KopherBoot：Car specification UDS Bootloader
KopherBoot is a car-standard UDS Bootloader provided by KopherBit. It adopts ISO 14229 standard diagnostic service, supports CAN, CAN FD, and DoIP burning channels. It has built-in protection mechanisms such as SecurityAccess, CRC/signature verification, and automatic rollback of the Application section. It is compatible with NXP MPC5744P and Infineon. TC387QP platform.
Summary
KopherBoot is the vehicle-specific UDS Bootloader software provided by KopherBit, which adopts ISO 14229 standard diagnostic service as the basis for programming communication.Supports CAN / CAN FD / DoIP/Ethernet three channels, built-in SecurityAccess Seed/Key, CRC and signature verification, automatic rollback of Application section, Pre-Programming Conditions Check and other protection mechanisms, compatible with NXP MPC5744P (KCU GEN1) and Infineon TC387QP (KCU GEN2 / GEN2 Micro) The platform can integrate TC387QP’s built-in HSM for Secure Boot.
Technical Role
Role of KopherBoot:
- Independent Bootloader Section: Isolated from the Application section, flash failure will not affect the Bootloader itself.
- Application switching logic: Check the Application integrity (CRC/Signature/Magic Number) when booting. If it passes, the Application will be executed; if it fails, it will stay in the Bootloader and wait for re-flashing.
- UDS service server: Provides services such as 0x10 / 0x11 / 0x27 / 0x31 / 0x34 / 0x36 / 0x37 under Programming Session, driven by KopherUDS or third-party Tester.
- HSM integration (GEN2): TC387QP HSM can be used to complete signature verification and key protection to avoid leakage of private keys.
Architecture
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Boot Vector / Reset Handler | Boot entry point, determine whether to enter Application or Bootloader. |
| Bootloader section | Contains UDS service, Flash erase/write, CRC/signature verification. |
| Application Section | Customer ECU application firmware (KopherSAR + customer SWC). |
| Calibration / NV Data | Calibration data, permanent variables, independent of the Application section. |
| Magic Number / Status Flags | Indicates whether the writing of the Application is completed and whether the CRC passed. |
| HSM (GEN2 only) | Signature verification, private key protection, Secure Boot chain starting point. |
Key Capabilities
- Full ISO 14229 Programming Session flow: Compatible with KopherUDS / Third Party Tester (Vector / ETAS).
- Multiple transport layers: CAN, CAN FD, DoIP/Ethernet.
- OEM Customized SecurityAccess: Seed/Key algorithm can be replaced by customer plugin or adopt KopherBit default scheme.
- CRC + Signature Verification: Verify after writing is completed. If verification fails, it will automatically fall back to the Bootloader.
- Power-off protection: The Application section is incomplete after the power is off during the writing process, and it will automatically enter Bootloader mode after restarting.
- HSM integration (GEN2 / TC387QP): Private keys are stored in HSM, the starting point of the Secure Boot chain.
- Pre-Programming Conditions Check: Check the vehicle status before programming (such as the vehicle is stationary and the battery voltage is sufficient), which complies with OEM specifications.
Engineering Inputs Required
| Input | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Flash Section Configuration | Bootloader / Application / Calibration / NV Data Boundaries. |
| Signing algorithm | RSA / ECDSA, HSH algorithm (SHA-256), key length. |
| Public key / Trust Anchor | Write to the bootloader section or HSM as the basis for signature verification. |
| SecurityAccess Algorithm | OEM customized or adopt KopherBit default. |
| Transport layer configuration | CAN ID routing, CAN FD baud rate, DoIP IP/Port. |
| Pre-Programming Conditions | Vehicle condition check logic (vehicle speed = 0, Vbatt range, etc.). |
| OTA backend | Backend Provisioning and signing process in OTA scenario. |
How KopherBit Supports This
- KopherBoot Software License: Includes source code options, customized integration services.
- KopherUDS Integration: Production line/maintenance can directly use KopherUDS operation and programming.
- KopherSAR integration: The built-in KopherSAR DCM in the Application section can automatically switch to the Programming Session in the Application Session.
- HSM Consulting (GEN2): Assist customers in designing Secure Boot chain and HSM private key life cycle.
- Verification: KCU platform Testbench provides programming pressure test and power-off recovery verification.
FAQ
What is the difference between KopherBoot and OEM’s own Bootloader?
KopherBoot is a KopherBit pre-validated UDS bootloader optimized for the KCU platform.OEMs can choose to adopt it directly, integrate it with their own processes, or ask KopherBit to customize it.Compared with self-development, KopherBoot shortens the online time and reduces the risk of power outage recovery failure.
Does it support OTA?
KopherBoot itself is the bootloader in the ECU, and the OTA process must be matched with the vehicle-side communication gateway and back-end Provisioning.KopherBit can assist in designing the complete OTA process: back-end signature → communication gateway download → ECU UDS RequestDownload → verification → ECUReset.
Is Secure Boot mandatory?
Not mandatory. Secure Boot is an optional feature;it is recommended that customers enable it if they have security requirements (such as compliance with R155/R156 regulations).On KCU GEN2 (TC387QP) KopherBoot can integrate HSM to complete the Secure Boot chain.
Is multi-Application switching supported?
You can define the OTA mode of dual Application sections (A/B Slot): write to the backup area and swap after passing the verification to avoid failure to start when writing a single section fails.It needs to be planned during the Flash configuration phase.
Can I choose the signature algorithm?
Can.KopherBoot supports ECDSA (secp256r1) + SHA-256 by default. RSA-2048/3072, ECDSA secp384r1 or other NIST curves can be selected according to OEM policy.
Can the bootloader itself be updated?
Not available by default (Bootloader is the root of trust).If bootloader update is required, a two-stage boot design (Boot Manager + Updateable Bootloader) must be adopted, which has additional complexity and security considerations. Please evaluate based on project requirements.
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