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Local Firmware Update Guide

1. Purpose

This document describes the complete procedure for updating the firmware of CAN‑based devices ( CR314x and CR315x series) using the Proemion Firmware Programmer .

It includes prerequisites, pre‑installation checks, firmware flashing steps, and post‑installation validation.


2. Scope and Intended Audience

Audience

This manual is intended for:

  • Service technicians
  • Machine OEMs
  • Maintenance engineers
  • Field support staff
  • Integrators working with CR314x or CR3158 CAN devices
Scope

The procedure applies to firmware updates performed via a PC using:

  • A PCAN‑USB CAN interface
  • The Proemion Firmware Programmer (v3.2.0.2 or higher)
  • A device powered and connected to a CAN bus

This document does not cover:

  • Hardware installation
  • Software configuration
  • Gateway configuration updates
  • OTA firmware processes


3. Safety Information

⚠️ Warning – Power Supply
Ensure that the device remains powered throughout the firmware download process.
Interrupting the power supply may cause the device to become unresponsive.


⚠️ Warning – CAN Bus Integrity
Only operate on a CAN bus when it is safe to do so.
Incorrect manipulation can interfere with machine control systems.


⚠️ Caution – Termination Resistors
A correctly terminated CAN bus (typically 120 Ω) is required for stable communication.


ℹ️ Note
Always use the recommended baud rate and communication settings for your device model.


4. Prerequisites

Before performing a firmware update, ensure the availability of:

  • A CR314x or CR315x device, properly powered
  • A PCAN‑USB CAN adapter, connected to the device’s CAN bus
  • The correct firmware package (available via ifm.com → device search)
  • Proemion Firmware Programmer 3.2.0.2 or higher installed
  • A functioning CAN bus with proper termination


5. Pre‑Install Check

Before updating the firmware, verify that communication between the PC and the CAN device is functioning.

5.1 Start the Firmware Programmer

  • Launch Proemion Firmware Programmer on your PC.

5.2 Configure Communication Settings

  • Open the Communication Settings dialog.
  • Select PCAN‑USB as the communication path.
  • In the PCAN‑USB Settings window
    - Click Refresh to detect available CAN channels
    - Ensure the baud rate is set to 250 kbit/s (commonly used default).
  • Confirm with OK.

5.3 Scan the CAN Bus

  • Open the Node Scan function.
  • Run the scan to ensure that the device is detected on the CAN network.

Successful detection completes the pre‑installation check.


6. Installing New Firmware

6.1 Start Node Scan

  • Click Start Node Scan.
  • After scanning, the tool lists all recognised CAN devices.
  • Double‑click the device that requires the firmware update.

6.2 Select Firmware File

  • Click Open to browse for the firmware file.
  • Verify that the correct firmware version appears in the Firmware section.

6.3 Search for Targets

  • Click Search for Targets.
  • The tool displays the detected target devices along with their Node IDs.

6.4 Start Firmware Download

  • Select the correct target from the list.
  • Click Start Firmware Download.

The following will occur:

  • The tool first enables the device’s bootloader using CANopen
  • This may take 10–20 seconds
  • After bootloader activation, the flashing process begins
  • Progress is displayed in the Update Mode section

7. Post‑Installation Check

After the firmware download completes:

7.1 Validate Programming Success

  1. Confirm the tool shows a successful download message in the Firmware Download Log.

7.2 Verify Firmware Version

  1. Open Node Scan again.
  2. Click Start Node Scan.
  3. Check the listed firmware version(s) to ensure the device reports the updated version.

8. Troubleshooting

Issue: Device not detected on the CAN bus
  • Possible causes:
    - The device is not powered
    - Incorrect CAN wiring
    - Missing or incorrect termination resistor
  • Recommended actions:
    - Verify that the device is powered
    - Check CAN‑H and CAN‑L wiring
    - Ensure correct CAN bus termination (typically 120 Ω)
Issue: No CAN channel visible in the tool
  • Possible causes:
    - PCAN‑USB adapter is not connected
    - PCAN‑USB driver is missing or malfunctioning
  • Recommended actions:
    - Verify the USB connection
    - Check that PCAN‑USB drivers are installed and active
    - Reconnect the adapter and refresh available channels
Issue: Firmware download does not start
  • Possible causes:
    - Incorrect device or node selected
    - CAN bus collisions due to multiple active nodes
  • Recommended actions:
    - Repeat the node scan
    - Ensure the correct target device is selected
    - If possible, perform the update on an isolated CAN bus
Issue: Update process stalls during bootloader activation
  • Possible causes:
    - Unstable CAN communication
    - Incorrect baud rate configuration
  • Recommended actions:
    - Confirm the baud rate is set to 250 kbit/s (unless otherwise specified)
    - Check physical CAN connections and cable integrity
    - Retry the firmware update process
Issue: Device reports old firmware after update
  • Possible causes:
    - Firmware update was interrupted or incomplete
  • Recommended actions:
    - Repeat the firmware update procedure
    - Confirm successful completion in the firmware download log

9. References

  • Proemion Firmware Programmer User Interface
  • ifm device firmware packages (download via ifm.com)
  • PCAN‑USB adapter documentation

10. Change Log / Document History

Version 1.0.0

Date: 2026-03-25

Author/Editor: Product Management

Change summary:

  • Initial public release
  • Full rewrite of the original PDF manual
  • Content structured according to ISO-oriented digital documentation principles
  • Grammar, terminology, and procedural clarity improved


11. Document Control

Document Owner: Product Management – Telematics

Document Category: Public Technical Manual