Term · Embedded Software & Tools
A/B partition
An update scheme that keeps two complete copies of the bootable image, writing the new version to the inactive slot while the active one keeps running, then switching slots at the next boot.
A failed boot falls back to the known-good slot.
- Also known as
- Dual bank, Seamless update, Ping-pong update
- Type
- Term
- Domain
- Embedded Software & Tools, Firmware and boot
Notes
The cost is roughly double the flash for the updatable image, which is why cheap MCUs often use a compressed staging area instead.
Related terms
- OTA
- Bootloader
- Rollback protection
- Flash memory
Part of the Embedded Software & Tools glossary, with every term in the topic and the lifecycles, tools and standards that use them.
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