Semantic Firmware Versioning
Create traceable semantic versions, build identifiers and hardware compatibility rules.
Arduino-compatible frameworks, ESP-IDF/FreeRTOS, PIC/AVR/STM32/RP-class systems; apply exact vendor documentation for the selected MCU.Architecture
Source tag + reproducible build inputs → signed image + manifest → release archive.
Security and recovery risks
- Version strings do not provide authenticity.nDo not include secrets or personal usernames in build metadata.nArchive exact compiler and dependency versions.
Implementation procedure
- Choose semantic-version policy.nEmbed version, build and source revision.nList compatible hardware revisions and minimum bootloader.nHash every binary.nPrevent ambiguous duplicate version/build combinations.
Starter code / configuration
#define FW_VERSION "1.2.0"n#define FW_BUILD 120Verification evidence
| Test | Expected | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal boot | Correct version and hardware revision reported | Captured boot log |
| Fault recovery | Defined safe state and reset reason | Fault-injection record |
| Power cycle | No corrupt configuration or unsafe output | Repeated-cycle log |
Required release artifacts
- Versioned firmware binary and SHA-256
- Source revision / build identifier
- Board and hardware-revision compatibility list
- Test report and known limitations
- Recovery image and factory-reset procedure
- Provisioning/calibration schema
- Release approval record
Local browser tools
Firmware production workbench
A/B update exercise
OTA and automatic rollback simulator
Advance one validated stage at a time. A failed boot test returns the device to the previous slot.
- Running confirmed firmware from Slot A.
Release gate
Production-readiness checklist
A downloadable release decision is generated only after every mandatory control is confirmed.