What is Firmware? Definition, Types, and Examples

Did you know that firmware is a type of software? This unique software format has many components and sophisticated means of application that make it stand out.

Knowing the basics and intricate details about firmware will help you understand how your smart devices, vehicles, and home appliances function from its core.

In this article, we will discuss various components, types, and operations of a fully functioning firmware.

Let’s get started.

What is Firmware?

Firmware is a unique form of software embedded or submerged in hardware devices for the sole purpose of controlling their operations and influencing your device's functionality.

The simplest way to describe firmware is “software for hardware.”

I find it interesting how most people mistake the traditional software and a device’s firmware for the same piece of tech. Let me shed some light on the difference between these components to stop you from making the same mistake.

If you think that firmware differs from software, you are right. The difference between firmware and software is firmware is simply a type of software.

A Firmware architecture with modular programming — **Source:** **Embedded**

Unlike a traditional software composition, firmware does not give room for constant updates or modifications and is stored in non-volatile memory.

While updating firmware is not as frequent as software, updating firmware improves the overall performance, fixes technological issues, and improves the stability of the device. The act of updating firmware is firmware over the air.

Firmware plays a significant role in ensuring the hardware and the software layers of a system function in harmony.

Your hardware device cannot successfully interact or integrate with other complex devices or perform basic input/output tasks without the agency of a fully functional firmware.

The most common areas you will find firmware running the show are strictly in hardware devices. These devices include optical drives, network cards, USB drives, TV remotes, routers, media players, cameras, scanners, game consoles, and televisions.

Firmware vs Embedded Software — **Source:** **Embedded Inventor**

Types of Firmware

In the tech world, you will encounter various forms and types of technology-specific firmware, but all these varieties are in three main categories. These areas of specialization are subject to the level or degree of hardware integration.

1. Low-Level Firmware

The word low-level describes the degrees of integration present in this form of firmware.

A significant feature of low-level firmware is its storage occurs on non-volatile memory chips read-only memory (ROM) and one-time programmable (OTP) memory. Another feature is that achieving firmware updates, rewriting, or upgrades is practically impossible.

Examples of low-level firmware include BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and UEFI (Unified Extended Firmware Interface) in PCs.

Platform Intialization — **Source:** **Thomas Krenn**

2. High-Level Firmware

High-level firmware has certain significant differences from low-level firmware. This form of firmware is common with flash memory chips and usually offers more complex instructions when it's time for a firmware update.

The complexity in the updating process gives this piece of tech a closer representation of computer hardware rather than software.

3. Subsystem Firmware

There are different ways to describe a subsystem that helps to give an accurate picture of its functionality. One of the simplest descriptions you will get out there includes “a set of elements, which is a system itself, and a component of a larger system.”

In most cases, a Subsystem firmware usually comes as part of an embedded system. Its features are closer to that of high-level firmware because of its allowances for firmware upgrades.

On the other hand, it surpasses the functionality and structure of low-level firmware because it offers more complex instructions.

Examples of Devices With Firmware

We cannot conclude this outstanding article without discussing the various examples of devices with firmware. Here are real-world examples and applications of firmware embedded in computing equipment, including complex devices.

1. Automotive

The modernization of vehicles gives room for the application of firmware to make them more sophisticated and effective.

With increasing embedded systems, sensors, and small computers that feature firmware in their core, modern cars and other vehicles perform at optimal levels.

2. Mobile Devices

An embedded firmware is the primary feature responsible for the interaction of the hardware and software of various mobile devices. These devices include mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, smart home devices, and other mobile devices all fall into this category.

3. Storage Devices

The core ingredient that enables hardware information of a storage device to interact without a computer’s operating system or software is firmware components. These devices include hard disks, magnetic disks, pen drives, SSDs, SD cards, and USB drives.

4. Home Appliances

Popular home-based appliances like thermostats, smart pet and lawn care, security cameras and systems, dishwashers, and washing machines all contain firmware.

With this piece of tech embedded in your electronic devices, you can seamlessly configure the connected devices' settings, influence their operation, and make them perform basic tasks.

5. Smart Cards

This electronic device houses firmware featuring operational instructions embedded in a chip that influences that card’s basic functionality. The firmware present in smart cards helps to perform vital functions like authentication and encryption.

6. Motherboard

Firmware is a vital component in most motherboards. It is popularly referred to as BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

The job of this unique firmware is to launch your hardware before the operating system loads, and it enables you to influence your computer program and components.

7. Router

A router's firmware plays a vital role in ensuring you can enjoy an uninterrupted internet supply and allows you to influence its functionality. You can make decisions and sway the router's operations in areas like managing settings, connectivity, security, and privacy.

8. Video Game Console

Most gamers love to have the latest updates to ensure they have the best experience while having fun with their consoles.

With the influence of firmware, gamers can seamlessly integrate manufacturers' release updates to enhance the performance of consoles like PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox, or Nintendo.

9. Personal Computer

Personal computers are making waves in recent times, and their firmware comes in two main forms; BIOS (Basic Input Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface).

You will find its firmware on a small memory chip on the computer's motherboard. Vital components such as graphics and video cards, referred to as computer peripherals, contain firmware.

FAQ

What Does Firmware Do?

The firmware embedded in the hardware allows it to function in a prescribed order and perform additional operational instructions. In addition, some hardware can function as the primary operating system of other devices. When a device is powered on, firmware sends instructions to the device's processor to execute.

Why is it called firmware?

Firmware is a combination of “firm” and “software”. Firm refers to the fact that it is embedded into hardware and lacks the tolerance for modification or alteration. The word firm can also refer to “fixed”. It is difficult to modify firmware but a device releases new features updates which improve its graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or battery life.