This technical note details the firmware update procedure for the Virtual IO Module (VIM) with firmware IOD-4101 Modbus TCP v3.6.11 or later.

This flash update procedure is for upgrading the Modbus TCP VIM firmware (IOD-4101). Do not use this procedure if your VIM firmware is not currently IOD-4101 Modbus TCP v3.6.11 or later. Please call Mynah Technical Support for assistance.

Warning Once the VIM is flashed to the current firmware version, it cannot be re-flashed to an older version.

Required Software Versions

• VIMNet Explorer 9.0.8.0 or later

• IOD-4101 Modbus TCP firmware already installed on the VIM, version 3.6.11 or later

• Latest IOD-4101 Modbus TCP VIM firmware file. Contact Mynah Technical Support with your Site ID for the latest firmware file.

Overview

1. If the VIM’s are online, this flash upgrade must be performed when the control system is shut down or in safe mode. Details

2. Verify VIMNet Explorer version required. Details

3. Verify that the VIM is in the commissioned state. Details

4. Verify that VIM's current version is acceptable for this procedure. Details

5. Click on the Flash Upgrade button from the VIM Properties Dialog. Details

6. Select the firmware upgrade file: Vim-ModbusTCP.v3.y.x.f.hex, where y is the current minor version and x is the current build number. Details

7. Verify the VIM is at the version indicated by the firmware file name selected above. Details

8. Repeat for any additional VIMs in your system.

9. After all VIMs have been flashed, you can bring the process back online.

Steps to Flash Upgrade the VIM

For VIM functionality changes, MYNAH Technologies will issue firmware upgrade files as required. The new firmware files must be flashed into the VIM.

1. Confirm that the control system is shut down or in safe mode.

   While a VIM is flashing, all communications through the VIM will be interrupted. It is the user's responsibility to confirm that this does not interfere with the rest of the control system or the process.

   Caution Flashing VIM (Simplex or Redundant) with new firmware will cause all field communications to terminate. Upon flash completion, the VIM will automatically reboot. VIM flash must be done with the process in safe mode.

2. Confirm VIMNet Explorer version.

   VIMNet Explorer must be at the version mentioned in the Required Software Versions section above. The current version number can be found by selecting Help -> About from the menu. The latest version of VIMNet Explorer can be found in the MYNAH Download Center.

   
   Help menu in VIMNet Explorer

   
   VIMNet Explorer Version

3. Confirm that the desired VIM is commissioned.

   The VIM to upgrade should appear in the I/O Net section of VIMNet Explorer. The VIM Properties Dialog (below) should contain the MAC address of the VIM.

   In the VIMNet Explorer, right click on the target commissioned VIM object and select Properties. The dialog box below will appear.

   
   VIM Properties

    

4. Confirm that the VIM is at the correct firmware version.

   The VIM Properties Dialog (above) also has the Version of the currently installed firmware. Verify that this version is greater than or equal to the minimum firmware version in the Required Software Versions section above.

5. Click on the Flash Upgrade button from the VIM Properties Dialog.

   From the dialog above, click Flash Upgrade. A warning message will appear (below).

   
   Flash Upgrade Warning

   Click Yes to start the flash process. Note that while flashing the VIM, all communications with DeltaV Controller and field devices are terminated. Browse to select the firmware file. Firmware files have a .HEX extension. Please contact Mynah technical support for the correct file to use.

   Warning Using an incorrect firmware file may render the VIM inoperable.

6. Select Firmware File

   Select the VIM firmware file to continue the flash upgrade process (below). Please note that the firmware file name may not be the same as shown in the image. Refer to the Overview for the correct file name.

   
   Select VIM Firmware File

   Once the file has been selected, a connection is opened to the VIM and the flash file is transfered to the VIM. During the transfer, a progress bar is displayed (below).

   
   VIM Firmware Transfer Progress Indicator

7. Verify new VIM firmware version.

   Upon completion, the VIM will reboot. When the reboot is complete the VIM will have the new firmware version, visible from VIMNet Explorer.

   If the version displayed matches the version indicated in the HEX file, as shown below, then the installation was successful.

   
   Verify VIM Firmware Update

   In case of redundant VIMs, both must be flashed separately to the same firmware revision.

   Warning When flashing a redundant VIM, no guarantee is made that the partner VIM will continue operating. VIM flash must be done with the process in safe mode.