Firmware Extraction
Request More InformationA functional circuit board consists of electrical components and the electrical routing of the physical circuit board itself. Sometimes, however, it also consists of unique firmware that is programmed on programmable components. Whether you are looking to replicate the exact form, fit, and function to create a replacement circuit board, or you are looking for comprehensive documentation for a given artifact — capturing the firmware from programmable devices is an important aspect of the process. Fortunately, ScanCAD has services specifically designed to support this effort.
ScanCAD’s solution is a logical stage-gated process designed to maximize the value and visibility and help provide the most comprehensive dataset possible.
Step 1: IC Identification
Sometimes, components on a board may contain firmware despite a lack of being visually distinguishable from other devices. Upon intake of your board, our knowledgeable technicians will fully evaluate the populated circuit card for any and all probable IC’s that could contain firmware and generate a report listing all chips that may host firmware and merit further exploration.
Step 2: Extraction Planning
Firmware extraction is not as simple as plugging into your device and extracting code. Oftentimes, it is a very technical process. Prior to any attempted firmware extraction, our qualified professionals will create an Extraction Plan.
The Extraction Plan contains information critical to the extraction process such as:
Tooling Requirements
Programmer and Software Requirements
Probability of success
Potential Problems
I/O points
Any processes necessary to complete the extraction, such as what circuits need to be powered or shorted to make the data harvestable.
Anticipated format and file types of the extracted data.
This information will all be outlined in a report that can either be used by you to perform the extraction on your own, or can be followed by ScanCAD technicians in step 3 of our firmware extraction process.
Step 3: Firmware Extraction
Using all of the data from the previous steps in the process, ScanCAD has the ability to fully execute firmware extractions and deliver in the format outlined in our Extraction Plan.
Step 4: Analysis
ScanCAD has upped the ante one further step with our analysis offerings for extracted firmware. Our technicians will fully assess the structure and coding within the firmware for critical information; such as functionality, patent litigation or whatever concerns you may have regarding the firmware itself.
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Trade shows
ScanCAD participates in many trade shows during the year, whether in ScanCAD's own booth or by way of our distributor/OEM.
Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum
October 25 and 26, 2023
Chihuahua City, Mexico
EXPO GUADALAJARA
USM Reps Booth
TPCA Show
October 25-27, 2023
Taipei , Taiwan
Microsys Booth
PRODUCTRONICA 2023
November 14-17, 2023
Munich, Germany
GS Electronic Booth
DMC 2023
December 11-14, 2023
Music City Center
Nashville, Tennessee
Booth 314
APEX 2024
April 9-11, 2024
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California
Booth 3206
News
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The Importance of PCB Inspection in Ensuring Product Quality In the increasingly complex world of electronics, maintaining the highest quality standards is no longer an option but rather a...
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Meet the ScanCAD team in this series of blog posts. Meet Danielle! Danielle Heller started working at ScanCAD in their shipping department in 2021. She was mentored and took over for...
New Service Offering: Firmware Extraction
In our 30+ years of being in business, we have learned to look to our global customer base for suggestions in how to grow and better serve their needs. This has offered us insight in ways that are...
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Solder paste stencils are essential tools for PCB manufacturing, as they allow precise and consistent application of solder paste to the pads of surface-mounted components. However, solder paste...
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Do you really need to inspect inner circuit layers?
Inner circuit layers can contain nefarious elements! In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the threat of cyberattacks is constantly growing. As a result, it is more important than ever to...
Trade shows
ScanCAD participates in many trade shows during the year, whether in ScanCAD's own booth or by way of our distributor/OEM.
Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum
October 25 and 26, 2023
Chihuahua City, Mexico
EXPO GUADALAJARA
USM Reps Booth
TPCA Show
October 25-27, 2023
Taipei , Taiwan
Microsys Booth
PRODUCTRONICA 2023
November 14-17, 2023
Munich, Germany
GS Electronic Booth
DMC 2023
December 11-14, 2023
Music City Center
Nashville, Tennessee
Booth 314
APEX 2024
April 9-11, 2024
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California
Booth 3206

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