FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) and SOTA (Software Over-The-Air) are two remote update technologies in OTA that are commonly used to update firmware and software in mobile devices (e.g., phones, tablets) or vehicles.
In this article, Yingli Testing will interpret the relevant concepts of the two sub-types of OTA, FOTA and SOTA.
Interpreting FOTA
FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air), that is, firmware upgrade. For example, the application of FOTA in the automotive field refers to the writing of new firmware programs to the vehicle system and the vehicle's core driving control department (e.g., ECU) without changing the existing parts of the vehicle. , FOTA upgrades engine, motor, gearbox, chassis, etc.) to improve the driving experience of the whole vehicle.
Advantages of FOTA upgrades
Compatibility. To support new technologies, standards, or features, adapt to the evolving technology environment by constantly updating the firmware.
Convenience. Users can update directly and install firmware via a wireless network without the need for a wired connection or physical media.
Flexibility. Manufacturers can schedule and adjust the update time according to the release cycle;In order to avoid being disturbed by firmware updates at critical moments, users can choose the update time independently.
Security. In order to improve the security of the system and protect devices and users from potential threats and attacks, manufacturers can detect and check vulnerabilities in a timely manner through FOTA technology, and fix and remedy security flaws by updating firmware.
Optimize performance. To provide a better user experience, device manufacturers can optimize the operating system, improve applications, or fix performance issues by updating firmware.
Interpreting SOTA
SOTA (Software Over-The-Air), that is, software upgrades. The upgrade is to upgrade the application on the device on the basis of the operating system, so there is no involvement in the firmware of the device. Take the SOTA upgrade on the car as an example, this upgrade is usually an upgrade of the on-board large-screen UI interface, on-board map, app, and human-computer interaction interface.
Advantages of SOTA upgrades
Added value. Manufacturers can provide users with subscription services or payment software through SOTA upgrades, which constitute secondary sales and increase revenue.
Real-time. SOTA updates push software updates to devices as soon as they occur.
Personalize. According to different device models, usage scenarios, user preferences, user feedback and market demand, personalized customization can be pushed to optimize the functions of in-vehicle software.
Application scenarios of SOTA
Smart home. Various functions of smart home devices, such as the latest feature updates of smart speaker voice assistants, new ** content services pushed by smart TVs, and new feature imports of smart door locks, etc., can all be obtained with new features and improvements through SOTA upgrades.
Smart industry. Industrial automation equipment can realize anomaly detection, industrial defect detection, remote upgrade and other functions through SOTA technology, which helps to update industrial equipment control algorithms, optimize robot operation, and improve industrial production efficiency.
Automotive industry. SOTA is generally used in automotive entertainment systems and intelligent driving systems. Such as multi-** system operation interface, dashboard display style, entertainment host map program update, etc.
About FOTA Supplements:
Target Audience: Firmware (device software layer).
Update source: provided by the manufacturer and transmitted to the device over a wireless network.
What's new: operating system, drivers, and underlying firmware.
Update method: Automatic or semi-automatic update is notified by the manufacturer and installed automatically, and the device needs to be restarted to take effect.