Firmware is program code that lives in hardware’s non-volatile memory, which refers to a device’s static random access memory (RAM). When you turn off your device, the content is saved into the non-volatile memory. This principle also applies when your hardware loses an external power supply.
Hardware manufacturers can use embedded firmware to control multiple hardware systems and devices. The idea is similar to how your operating system pushes updates to the software on your device. The difference here is that firmware installation takes place upon manufacturing the piece of hardware.
There are three memory locations where manufacturers can write firmware:
- Read-only memory (ROM): controls the permanent data storage of PCs or other electronic devices
- Erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM): stores data so a device doesn’t lose content when the power supply turns off
- Flash memory: also a form of memory that preserves data when a power supply turns off
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Why Are Firmware Updates Important?
Firmware updates are essential because they can improve your device’s functionality, features and security.
For example, a firmware update can fix a performance issue or patch a loophole that exposes your device to attacks, such as malware injections with which an attacker can gain remote access to your device.To keep your firmware secure, install firmware updates as soon as they become available.
Also, thanks to the rapid developments in technology, firmware updates can help your device stay fresh and compete with newer device models.
3 Types of Firmware: What Are They?
- Low-level firmware
- High-level firmware
- Subsystem firmware
What Is Low-Level Firmware?
Low-level firmware is typically stored in non-volatile read-only memory chips such as ROM. This means you cannot overwrite or update low-level firmware, which means that low-level firmware is an intrinsic part of the hardware. A device that contains low-level firmware has one-time programmable memory.
What Is High-Level Firmware?
High-level firmware is a type of firmware that allows updates to the code. You typically encounter this type of firmware on flash memory chips. High-level firmware is closer to software than hardware because the code instructions are more complex than low-level firmware.
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What Is Subsystem Firmware?
Subsystem firmware is usually a part of an embedded system and reminiscent of high-level firmware for two reasons:
- You can update subsystem firmware.
- The instructions for subsystem firmware are more complex than low-level firmware.
A great example of subsystem firmware is the server’s power subsystem, which works almost independently from the server.
Firmware vs. Software
Firmware is a piece of machine-level software that gives instructions for a machine. The firmware instructs the device to cooperate with other software that runs on it.
Firmware gives low-level control over the device’s hardware, which is why some people call firmware the “software of hardware.”
In this sense, firmware is a type of software, but the key difference between firmware and software is user friendliness. Software is usually developer-friendly readable code while firmware consists of low-level machine code that isn’t easy to comprehend by humans.
Software is also not tied to the underlying hardware. Usually, you can have software work on multiple platforms and operating systems regardless of the hardware. This is not the case with most firmware that’s designed to run on a specific hardware setup.
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Firmware Examples
Some real-world applications of firmware include:
- PCs (Personal Computers):Firmware that lives on a PC comes in a memory chip on the motherboard. Also, the PC’s graphic and video cards consist of firmware.
- Storage Devices:USB drives, hard drives and other similar storage devices have firmware that makes the storage devices work with a computer.
- Mobile Devices:Smartphones, tablets and laptops all have firmware that make it possible for the hardware to work with different types of software and applications.
- Home Appliances:Washing machines, dishwashers and even coffee machines can contain firmware. These types of firmware allow a computer to interact with the machine to control the operations and machine settings.
FAQs
Firmware Definition
Firmware is a form of microcode or program embedded into hardware devices to help them operate effectively. Hardware like cameras, mobile phones, network cards, optical drives, printers, routers, scanners, and television remotes rely on firmware built into their memory to function smoothly.
What is firmware simplified? ›
Firmware is software that provides basic machine instructions that allow the hardware to function and communicate with other software running on a device. Firmware provides low-level control for a device's hardware.
What is firmware Quizlet? ›
Firmware. - the middle ground between hardware and software- a chip or chips attached to devices such as motherboards, optical drives, video cards, mass storage host adapters, network adapters and cards, modems, and printers.
Why is firmware needed? ›
In addition to performance and security benefits, firmware updates can save you money in the long run. By regularly updating firmware, you can reduce the need for expensive repairs or bug fixes. It also ensures that all device peripherals work together seamlessly, eliminating delays and enhancing overall performance.
What is firmware? ›
Firmware is a type of software that provides machine instructions to a device's hardware components, enabling it to function on a basic level. Because firmware is installed by the manufacturer and typically cannot be removed, it is sometimes referred to as embedded software.
What is a simple example of firmware? ›
Examples of firmware include: The BIOS found in IBM-compatible Personal Computers. Code inside a printer (in addition to the printer driver that is on the computer) Software controlling a heart defibrillator.
Why is firmware called firmware? ›
It was not composed of CPU machine instructions, but of lower-level microcode involved in the implementation of machine instructions. It existed on the boundary between hardware and software; thus the name firmware.
How do I see the firmware? ›
How to Find Your Firmware Revision for Windows ®
- Click on the Start menu.
- Open Control panel> System> Hardware.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand Disk drives.
- Right-click on the drive and select Properties.
- Select the Details tab and select Hardware lds from the drop down menu.
Firmware is program code that lives in hardware's non-volatile memory, which refers to a device's static random access memory (RAM). When you turn off your device, the content is saved into the non-volatile memory. This principle also applies when your hardware loses an external power supply.
What is true about firmware? ›
It is a set of instructions programmed that is permanently etched into a hardware device like video cards, BIOS, keyboards, or hard drives. Without using special programs, it cannot be modifying or deleted by an end-user, unlike normal software. And it remains on that device whether it is on or off.
Firmware Development
Embedded C, Java and Python is the main programming language which we use to write firmware. This is an essential part of your smartphones, computers, smartwatch, GPS devices, etc. it's embedded in flash memory chips and plays the intermediate role between the hardware and software.
Is firmware a malware? ›
Firmware viruses are a form of self-replicating malware that targets the firmware of an infected computer. Firmware is software that comes preinstalled on computers. It's designed to provide basic support for devices and hardware. If a virus writes its malicious code to the firmware, it's considered a firmware virus.
What is firmware role? ›
Firmware Engineers write the algorithms, or rules, that tell a device how to behave. When you hit the keys on your keyboard, firmware communicated to the device on how to interpret your commands and convert them into a signal your computer can understand. Firmware Engineers work with both hardware and software.
What is firmware on a phone? ›
Firmware is loaded onto your Android phone before anything else. Firmware tells your phone to boot up, turn on the display, and test out components like speakers and the camera to make sure they're operational. It makes sure the different pieces of your Android phone are on and working together.
What is firmware development? ›
Firmware development is the process of programming and maintaining the firmware embedded into IoT devices (hardware). Firmware is designed to access and control the device resources (input/output interfaces, memory, timers, controller, etc.).
Why is it called firmware? ›
Ascher Opler used the term firmware in a 1967 Datamation article, as an intermediary term between "hardware" and "software". In this article, Opler was referring to a new kind of computer program that had a different practical and psychological purpose from traditional programs from the user's perspective.
What is firmware vs software? ›
Software includes sets of instructions that allow a variety of inputs from the user. Firmware is a specific type (or subset) of software that is designed to act as the intermediary between the software and hardware or for the operation of single-purpose embedded systems, such as printers or routers.
What is firmware vs OS? ›
The firmware's purpose is to manage specific hardware components. As a result, these are codes that are only used to operate one device. The operating system is a multi-purpose application that manages the computer's various components. All hardware components are basically under its control.
Which of the following is an example of firmware? ›
The basic input/output system (BIOS) and unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) are examples of firmware.
