the slot included in the remote-download data. A first verifying step of confirming the number and the remote-downloading data based on the slot number A first transfer process of determining a main function board to be delivered and delivering the remote-download data to the determined main function board, and the main function board receiving the remote-download data confirms the slot number of the remote-download data. A second transfer process of transferring the remote-download data to the sub-function board mounted on the main function board if the slot number on which the main function board is mounted is different from the slot number of the remote-download data; It is characterized by including.

In addition, the main control apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object provides an interface with a user and receives data from the outside, a storage unit for temporarily storing the external data, and the main mounted in the slot of the system A slot information management unit for storing slot information including a physical slot number for identifying a function board and a virtual slot number for identifying a sub function board mounted on the main function board, and external data stored in the storage unit. A controller for determining a main function board to which the external data is to be transmitted and controlling the external data to be transmitted to the determined main function board based on the included slot number and the slot information stored in the slot information management unit; Transfer the external data to the determined main function board. It is characterized in that it comprises a data transfer.

In addition, the functional board of the present invention for achieving the above object is a functional board equipped with a sub-function board that operates independently of the function implemented in the function board, the processing for data exchange between the boards mounted in the system A data receiver for receiving remote-download data from the main controller, a storage unit for temporarily storing remote-download data received by the data receiver, a slot number of the slot in which the function board is mounted, and the remote- A control unit for determining a destination of the remote-download data based on a comparison result of the slot number included in the download data, and controlling the remote-download data to be delivered to a destination based on the determination result, the function board and the sub Perform data exchange between function boards; And a first local data exchange unit for transferring the remote-download data to the sub function board when the slot number of the slot in which the board is mounted is different from the slot number included in the remote-download data.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in more detail the configuration and operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same components in the drawings are represented by the same reference numerals and symbols as much as possible, even if shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

3 is a conceptual diagram of a remote download method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a software management module (SW_MGMT: software_management) 313 of the MCU 310 may determine whether the corresponding data is a file to be downloaded when data is input through an MMI module (Man Machine Interface) 311. Determine if the data is to be updated. At this time, the software management module (SW_MGMT) 313 determines the destination of the data by using the slot number (SID) included in the data. For example, if the destination is a slot number in which the MCU 310 is mounted, the corresponding data is determined to be data to update the software of the MCU 310, and if not, the data is determined to be a file to be downloaded. If the destination is not the slot number on which the MCU 310 is mounted, it is determined that the file is a file to be downloaded.

If the inputted data is a file to be downloaded as a result of the determination, the destination (eg, slot number (SID)) of the data is identified and transmitted to the UIPC module 315. The UIPC module 315 then transfers the data (eg, a download file) to the function board (non-MCU (Main) 320 in the example of FIG. 3) corresponding to the slot number (SID).

Then, the software management module (SW_MGMT) 323 of the non-MCU (Main) 320 determines whether the data input through the UIPC module 321 is for updating the software of the non-MCU (Main) 320. Determine whether it is for updating the software of MCU (Sub) 330; At this time, the software management module (SW_MGMT) 323 determines the destination of the data by using the slot number (SID) included in the data, similar to the software management module 313 of the MCU (310).

As a result of the determination of the software management module (SW_MGMT) 323, if the data input through the UIPC module 321 is for updating the software of the non-MCU (Main) 320, the software management module (SW_MGMT) 323 The data is managed and otherwise downloaded to the non-MCU (Sub) 330 via a LIPC module (Local Interworking Processor Communication) 325.

Then, the OAM_AGENT module 333 of the non-MCU (Sub) 330 manages the data received through the LIPC module 331.

As described above, in order to apply the remote download to the non-MCU (Sub) 330, a virtual slot number (SID) is also assigned to the non-MCU (Sub) 330, and SW_MGMT of the MCU 310 is used. The module 313 preferably stores information about its virtual slot number (SID).

4 is a schematic block diagram of a main control unit (MCU) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, a main control unit (MCU) 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a man machine interface (MMI) unit 410, a random access memory (RAM) disk 420, and a buffer 430. ), A controller 440, a UIPC processor 450, and a slot information manager 460.

The MMI unit 410 provides an interface with the user and receives data based on a request of the user. For example, the MMI unit 410 receives data from an element management system (EMS) or a craft interface terminal (CIT) through a file transfer protocol (Ftp).

The RAM disk 420 temporarily stores data input through the MMI unit 410 and moves the data to the buffer 430. The RAM disk 420 may be generated when data input through the MMI unit 410 is started, and then deleted when data input is terminated.

The buffer 430 stores data input via the RAM disk 420 and processes the data under the control of the controller 440. For example, the data may be transmitted to a software management module (not shown) of the MCU 400 or to a non-MCU through the UIPC processor 450.

The controller 440 checks slot information (eg, SID) of data stored in the buffer 430 to determine a destination of the data. If the data stored in the buffer 430 is data for updating software of the MCU 400, the controller 440 manages the data in a software management module (not shown) of the MCU 400. If not, to be delivered to the UIPC processing unit 450. For example, if the slot number SID is identical to the slot number of the MCU 400 by checking the slot number SID included in the data, it is determined that the data is for updating the software of the MCU 400. In this case, it is determined that the data is for downloading to a non-MCU.

The UIPC processor 450 performs a process for data exchange between boards mounted in the same system. In particular, the slot number included in the data transmitted from the buffer 430 storing and managing the slot information is checked, and the corresponding data is transmitted to the non-MCU mounted in the slot corresponding to the slot number.

The slot information manager 460 stores information for managing an identification number and a virtual slot number corresponding to a physical slot of a corresponding system. For example, if a subboard is included in the system, the slot number for identifying the subboard is given to the subboard and information for identifying which slot is mounted in the main board mounted in the subboard. Is stored in correspondence with the virtual slot number.

5 is an exemplary diagram of a slot information management table stored in a main control unit (MCU) for performing a remote download according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 and 5, the slot information management table is stored in the slot information management unit 460 of the MCU 400 and its configuration is as follows. That is, the slot information management table stores a number for identifying a physical slot and a virtual slot and slot information corresponding thereto.

In the example of FIG. 5, identification numbers '0' to '20' are numbers for identifying physical slots, identification numbers '21' and '22' are numbers for identifying MCUs, and identification numbers '23' to '43' is a number for identifying the virtual slot. For example, the identification number '0' is a number for identifying a board mounted in slot 1, and the identification number '23' is a number for identifying a sub board mounted in the board mounted in slot 1. In this manner, the identification number '20' is a number for identifying a board mounted in the slot 21, and the identification number '43' is a number for identifying a sub board mounted in the board mounted in the slot 21.                     

Therefore, the UIPC processing unit 450 of FIG. 4 determines the slot number of the data transferred from the buffer 430, and when the slot number is '0' or '23', based on the slot information table as illustrated in FIG. 5. The data is transferred to the board mounted in slot 1 (non-MCU (Main)). I.e. remote download.

Then, the board mounted in slot 1 (non-MCU (Main)) checks the slot number again and performs software update of non-MCU (Main) if slot number is '0', otherwise non-MCU (Sub) Deliver to non-MCU (Sub) for software update.

6 and 7 are schematic block diagrams of a function board for performing a remote download and a sub board mounted on the function board according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are remotely downloaded from the MCU as illustrated in FIG. 4. A configuration of boards that receive and process data is illustrated.

6 is a schematic block diagram of the main board (non-MCU (Main)). Referring to FIG. 6, the main board (non-MCU (Main)) 500 may include a UIPC processor 510, a buffer 520, a controller 530, a LIPC processor 540, a data processor 550, and a FROM (Flash). Read Only Memory (560).

The UIPC processor 510 performs a process for data exchange between boards mounted in the same system. In particular, the data transmitted from the MCU ('400' of FIG. 4) is received and transferred to the buffer 520.

The buffer 520 temporarily stores the data received through the UIPC processor 510 and then transfers the data to the LIPC processor 540 or the data processor 550 under the control of the controller 530.

The controller 530 determines whether the data stored in the buffer 520 is data for updating the software of the non-MCU (Main) 500 based on the slot number (SID) of the non-MCU (Main) 500. In response to the determination, the buffer 520 is controlled to transfer the corresponding data to the LIPC processor 540 or the data processor 550. For example, if a non-MCU (Main) 500 is mounted in slot 1, and if the slot number of the data stored in the buffer 520 is '0', the data is updated in the software of the non-MCU (Main) 500. It is determined that the data is to be transmitted to the data processing unit 550, otherwise the data is determined to be the data for updating the software of the sub-board mounted on the non-MCU (Main) (500) LIPC processing unit 540 Control to forward).

The data processor 550 receives and decompresses the downloaded file transferred from the buffer 520 and stores it in the FROM 560.

The LIPC processor 540 performs a process for data exchange between a main board (non-MCU (Main)) and a sub board (non-MCU (Sub)). In particular, the download file transferred from the buffer 520 is transferred to the non-MCU (Sub).

7 is a schematic block diagram of the sub-board (non-MCU (Sub)). Referring to FIG. 7, the sub-board (non-MCU (Sub)) 600 includes a LIPC processor 610, a buffer 620, a data processor 630, and a FROM 640.

The LIPC processor 610 performs a process for data exchange between a main board (non-MCU (Main)) and a sub board (non-MCU (Sub)). In particular, the download file received from the main board (non-MCU (Main)) receives and transfers to the buffer 620.

The buffer 620 temporarily stores the download file received from the LIPC processor 610 and transfers the downloaded file to the data processor 630.

The data processor 630 receives and decompresses the downloaded file transferred from the buffer 620 and stores it in the FROM 640.

8 is a diagram illustrating a method of remotely downloading data according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates a process of remotely downloading data from the MCU 400 to the non-MCU (Main) 500 or the non-MCU (Sub) 600.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the MCU 400 receives data to be downloaded remotely from the outside (Remote DownLoad data, hereinafter referred to as 'RDL data') (S105), the MCU 400 may determine a slot number (SID) of the RDL data. Check (S110). In other words, check the destination of the RDL data. The RDL data is transmitted to the non-MCU (Main) 500 based on the slot number (SID) (S115). At this time, the MCU 400 checks the destination information corresponding to the slot number (SID) based on the slot information table as illustrated in FIG. 5 and RDLs to the corresponding destination (eg, non-MCU (Main)) 500. Send the data.

Upon receiving the RDL data, the non-MCU (Main) 500 checks whether the RDL data is data to be transmitted to the non-MCU (Sub) 600 (S120). The RDL data transmitted to the non-MCU (Main) 500 is data for updating the software of the actual non-MCU (Main) 500, but the sub-board mounted on the non-MCU (Main) 500 This is because there is data for updating software of non-MCU (Sub)) 600. In this case, the slot number included in the corresponding RDL data is a virtual slot number.

Accordingly, the non-MCU (Main) 500 transmits the RDL data to the non-MCU (Main) 500 when the slot number included in the RDL data is the same as the slot number of the non-MCU (Main) 500. It is determined that the data is to be decompressed and the RDL data is decompressed and stored in the internal memory of the non-MCU (Main) (500) (S125), the slot number is the same as the slot number of the non-MCU (Main) (500) Otherwise, it is determined that the corresponding RDL data is the data to be transmitted to the non-MCU (Sub) 600 and transmits the RDL data to the non-MCU (Sub) 600 (S130).

The non-MCU (Sub) 600 that has received the RDL data decompresses the RDL data and stores it in the internal memory of the non-MCU (Sub) 600 (S135).

As described above, in the detailed description of the present invention, specific embodiments have been described. However, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims below and equivalents thereof.

As described above, the present invention relates to a system including a plurality of functional boards controlled by a main control unit (hereinafter referred to as 'MCU'), wherein a main board (non-MCU) mounted in a slot is provided. In addition, the subboard (non-MCU (Sub)) mounted on the main board (non-MCU (Main)) can be downloaded remotely through the MCU, thereby reducing the time and cost for software update of the system. It works. In addition, there is an advantage that can eliminate the need for technicians to visit the site.

Claims (11)

A method of remote-downloading data to a plurality of functional boards via the main controller in a system comprising a plurality of functional boards controlled by a main controller, the method comprising: Assigning a virtual slot number to the sub function board mounted on the main function board; Storing slot information of the system including the virtual slot number in the main controller; A first number for identifying a slot number included in the remote-download data when the remote-download data to be remote-downloaded to at least one of the plurality of functional boards including the sub function board is input to the main controller; Identification process, Determining a main function board to which the remote-download data is to be transferred based on the slot number and transferring the remote-download data to the determined main function board; A second verification step of confirming, by the main function board receiving the remote-download data, the slot number of the remote-download data; And a second transfer process of transferring the remote-download data to the sub function board mounted on the main function board if the slot number on which the main function board is mounted is different from the slot number of the remote download data. The method. The method of claim 1, wherein the storing process And the main function board identification information for identifying which slot is physically mounted in the main function board mounted in the physical function board having the virtual slot number. The method of claim 2, wherein the first delivery process And determining a main function board to which the remote-download data is to be transmitted based on the main function board identification information when the slot number is a virtual slot number. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second delivery processes are performed. Said remote-download data being conveyed by an interprocessor control (IPC) message. In a system comprising a plurality of functional boards controlled by a main controller, the main controller for remote-downloading data to the plurality of functional boards is An interface unit for providing an interface with a user and receiving data from the outside; A storage unit for temporarily storing the external data; A slot information management unit for storing slot information including a physical slot number for identifying a main function board mounted in a slot of the system and a virtual slot number for identifying a sub function board mounted on the main function board; A controller for determining a main function board to which the external data is to be transmitted based on the slot number included in the external data stored in the storage unit and the slot information stored in the slot information management unit and controlling the external data to be transmitted to the determined main function board Wow, And a data transfer unit configured to transfer the external data to the determined main function board under the control of the controller. The method of claim 5, wherein the interface unit A primary control device, characterized in that receiving data from the element management system (EMS) via a file transfer protocol (FTP). The method of claim 5, wherein the interface unit A primary control device, characterized in that receiving data from the craft interface terminal (CIT) via the file transfer protocol (FTP). The method of claim 5, wherein the slot information management unit And storing main function board identification information for identifying which slot the sub function board to which the virtual slot number is assigned is physically mounted in the main function board mounted in the slot as slot information corresponding to the virtual slot number. Main controller made. In a system including a plurality of function boards controlled by a main controller, a function board equipped with a sub function board operating independently of a function implemented in the function board includes A data receiver which performs a process for data exchange between boards mounted in the system and receives remote-download data from the main controller; A storage unit for temporarily storing the remote-download data received by the data receiving unit; The destination of the remote-download data is determined on the basis of a comparison result of the slot number of the slot on which the function board is mounted with the slot number included in the remote-download data, and the remote-download data is the destination based on the determination result. A control unit for controlling delivery to The data exchange is performed between the function board and the sub function board. When the slot number of the slot in which the function board is mounted and the slot number included in the remote-download data are different from each other, the sub-download data is transmitted to the sub function board. And a first local data exchange for transferring to the functional board. The method of claim 9, A first memory for storing a program and data for implementing a function of the function board; A first data processor which decompresses the remote-download data and stores it in the first memory when the slot number of the slot in which the function board is mounted is different from the slot number included in the remote-download data as a result of the comparison of the controller; The functional board characterized in that it further comprises. The method of claim 9, wherein the sub function board A second local data exchange unit performing data exchange between the function board and the sub function board and receiving remote-download data transmitted from the first local data exchange unit; A second memory storing a program and data for implementing a function of the sub function board; And a second data processor for decompressing remote-download data transmitted from the function board through the second local data exchanger and storing the decompressed data in the second memory.

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