Contactless Memory Programming via Wireless Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for programming and testing of memory components in electronic devices require physical connections, limiting flexibility, increasing manufacturing cycle time, and preventing post-packaging updates or debugging.
Innovation Solution
A contactless method using a wireless short-range communications interface for programming and debugging, allowing data transmission and testing without physical connectors, enabling flexible programming and testing at any time and location, and facilitating post-manufacturing updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical connections are used for programming and testing, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cycle time increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical connectors and wires) with a wireless communication system. The programming and testing device establishes communication with the memory component through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical contact. This substitution maintains data transmission reliability while removing the time-consuming steps of connector insertion and establishment, thereby reducing manufacturing cycle time and improving productivity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If physical connectors are used for programming, then stable connection is achieved, but device complexity increases and electrostatic discharge protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical connectors entirely by using wireless communication for programming and testing. The programming device transmits data and commands wirelessly to the memory component without requiring any physical interface. This removes the complexity of designing, manufacturing, and maintaining physical connectors while eliminating the risk of electrostatic discharge through contact points, thereby simplifying device structure without compromising connection stability.
3Extent of automation
If programming is performed at pre-defined manufacturing stages, then process control is maintained, but adaptability after packaging is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, time-bound programming process into a dynamic, flexible operation. By using wireless communication, programming can be performed at any stage throughout the manufacturing process and even after packaging, depending on when the programming device gains wireless access to the memory component. This dynamic approach maintains automated process control while enabling adaptability and re-programming at any point in the product lifecycle.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If wired connections are used for debugging, then direct access to memory is achieved, but manufacturing flexibility and logistics flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired debugging connections with wireless communication capability. The programming device can establish wireless communication with the memory component to perform reading, writing, and debugging operations without physical contact. This enables debugging and testing during manufacturing and logistics operations, allowing flexible access to memory contents at any location where wireless communication is available, thereby maintaining debugging capability while significantly improving logistics flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces manufacturing cycle time, improves logistics flexibility, enhances immunity to electrostatic discharges, and allows for secure, post-purchase data recovery and customization of electronic devices without physical contact.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless short range communications interface... transmitting said selected programming data to be received by said wireless short range communications interface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for contactless programming of a memory element of an electronic device having a wireless short range communications interface. The method comprises performing an interrogation for detecting the presence of said wireless short range communications interface, receiving, responsive to said interrogation, data from said wireless interface, said data indicating a hardware configuration of said electronic device, selecting programming data for programming said memory element based on said hardware configuration, and transmitting said selected programming data to be received by said wireless short range communications interface. The method further comprises detecting an interrogation, transmitting, responsive to said interrogation, data via said wireless interface, said data indicating a hardware configuration of said electronic device, receiving programming data at said wireless short range communications interface, and programming said memory element according to said programming data. The invention also provides devices for performing the inventive method.