I/O Modules - Bootloader - Manual start-up

The article describes how to manually put the multiprotocol I/O modules (iSMA-B-MINI/MIX/MAX series) into a bootloader mode, which will allow emergency firmware uploads. The function should be used as a last resort when the device is not responding and the methods described in I/O Modules - iSMA Configurator - Connecting with the module, reading and saving values and I/O Modules - Restoring default settings do not help.

To put the multiprotocol I/O modules into the bootloader mode, unplug the device from the power supply (both 24 V and USB mini). Then all DIP switches should be switched to the ON position, and both rotary switches should be set to the 0 position. After plugging in the power supply, using the USB mini, the device will enter the bootloader mode which will be indicated by alternate blinking of the ON and COM LEDs.

Fig. 1 Manual starting of the bootloader mode in the multiprotocol I/O module (iSMA-B-MINI/MIX/MAX)

In the next step, run the iSMA Configurator program on the computer to which the USB cable is plugged. The application will automatically detect that the device is in the bootloader mode and will start uploading the latest available firmware to the device, which can be observed by the progress bar in the lower left corner of the program window. Once the transfer is complete, the device will reboot.

Then, it may happen so that the iSMA I/O module and the iSMA Configurator program are in an endless loop of uploading firmware and rebooting the device. This is because the module is still set in the manual bootloader mode. To complete the process, wait until the firmware transfer is complete and toggle any DIP switch so that the module does not enter the bootloader mode after reboot.