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Firmware Update Tool

Updated

This article provides a brief overview of the Linux firmware update tool and the basic steps required to update firmware on u-blox modules in a Linux environment. The complete usage instructions are included in the tool's README documentation.

Access to this tool requires a signed electronic Non-Disclosure Agreement (e-NDA). To request the software, please contact services-support@u-blox.com. Once the e-NDA is completed, the tool and accompanying documentation can be provided.

Compile the Tool

  1. In the tool’s root directory, run one of the following:

    • 32-bit build:

      sudo make

    • 64-bit build (use this if your machine is 64-bit):

      sudo make external64
  2. Go to the bin folder under the current directory and confirm the build:
    • 32-bit output: ubxfwupdate
    • 64-bit output: ubxfwupdate_64

Prepare Required Files

  1. Copy the following into the bin folder (e.g., /home/firmwareUpdateTool_v23.11/bin):

    • flash_200062.xml
    • The firmware .bin file

    Use sudo when moving files into the bin folder.

  2. Where to find flash_200062.xml:

    • Included in the firmware tool package under:

      \firmwareUpdateTool_v23.11\firmwareUpdateTool_v23.11\firmwareUpdateTool_v23.11\fis
  3. Firmware file: Download the latest firmware .bin from the u-blox website.

Run the Firmware Update

  1. Navigate to the bin directory:

    cd ~/firmwareUpdateTool/bin

  2. Run the update tool (adjust serial port, baud rate, XML file, and firmware filename):

    sudo ./ubxfwupdate_64 -p /dev/ttyUSB0 -b 9600:9600:115200 \
-F flash_200062.xml UBX_F9_100_HPG132.df73486d99374142f3aabf79b7178f48.bin
    • Use USB (/dev/ttyUSB0) when possible — it’s faster than UART. Please read known limitations section on the Firmware update tool v24.11
    • Increase baud rate to avoid missed messages.

    • If /dev/ttyUSB0 fails (e.g., “ERROR: Version poll failed”), try UART (/dev/ttyACM0):

      sudo ./ubxfwupdate_64 -p /dev/ttyACM0 -b 9600:9600:115200 \
-F flash_200062.xml UBX_F9_100_HPG132.df73486d99374142f3aabf79b7178f48.bin

  3. For usage details:

    ./ubxfwupdate_64 --help