Re: [PATCH v2] brcmfmac: Add support for BCM43596 PCIe Wi-Fi

[Hector Martin]

On 22/09/2022 22.02, Linus Walleij wrote:
> On Thu, Sep 22, 2022 at 12:21 PM Konrad Dybcio
> <konrad.dybcio@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
>> Also worth noting is the 'somc' bit, meaning there are probably *some* SONY
>> customizations, but that's also just a guess.
> 
> What I have seen from BRCM customizations on Samsung phones is that
> the per-device customization of firmware seems to involve the set-up of
> some GPIO and power management pins. For example if integrated with
> an SoC that has autonomous system resume, or if some GPIO line has
> to be pulled to enable an external regulator or PA.
> 
> To the best of my knowledge that customization is done by consultants
> from Broadcom when working with the device manufacturer, and
> eventually they roll a unique firmware for the device. Probably because
> the firmware can only be signed for execution by Broadcom?

I don't think the firmware is signed, they probably just don't want to
share the source code with most customers? (Except Apple maybe, but
Apple gets custom silicon too...).

- Hector