Dual Memory SD Card Wireless Update Avionics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SD cards cannot update data from an external source while being accessed by a host device without corrupting the data, which is a critical issue in applications like avionics systems where timely and efficient updates of flight databases are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A dual memory SD card system with two separate memories, where one memory is accessible by the host device and the other by an external device, allowing wireless and automatic data updates by swapping memory roles during reboot, ensuring continuous operation and data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single memory is used in the SD card, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to update data from external devices while the host is accessing the memory is lost, causing data corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory into two separate memory blocks: a first memory block accessible by the host and a second memory block accessible by external devices. This segmentation allows simultaneous independent access without data corruption, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a memory controller as an intermediary that manages access to both memory blocks and coordinates data transfers. The controller enables the host and external devices to access different memory blocks simultaneously, facilitating safe data updates while maintaining system complexity through centralized control.
2Reliability
If the memory controller halts host communications to perform data updates, then data integrity is maintained, but the loss of time for updating and system unavailability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables external devices to pre-load updated data into the second memory block while the host continues to access the first memory block. This preliminary action allows data to be prepared in advance without interrupting host operations, reducing update time and maintaining system availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic memory block switching where the memory controller can swap between the first and second memory blocks. This dynamic approach allows seamless transitions during updates, maintaining data integrity while minimizing system unavailability time through hot-swapping capabilities.
3Productivity
If manual intervention is required for database updates, then data integrity can be verified, but the productivity and efficiency of the update process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic update mechanisms where the memory controller autonomously manages data transfers between memory blocks and coordinates with host and external devices. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention requirements while maintaining data integrity through automated verification protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the memory controller monitors update progress, verifies data integrity, and coordinates with the host system. This feedback loop enables automated updates with verification, improving productivity while maintaining operational reliability without requiring manual oversight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a second interface is added to the SD card for external device access, then the adaptability to external updates is improved, but the device complexity and potential for data corruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory access paths by providing a first interface for host access to the first memory block and a second interface for external device access to the second memory block. This segmentation enables external update capability while managing complexity through dedicated access paths that prevent interference and data corruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual memory Secure Digital (SD) card is provided which allows for remote data updates without disruption to a currently executing program, as well as a system and method that utilize the dual memory SD card. The dual memory SD card may include a primary memory, an independent secondary memory, and a microcontroller or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that can load either memory upon boot up of a host computer. The dual memory SD card may also include a wireless interface, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, in addition to a standard SD pin interface. An automated data synchronization system is provided which allows a new version of data to be uploaded onto the secondary memory of the dual memory SD card while an existing data version is running on that same dual memory SD card and swapped into operation upon the next reboot of a host device.