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This FAQ helps you understand AKD backup FPGA firmware, a situation where the motor holding brake can unintentionally disengage, whether your hardware could be affected, and how to remedy the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Probably not. If you are an end user with an AKD working just fine in the field, we suggest you leave it alone.
If you are an OEM, and you think you might want access to the latest features, then you may want the latest (operational) firmware and Workbench. If you do decide to update the (operational) firmware and corresponding Workbench, please update your Backup FPGA firmware first. Make sure the drive accepted the updates and has the latest Backup FPGA firmware. Then, if you wish to proceed with updating the (operational) firmware and corresponding WorkBench, feel free to do so.
All of the necessary files are on KDN.
During recent internal development activities, it was discovered that a specific sequence of events could lead to an unintentional motor holding brake release due to corrupted firmware.
The condition may occur from the following sequence of events:
- Initiate a user firmware file download (via Workbench or Fieldbus)
- Interrupt the download process (for example by disconnecting the Ethernet cable)
- The firmware may be corrupted due to the interruption
- Power cycle the AKD (remove power, re-apply power)
- If the firmware was corrupted, the AKD will power up using the Backup FPGA firmware
If items 1-5 occur, the Motor Brake will unexpectedly disengage. The reason for this behavior is an issue in the Backup FPGA firmware.
The following flowchart will guide you to help determine whether you are affected by the Backup FPGA firmware. If you are, please download the new files and instructions.
The sequence of events leading to possible brake disengagement is described in this flow chart. The box marked in red shows the wrong behavior due the fault condition.
No. The Backup FPGA firmware is not part of the standard beta or production release of operational firmware. The Backup FPGA firmware is programmed separately, and requires special files and process. The files and process are listed in this article.
No. The Backup FPGA firmware is not part of the main AKD firmware and is not used under normal operating conditions.
Connect to the AKD. Go to terminal view. Enter the command “DRV.INFO”. In the section "FPGA", you can read the Backup FPGA firmware version.
For example:
FPGA Version : FP0006_0602_00_00 Operational image : FP0006_0602_00_00 Resident image : FPB006_0602_00_01 Size : 45
The version for the Backup FPGA firmware can be found under "Resident image".
The coding is a follows: FPB00x_yyyy_yy_yy, where “x” represents a certain type, and “y” represents the version number. In this example the version is 0602_00_01.
All Backup FPGA firmware versions FPB0xx_0300_00_00 through FPB0xx_0602_00_01.
0300_00_00 was released in March 2012; 0602_00_01 was released 10 April 2017.
The next question, How can I figure out the current version of my Backup FPGA firmware?, explains how to discover what version you have.
Yes, you can update the Backup FPGA firmware yourself. Instructions to upgrade the Backup FPGA firmware can be found on this page or downloaded. The downloadable file may also be found as an attachment at the bottom of this page.
No. The brake will not disengage during a firmware download.
The brake may disengage during a reboot if the download fails and the user firmware has been corrupted.
The following serial numbers are affected by the bug:
- B-0901-00001 – B-1714-00255
- P-0901-00001 – P-1715-00004
- R-0901-00001 – R-1714-00221
- T-0901-00001 – T-1715-00000
The following model numbers are affected by the bug:
- AKD-P; AKD-B; AKD-T; AKD-M
- KC1-B; KC1-M
NOT affected are models beginning with AKD-N, AKD-C.
One of the following countermeasures can prevent this issue:
- Secure the load during firmware download
- Remove the motor connector from the AKD before starting firmware download (remove power from the AKD before disconnecting any cables!)
- Upgrade the Backup FPGA firmware on the AKD to version FPB0xx_0602_00_01 or higher.