Typically you have your distributor or assembly house program the
parts for you. For low volumes it's possible to program them yourself
prior to assembly if you've got the required equipment (a programmer
and the proper package adapter).
Otherwise, you would typically program things like the on-board eMMC
and EEPROM after assembly as part of the production test and burn-in
process, using an alternate boot method (eg: uSD, JTAG, USB, serial)
that would get enough software running to be able to perform in-system
programming. Note that usually the EEPROM is write-protected, so part
of the production test fixture physically enables EEPROM writes,
typically using a test point or other pad that will be pulled high or
low as required.
See the various "flasher" uSD images available for an example of how
to program the eMMC. Dig in the archives of this group and you'll
find several threads on programming the EEPROM (or customizing U-Boot
so you don't need the EEPROM).
You'll probably also want some sort of script to program things like a
unique serial number and MAC address. There are lots of ways to do
this, and typically it's handled by the same scripts that are doing
any other in-system programming and test/burn-in.
>>> 1. I understand the BeagleBoards come pre-programmed with a Linux
>>> kernel and U-Boot, however, new chips we purchase from the factory will be
>>> black. What is the method for first programming of the blank chips? Can it
>>> be done via the USB Client port or MicroSD?
>>>
>>> 2. I understand there's an EEPROM on board that contains board
>>> identification information, which is used by the Kernel and U-Boot to setup
>>> and boot the board correctly. What areas need to be modified to bring up a
>>> board that does not contain the EEPROM, or contains a blank EEPROM?
>>>
>>> 3. The SRM mentioned that some of the TPS65217C power rails had been
>>> modified to 1.5V instead of 1.8V. Where is this set? I'm guessing this is
>>> done in software and somewhat related to question 2.
>>>
>>> 4. The device needs to be powered by an unregulated 12v supply and be
>>> able to withstand 10v - 14.5v. The TPS65217C datasheet indicates it can
>>> support a supply voltage range of -0.3V to 20V, however, the recommended
>>> operating supply voltage is 4.3V - 5.8V. Has anyone used the chip outside
>>> of the recommended supply voltage, and were there any issues?
>>>
>>>
>>> Thank you in advance for any feedback.
>>>
>>
>
--
Charles Steinkuehler
cha...@steinkuehler.net