Configuration Table Updates for New SPI Flash Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices often have firmware that is written to a read-only memory and cannot support new external memory devices, limiting compatibility with different vendors or manufacturers, and thus cannot be updated to support new SPI flash memory devices without modifying the firmware code.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that uses a client computing device to detect firmware information, present a graphical user interface with actionable items, receive user selections, build a configuration table, and update a target device based on this information without modifying the firmware code of the connected electronic device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If firmware code is written to read-only memory, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware stabilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the firmware into two parts: a stable core portion stored in read-only memory and a configurable portion stored in a configuration table in external memory. This allows the core firmware to remain reliable while the configuration table provides adaptability for different devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration table acts as an intermediary layer between the firmware and the external memory device. It contains device-specific parameters and settings that enable the firmware to adapt to different devices without modifying the core firmware code stored in read-only memory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If firmware code is modified to support new devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidfirmware update complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts device-specific configuration data from the firmware code and places it in a separate configuration table in external memory. This separation allows device compatibility to be updated by modifying only the configuration table, leaving the core firmware unchanged and reducing update complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If configuration parameters are hardcoded in firmware, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static hardcoded configuration parameters into dynamic values stored in the configuration table. This allows the configuration to be adjusted flexibly for different devices while maintaining manufacturing precision through structured data formats and validation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250355818A1System and method for building a configuration table and updating a target device

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 MICROSEMI SOC CORP

AI summary

System and method for updating a target device. Firmware information associated with the target device may be detected. A GUI including actionable items may be presented on a display. User selections for the actionable items may be received. A configuration table for the target device may be built based on the user selections. The target device may be updated based on the configuration table and the firmware information.