External Memory Firmware Update for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing integration of eMMC in electronic devices as internal memory poses challenges, including the need for replacing the entire PCB if eMMC becomes defective and limitations in transferring information to different devices, along with slow read/write speeds of external SD cards, which cause inconvenience in data transfer and usage.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves separating information storage between internal and external memories within an electronic device, allowing the external memory to store essential configuration elements and user data, and enabling the sharing of this information across multiple devices through a control unit that manages firmware updates and security authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eMMC is integrated as internal memory in electronic devices, then storage reliability and integration are improved, but repairability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate because the entire PCB must be replaced when eMMC becomes defective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into two independent parts: internal memory (eMMC) for essential configuration elements and external memory (SD card) for user data and additional storage. This segmentation allows the external memory to be replaced independently without affecting the internal memory or requiring PCB replacement, thus improving repairability while maintaining storage reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If SD card is used as external memory, then storage capacity and flexibility are improved, but read/write speed deteriorates causing inconvenience in data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functions to different memory types based on their characteristics: internal memory (eMMC) handles tasks requiring fast access speeds such as booting and essential operations, while external memory (SD card) provides expanded storage capacity for less time-critical data. This differentiation optimizes both speed and capacity utilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If information is stored in internal memory only, then system stability is improved, but adaptability and data transferability between devices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by making the external memory (SD card) a multi-functional component that can be used across different electronic devices. The SD card stores configuration elements and user data that can be transferred between devices, enabling data portability and device adaptability while the internal memory maintains system stability for core operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device having an external memory according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wireless communication unit; an internal memory configured with specific information set for recognizing the electronic device, and a first booting area being loaded when an electric power is supplied to the electronic device; an external memory configured with a firmware storage area for storing firmware corresponding to the electronic device, and a firmware update information storage area for updating the firmware storage area; and a control unit configured to compare electronic device information stored in the external memory and electronic device information stored in the internal memory and configured to control to change the firmware in the firmware storage area based on data stored in the firmware update information storage area if the electronic device information is not identical when booting the electronic device.