Intel Ethernet X710-BM2 SPI Flash Programming on a blank device

[pjf]

Hi -

We are designing a custom board with the Intel X710-BM2 ethernet controller chipset on the board and plan to install an associated SPI flash device to hold the x710 firmware. We read through the Ethernet Controller X710 Datasheet section 3.4.8 - NVM access procedure, but want to confirm the initial firmware load procedure in manufacturing on the blank flash.

We have an Intel i3 CPU with the X710-BM2 attached to the PCIe bus.

Ideally, in manufacturing after the board is assembled, we will boot a Linux 6.1 kernel that contains the Intel i40e driver on the i3 CPU and use the X700 Series nvmupdate64e firmware tool to program the flash over PCIe. After programming is successful, we will hard power cycle the board to ensure the x710 picks up the latest firmware. 

Please confirm my understanding.

Thanks.

[Diego_INTEL]

Hello @pjf,

Thank you for contacting Intel Embedded Community.

That's correct, the i40e is the compatible driver for the X710-BM2, but the compatibility list mentions only Ubuntu*22.04 LTS for example, I don't have an specific detail regarding kernels, but I think it may work fine.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000055236/ethernet-products/gigabit-ethernet-controllers-up-to-2-5gbe.html

Also, here is the NVM link just in case:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/18190/non-volatile-memory-nvm-update-utility-for-intel-ethernet-network-adapter-700-series.html

And the link to the tools:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/secure/content-details/348742/intel-network-connections-tools-28-2-pv-lan-software-tools.html?DocID=348742

Best regards,

@Diego_INTEL