What is a firmware HEX file and what do I do with it?

Beginning with EmberZNet 3.0, Ember includes firmware images in HEX file format. This FAQ explains the purpose of these files and how they can be loaded onto Ember chips.

The HEX file is a new file format that Ember has started using for pre-built binaries provided in the EmberZNet stack installations. The file type is based on the Intel standard HEX format and can be loaded with any supported Ember programming device, including the InSight Adapter, USB Link, or a gang programmer such as the Hi-Lo Systems ALL-100 or ALL-400. Note that the InSight Adapter and USB Link devices require version 2.0 or later of the SIF Toolkit software (a library of DLLs and EXEs, including em2xx_load.exe), which is installed as part of the xIDE for EM250 installation (version 1.5 or later) or as part of the EM260 stack installation.

Note that as of this writing the Ember bootloader software does not support serial or over-the-air (OTA) upload of HEX files, so these files require a firmware programming device to load.