driverfirmware

Driver firmware, or device firmware loaded and executed by a device driver, refers to non-volatile code embedded in or loaded onto a hardware device to perform low-level functions and control. Unlike a host-based driver, which runs in the operating system, firmware runs on the device itself and handles initialization, calibration, protocol handling, timing, and real-time operations that are specific to the hardware.

Firmware is typically stored in the device's flash memory and keyed to a particular hardware revision. The host driver requests and loads the firmware at startup or during operation; in some devices the firmware is pre-programmed in ROM and loaded by the driver only when needed. The process may involve a firmware loader that transfers the image to the device and verifies integrity with a digital signature.

Updates for firmware are released by device manufacturers and distributed through software update channels or driver packages. Firmware updates may require a reboot or a reset of the device; incorrect firmware can brick hardware, so signing and validation are common safeguards. Compatibility between firmware and driver is important, and mismatches can cause instability or feature loss.

Security and reliability considerations are central to firmware design and upkeep. Because firmware runs with high privileges on the device, it can be a persistent attack vector; secure boot, signed firmware, and strict validation help reduce risk. Some devices support separate firmware updates from drivers, while others bundle them together in a single package.

Common targets for driver firmware include network interface cards, GPUs, storage controllers, USB controllers, and other embedded peripherals.