Introduction to firmware
Firmware is a special type of software that is specifically designed to be installed on embedded hardware. The prime responsibility of the firmware is to control and manage the functionality of a device’s specific hardware components. Firmware is stored in Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) and is persistent, meaning it retains its programming even when the power is turned off. It acts as a bridge between the hardware and higher-level software, facilitating communication and ensuring the proper operation of the device.
Firmware comes in various types, each tailored to the specific needs of the devices or systems it controls. Here are different types of firmware along with examples:
- BIOS/UEFI firmware:
Description: Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware initializes hardware components during the bootup process of a computer.
Example: UEFI firmware in modern PCs.
- Embedded firmware:
Description: Used...