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Firmware Update

Keep the DevKit firmware current, recover a device that does not boot, or install a specific firmware release.

note

Please install or upgrade sima-cli before continuing. These guides are intended for use with the latest sima-cli version.

warning

Upgrading a Modalix DevKit from SDK 1.7 to 2.0 requires additional steps. Refer to the Convert to eLxr guide for the conversion procedure.

Operating Systems​

SiMa.ai Modalix DevKits run eLxr Linux, a Debian-derived distribution. Units shipped after mid-December 2025 come with eLxr preloaded. Earlier Modalix units (shipped before mid-December 2025) are preloaded with Yocto and can be converted to eLxr following the Convert to eLxr article.

eLxr is a Debian-based OS for development on the Modalix platform. It offers:

  • Full Debian package management (apt)
  • A broader user-space environment for development and debugging
  • The ability to build and install tools directly on the device
  • Faster iteration without cross-compilation
  • A broader ecosystem of libraries and frameworks

Use the firmware update workflows below to update a DevKit, create bootable recovery media, or reflash firmware over the network.

tip

If your DevKit does not have Internet access, use a host-based workflow. Use Net Boot Recovery to boot from the host and flash eMMC, or Create Boot Image to prepare removable boot media. The host machine needs Internet access to download the firmware image unless you already have the image available locally.

Choose an Update Method

Select the path that matches the state of your DevKit and the firmware you need to install.