Concurrent Firmware Download and Execution in Serial Flash Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processors face challenges in reducing cost and complexity while maintaining high operational speed due to the need for many pins in parallel FLASH memory and the requirement for large DRAM space for downloading firmware from serial flash.
Innovation Solution
A processing system with a download unit and an execution unit that can operate concurrently, utilizing a serial FLASH memory for firmware storage and a faster storage unit like DRAM for frequently accessed firmware, allowing simultaneous download and execution processes with arbitration units for managing access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If parallel FLASH memory is used to achieve high operational speed, then processing speed is improved, but the number of pins increases and design cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware loading process into two independent concurrent operations: a download unit transfers firmware from serial FLASH to DRAM, while an execution unit simultaneously executes firmware from the first storage unit. This segmentation allows the system to use cost-effective serial FLASH with fewer pins while maintaining high operational speed through parallel processing of download and execution tasks.
2Speed
If firmware is downloaded from serial flash to DRAM before system startup, then execution speed is improved, but DRAM space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the download unit begin transferring firmware from serial FLASH to DRAM during system startup, while the execution unit simultaneously executes firmware from the first storage unit. This allows the system to prepare frequently accessed firmware in advance in the second storage unit (DRAM) without requiring the entire firmware to be loaded, thus reducing overall DRAM space requirements while maintaining fast execution speed for critical operations.
3Productivity
If concurrent download and execution operations are implemented, then system efficiency is improved, but access arbitration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an arbitration unit as an intermediary component that manages access to the first storage unit between the download unit and execution unit. This mediator resolves access conflicts by implementing a priority mechanism that grants access to the execution unit when both units request simultaneous access, ensuring that firmware execution is not blocked by download operations while maintaining system efficiency through concurrent operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system capable of downloading and executing firmware at the same time, and from multiple storages, is disclosed. The processing system includes a first storage unit for storing firmware; a second storage unit for storing frequently accessed firmware, the second storage unit having a higher operating speed than the first storage unit; a download unit for downloading firmware from the first storage unit to the second storage unit; an execution unit for executing firmware from the first storage unit or the second storage unit; and a processor for controlling the download unit and execution unit to operate concurrently.