Embedded Device Boot Sequence via Option Pin Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional embedded electronic devices face challenges in efficiently booting due to the excessive use of option pins for selecting boot memories and initiation image source devices, leading to increased device volume and cost, as well as potential booting failures when devices like SD cards are not connected or malfunction.
Innovation Solution
An embedded electronic device and booting method that utilize option pins to select initiation image source sequence tables, allowing the microprocessor to download initiation images from multiple devices based on the status of these pins, reducing the need for multiple option pins and enabling flexible boot sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If N option pins are used to select one initiation image source device from 2^N devices, then device selection capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple option pins into a single option pin by combining device selection and sequence selection into one unified selection mechanism. The single option pin can select from multiple initiation image source sequence tables, each containing different device sequences, thereby reducing the number of pins while maintaining selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single option pin serves multiple functions: it can select different initiation image source sequence tables and within each table, select different initiation image source devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high adaptability while using fewer physical pins.
2Measurement precision
If multiple option pins are used to select boot memory and initiation image source device, then selection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines boot memory selection and initiation image source device selection into a unified process. The option pin selects from sequence tables that contain both boot memory and device information, eliminating the need for separate selection mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The initiation image source sequence tables are pre-configured with device sequences and boot memory information. This preliminary organization allows the microprocessor to quickly determine the correct boot configuration without complex real-time decision logic, simplifying the boot process.
3Speed
If conventional booting method is used without sequence tables, then booting speed is improved, but booting reliability deteriorates when devices are not connected or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The initiation image source sequence tables are pre-configured with ordered lists of potential boot devices. During booting, the microprocessor systematically checks each device in the sequence until a valid initiation image is found, ensuring both speed and reliability by having a predetermined fallback strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple alternative device sequences in advance within the sequence tables. If the first selected device is unavailable or malfunctioning, the microprocessor can immediately try the next device in the sequence without halting the boot process, providing a cushion against boot failures.
Data Source
AI summary
An embedded electronic device and a booting method thereof are provided. The embedded electronic device, for downloading an initiation image from one of a plurality of initiation image source devices according to at least one option pin, comprises a boot memory, for storing a boot code and a plurality of initiation image source sequence tables; a microprocessor, for executing the boot code and downloading the initiation image according to one of the initiation image source sequence tables; a register, for storing a status of the at least one option pin; and a bus, coupled to the boot memory, the microprocessor and the register, for transmitting data between the boot memory, the microprocessor and the register; wherein the initiation image source sequence table is selected according to the status stored in the register, and the sequence of the initiation image source devices accessed by the microprocessor is determined according to the initiation image source sequence table.