03.00 System_Clone

3System Clone

3.1Introduction

System cloning is the process of creating an exact copy of a device's operating system and data, which can then be transferred to other identical devices. This method is highly efficient for mass production, as it allows you to configure one "master" device with all necessary software and settings, and then rapidly deploy that same setup across multiple units, ensuring consistency and saving significant time.

3.2General Procedure

The cloning process generally involves using the Advantech Board Support Package (BSP) on a host computer to first create a complete image of a master device's storage (e.g., eMMC or NVMe). This image is then used as a blueprint to flash onto other identical target devices.The typical workflow is as follows:

1. Prepare a Master Device: Install and configure the OS and all required applications on one device.
2. Create a System Image: Connect the master device to a host PC in recovery mode and use the flashing script provided in the BSP to generate a system image file.
3. Deploy the Image: Connect a new target device and use the same flashing script to write the custom image to its internal storage.

3.3Prerequisites

Before attempting to clone a device, ensure you have the following:

• Host PC: A computer running a Linux-based operating system (Ubuntu is recommended).
• Advantech BSP: The correct BSP for your specific model and Jetpack version must be downloaded and extracted on your host PC. You can find the BSP of your device in the BSP Support section.
• Sufficient Storage: The host PC must have enough free disk space to store the cloned image.
• Appropriate Cables: A Micro-USB cable to connect the host PC to the device's recovery port.

3.4Support Storage Formats

• eMMC Storage
• NVMe Storage

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