Method for Updating an Operating Function of a Sensor, and Sensor Module

A method for updating an operating function of a sensor, the sensor having a memory with a boot memory area for storing a boot function and an operating memory area for storing an operating function, the method comprising the following steps:

• executing the boot function;
• checking whether the operating function of the sensor is intended to be updated;
• if the operating function of the sensor is intended to be updated, carrying out a plausibility check;
• if the plausibility check was successful, updating the operating function of the sensor by receiving data relating to a current operating function from an external unit and writing the data to the operating memory area, wherein receiving the data and writing the data to the operating memory area take place in parallel.

A sensor module, comprising:

• a sensor for measuring a physical variable;
• a control module for executing an operating function for controlling said sensor;
• an interface configured to interact with said control module to receive data relating to a current operating function from an external unit;
• said control unit having a memory with a boot memory area for storing a boot function and an operating memory area for storing an operating function of said sensor;
• and
• an update module having an execution unit for executing the boot function, an evaluation unit for checking whether the operating function of the sensor is intended to be updated, a security unit for carrying out a plausibility check if the operating function of the sensor is intended to be updated, and a writing unit for writing received data relating to a current operating function to the operating memory area;
• said writing unit being configured to write the received data relating to the current operating function to said operating memory area in parallel with receiving the data relating to the current operating function.