How-to guide: Embedded Processing (SDK) on PLSx3 and EXSx2/TXx2 modules

Cellular Modules
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The following article and presentation offer a short introduction and demo of the Embedded Processing feature (also known as EP/ThreadX/IoT SDK) on PLSx3 and EXSx2/TXx2 modules.

Covered topics:

  • Quick introduction to the Embedded Processing feature;
  • Preparing the module for running DAM (downloadable application module) apps - in particular, a demo of preparing and uploading the root certificate onto the module;
  • Step-by-step demo of compiling, uploading, and running one of the applications from SDK examples;
  • Further discussion and questions;

Prerequisites:

Basic hardware and software required for the demo:

  • One of the supported modules, preferably with the most recent firmware release [can be downloaded from the Telit Cinterion Download Zone]
  • EP SDK [please reach out to Telit Cinterion Technical Support / FAE or your TC Sales representative to ask for the most recent release of the SDK package]
  • Python 2.7 installed and added to the PATH environmental variable [Can be downloaded from: Python 2.7.0 Release | Python.org; PySerial will also be required - instructions on how to install: stackoverflow.com and pyserial · PyPI]

For generating Root-of-trust cert and signing/verifying applications:

  • OpenSSL installed and added to the PATH environmental variable [the easiest way is to get Git for Windows (Git - Downloading Package), which should by default include OpenSSL (‘C:\Program Files\Git\usr\bin\openssl.exe’). Then add 'C:\Program Files\Git\usr\bin' to the PATH environmental variable and verify with ‘$where openssl’ if a correct executable of OpenSSL is chosen when invoked from the command line (there might have been another version of OpenSSL already installed on your PC)].

For generating the binary file required to upload the Root-of-trust certificate to the module:

  • 32-bit Java JRE installed [e.g. Amazon Corretto 8 (Windows x86), Downloads for Amazon Corretto 8 - Amazon Corretto 8]
  • ipCertMgr [Can be downloaded from Telit Cinterion Download Zone (enclosed to the TLS application note) or alternatively can be provided by Telit Cinterion Technical Support / FAE or your TC Sales representative]

For uploading the binary file with the cert to the module:

  • ZOC7 (or another serial terminal app supporting binary upload)

Checking if you are ready to go:
:white_check_mark: ZOC7 installed and the module responds for ATI1 with the correct recent firmware revision
:white_check_mark: ipCertMgr and EP SDK downloaded & unzipped
:white_check_mark: java --version (in the command prompt/Powershell) responds with a correct 32-bit Java version
:white_check_mark: openssl --version (in the command prompt/Powershell) responds with a correct OpenSSL version
:white_check_mark: python --version (in the command prompt/Powershell) responds with “Python 2.7…”

Important notes on installation:
Please note that with the most recent SDK/firmware, the app has to be installed before it can be executed.
This requirement has been added only recently, and earlier firmware releases do not require app installation and do not support related AT commands.
Similarly, only more recent SDK releases (since 02.005) support easy installation via the app.py script.
Please note that it is always recommended to use the most recent release of the module’s firmware and Embedded Processing SDK.

Presentation:
EP SDK Demo.pdf (508.2 KB)