SEB Firmware Simulator for FPGA Code Download & Enclosure Modelling

Overview:

A client required a firmware (FW) simulator to enable testing of SEB firmware, FPGA interactions, and enclosure components using Python scripts developed by the client. The simulator needed to emulate hardware behavior, facilitate FPGA code downloads over I2C, and provide a socket interface for Python integration.

Solution:

A structured development approach was taken with the following key components:

• Simulator Development:

        1. Prepared binary FW and API hooks for Python socket integration.

        2. Simulated heartbeat exchanges with the FPGA on the DPB.

• Firmware Compilation & Code Download:

        1. Compiled SEB firmware as a Windows thread for easier execution.

        2. Enabled code download to FPGA over I2C to target  hardware.

• Enclosure Model Simulation:

       1. Implemented library functions for ThreadX, SCSI Target Emulation, and I2C driver support.

       2. Provided a socket interface with documented APIs for Python scripts.

Outcome:

The SEB firmware simulator streamlined FPGA testing, accelerated development cycles, and improved test automation by enabling seamless Python script integration.

Client: Embedded Storage Manufacturing MNC, USA

Technology Used