Dynamic Firmware Register Maps Using RAM Metadata Descriptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems only allow statically defined register maps in embedded software systems, which require costly and time-consuming software patching or replacement for changes, and do not support reconfiguration after deployment.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically configurable register map interface is implemented using metadata descriptors in random access memory (RAM) that define the composition and order of registers, allowing reconfiguration without modifying the underlying firmware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If statically defined register maps are used, then firmware stability is maintained, but any changes require costly and time-consuming software patching or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static register map into a dynamic structure stored in RAM. The register map is no longer fixed at compile time but can be modified at runtime by loading different metadata descriptor tables, enabling flexible reconfiguration without software patching or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metadata descriptors as an intermediary layer between the firmware and the register map configuration. These descriptors act as a mediator that defines the composition and order of registers, allowing the register map to be reconfigured by updating the metadata descriptors in RAM without changing the underlying firmware code.
2Adaptability or versatility
If statically defined register maps are used, then firmware structure is simplified, but changes require wholesale replacement with recompiled software images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the register map configuration data from the firmware binary and places it in RAM as metadata descriptors. This separation allows the configuration to be modified independently without affecting the core firmware, enabling updates to only the necessary configuration data rather than requiring wholesale firmware replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the register map dynamic and reloadable from RAM, the system can apply minimal updates to configuration data without recompiling the entire firmware image, significantly reducing the quantity of software that needs to be updated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If statically defined register maps are used, then compile-time verification is ensured, but post-deployment reconfiguration is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The metadata descriptors serve as an intermediary that provides a structured interface between the firmware and the configurable register map. This intermediary layer maintains systematic organization through defined descriptor formats and interpretation rules, enabling post-deployment reconfiguration while preserving a manageable level of complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If software patching is applied to modify register maps, then changes can be made, but existing patches must be carefully refactored to fit fragmented memory resources
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the register map configuration from the compiled firmware and placing it in RAM as separate metadata descriptors, the system eliminates the need for complex software patching and refactoring. Configuration changes can be applied by loading new descriptor tables without affecting the compiled firmware or existing patches.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dynamic configuration of a register map in an embedded software system may include, in response to receipt of configuration parameters for the register map, generating at least one table of metadata descriptors associated with objects of the register map based on the configuration parameters and embodied in random access memory of the embedded software system, the metadata descriptors defining composition and order of registers of the register map and configured to interface with a register map interpreter in firmware stored in read-only memory of the embedded software system.