Method and apparatus for downloading software into an embedded-system

An embedded system having a software upgrade capability for its operating software and/or boot initialization program versions, comprising:

• a) a single non-volatile flash type memory having two boot sectors, a first write-protected area boot sector area for storing an original non-upgradable boot initialization and download program version of said embedded system and a second unprotected boot sector area for storing an upgradable boot initialization and download program version of said embedded-system, and at least one unprotected area for storing an upgradable operating software program version;
• b) a second memory for storing a selected one of said non-upgradable or upgradable boot initialization and download program versions of said embedded-system;
• c) control circuitry that controls an initialization process and operation of said embedded system to copy the contents of said original non-upgradable boot initialization and download program or said upgradable boot initialization and download program version into said second memory and to download and program new initialization and download and/or operating program versions;
• and
• d) a data receiving input that receives said downloaded operating program and/or said boot initialization and download program versions.