Adaptive Flash Memory Update Counter for ECU Wear Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating electronic control units (ECUs) with flash memory do not efficiently utilize the maximum possible number of software updates, leading to premature flash wear out due to fixed update blocking values that do not account for varying software update package sizes.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive method that determines an update counter value based on the package size of software update packages, allowing updates only if the incremented counter does not exceed a predefined blocking value, calculated by considering the writing budget of the flash memory, and includes features like look-up tables for efficient counter value determination and delta updates for faster installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed update blocking value is used to limit software updates, then flash memory wear is prevented, but the maximum possible number of updates is not efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed update blocking value to a dynamic adaptive blocking value that changes based on software update package size. The system calculates a new blocking value for each update based on the actual package size, allowing the limit to adapt flexibly rather than remaining rigid. This resolves the contradiction by making the protection mechanism dynamic to match varying update requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of update blocking value from a fixed constant to a variable that depends on software update package size. By calculating the blocking value as a function of package size (e.g., blocking value = maximum allowed updates × package size), the system adjusts the parameter dynamically. This allows efficient utilization of flash memory capacity while maintaining wear prevention.
2Reliability
If a fixed update blocking value is set to prevent flash wear, then flash memory protection is ensured, but update efficiency and flash memory utilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the blocking value parameter from fixed to adaptive based on package size. For smaller update packages, the blocking value allows more updates, while for larger packages, it allows fewer updates. This parameter adaptation maintains flash protection while improving update efficiency and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the actual package size of each software update and using this information to calculate an appropriate blocking value. This feedback loop ensures that the blocking value reflects the actual update requirements, preventing both over-protection (which wastes update capacity) and under-protection (which risks flash wear).
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure a method for updating an electronic control unit (ECU) with a flash memory. The method includes: receiving a request to download and install a software update package, determining a package size of the software update package and an update counter value based on the package size, incrementing an update counter for an allocated software update memory of the flash memory with the determined update counter value to obtain an incremented update counter, determining if the incremented update counter exceeds an update blocking value, and updating the ECU by downloading and installing the software update package in the allocated software update memory of the flash memory, if the incremented update counter does not exceed the predefined update blocking value.