Manufacturer of laptops Framework Computer , which is a supporter of providing users with the right to independently repair and trying to make their product as comfortable as possible for disassembly, Modernization and replacement of components, announced the publication of the source text of the firmware Embedded Controller (EC) used in the laptop Framework Laptop . The code is open under the license BSD.
The main idea of Framework Laptop in providing the possibility of laying a laptop from modules, by analogy with how the user can collect a desktop computer from individual components that are not imposed on a specific manufacturer. Framework Laptop can be ordered by spare parts and assembled to the final device by the user itself. Each component in the device is visually marked and easily removed. If necessary, the user can quickly replace any module, and in the event of a breakdown, try independently repairing its device using the manual and video and video information provided by the manufacturer, replacing components and repairs.
In addition to replacing memory and drive, is provided The possibility of replacing the motherboard, housing (different color is offered Performances), keyboard (different layouts) and wireless adapter. Through the Expansion Card slots without disassembling the case in a laptop, you can connect up to 4 additional modules with USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD and the second storage device. This feature allows the user to select the desired port set and replace them at any time (for example, if there is not enough USB port, you can replace the HDMI module to USB). When breakdown or to upgrade, you can buy such components such as screen (13.5 “2256×1504), battery, touchpad, webcam, keyboard, sound fee, housing, fee with a fingerprint sensor, hinges for fastening the screen and loudspeakers.
Opening the firmware will allow enthusiasts to create and install alternative firmware. The EmbeddedController firmware supports motherboards for 11 generation of Intel Core i5 and I7 processors, and is responsible for performing low-level operations with equipment, such as processor initialization and chipset, backlight control and indicators, interaction with keyboard and touchpad, power management and the initial loading stage. The firmware code is based on the open projects of the open project. Chromium-EC , in which Google develops firmware for the Chromebook family devices.