STW has released a new software update for its TCG-4 telematics module. The release, which is called "Firefly", enables customers to carry out updates even more easily and securely in the future – including via a cloud connection. In addition, the TCG-4 will be integrated into the STW lifecycle tool openSYDE.
With the new "Firefly" update, STW improves the user-friendliness and usability of its data module TCG-4. Manufacturers and operators of mobile machines benefit from a simplified installation and update process as well as improved network management. In addition, the new software release integrates TCG-4 into openSYDE. openSYDE by STW is a framework and toolset for the implementation, analysis, maintenance and documentation of functions and programs in control systems for mobile machines.
The TCG product line includes on-board data processors that impress with their openness and flexibility. The Linux-based data modules are designed for operation under harsh conditions and offer a variety of wired and wireless interfaces in addition to cloud connectivity.
The new software version of the TCG-4 comes with a number of advantages. “After updating to the 'Firefly' release of the TCG-4, time-consuming, cable-based installation of new functions on the machine is no longer necessary. In future, our customers will be able to update their systems locally or via a cloud-based solution, thus benefiting from the STW modular system in a simple and fast way”, explains a delighted Maximilian Weiss, Product Manager Digital Solutions at STW. “In addition, the new release prevents machines from switching to a safety-critical state due to the unplanned interruption of an update.“
This is guaranteed by clever update management. The memory of the TCG-4 has two partitions. While the update is installed on one partition, the original version is still active on the second partition. So the update is installed while the system is running, without any downtime of the device. A connection loss or a corrupt package will therefore not affect the functionality of the device – and consequently of the machine – in the future.
The new version is only activated after a successful update. This means that machine operators can also update their TCG-4 remotely to the latest software version without any concerns. The signing of the update packages also contributes to safe updates. It ensures that the package originates from authorized parties (STW or STW customers) and has not been manipulated.
Updates via the cloud will also be possible for STW components beyond the TCG-4 in the future through integration in openSYDE. “The new software versions for our controls or sensors can be passed on remotely using the TCG-4 on the machine. Even updates of entire systems are possible in one fell swoop. openSYDE in combination with the Firefly release of the TCG-4 make it possible for machine manufacturers and operators to conveniently update entire STW system architectures in one step,” adds Maximilian Weiss.
Furthermore, customers benefit from a simplified network configuration with the new release. This is thanks to the new Network Manager, which STW is introducing with the Firefly release. The Linux-based Network Manager makes rooting or time-consuming handling of configuration files obsolete and thus simplifies, among other things, the setup of access points.
The Firefly release is available for free download on the TCG modules product page on the STW website.
With the new "Firefly" update, STW improves the user-friendliness and usability of its data module TCG-4. Manufacturers and operators of mobile machines benefit from a simplified installation and update process as well as improved network management. In addition, the new software release integrates TCG-4 into openSYDE. openSYDE by STW is a framework and toolset for the implementation, analysis, maintenance and documentation of functions and programs in control systems for mobile machines.
The TCG product line includes on-board data processors that impress with their openness and flexibility. The Linux-based data modules are designed for operation under harsh conditions and offer a variety of wired and wireless interfaces in addition to cloud connectivity.
The new software version of the TCG-4 comes with a number of advantages. “After updating to the 'Firefly' release of the TCG-4, time-consuming, cable-based installation of new functions on the machine is no longer necessary. In future, our customers will be able to update their systems locally or via a cloud-based solution, thus benefiting from the STW modular system in a simple and fast way”, explains a delighted Maximilian Weiss, Product Manager Digital Solutions at STW. “In addition, the new release prevents machines from switching to a safety-critical state due to the unplanned interruption of an update.“
This is guaranteed by clever update management. The memory of the TCG-4 has two partitions. While the update is installed on one partition, the original version is still active on the second partition. So the update is installed while the system is running, without any downtime of the device. A connection loss or a corrupt package will therefore not affect the functionality of the device – and consequently of the machine – in the future.
The new version is only activated after a successful update. This means that machine operators can also update their TCG-4 remotely to the latest software version without any concerns. The signing of the update packages also contributes to safe updates. It ensures that the package originates from authorized parties (STW or STW customers) and has not been manipulated.
Updates via the cloud will also be possible for STW components beyond the TCG-4 in the future through integration in openSYDE. “The new software versions for our controls or sensors can be passed on remotely using the TCG-4 on the machine. Even updates of entire systems are possible in one fell swoop. openSYDE in combination with the Firefly release of the TCG-4 make it possible for machine manufacturers and operators to conveniently update entire STW system architectures in one step,” adds Maximilian Weiss.
Furthermore, customers benefit from a simplified network configuration with the new release. This is thanks to the new Network Manager, which STW is introducing with the Firefly release. The Linux-based Network Manager makes rooting or time-consuming handling of configuration files obsolete and thus simplifies, among other things, the setup of access points.
The Firefly release is available for free download on the TCG modules product page on the STW website.
