Flash Memory Controller Interface Configuration via Pins and Bits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring flash memory controllers to support multiple interfaces either lack manufacturer control over operation modes or restrict manufacturing flexibility, as they either rely solely on user-configurable pins or non-volatile memory bits, limiting pricing strategies and licensing enforcement.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines non-volatile configuration bits with configuration pins to select the desired interface channel, allowing the interface to be chosen based on either the configuration bits or the voltage levels at the pins, depending on a selection bit, providing flexibility while maintaining manufacturer control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If configuration pins are used to select interface channels, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturer control over operation modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines configuration pins and non-volatile memory bits into a unified configuration system. The configuration pins provide immediate interface selection during system operation, while non-volatile memory bits store the selected configuration permanently. This merging allows both user flexibility and manufacturer control to coexist, as manufacturers can pre-program default configurations in non-volatile memory while still allowing users to override them via configuration pins during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-volatile memory acts as an intermediary between the configuration pins and the controller operation. When configuration pins are used, the selected interface channel is stored in non-volatile memory, which then serves as the intermediate storage that determines controller behavior. This intermediary mechanism ensures that temporary pin configurations are preserved and can be enforced, balancing user flexibility with system stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-volatile memory configuration bits are used, then manufacturer control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the otherwise static non-volatile memory configuration. While non-volatile memory bits provide fixed, manufacturer-controlled defaults, the configuration pins enable dynamic override of these settings during system operation. This dynamic element allows the system to transition from a static, manufacturer-controlled state to a flexible, user-configurable state when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Manufacturers use non-volatile memory to pre-configure the controller with default interface channel settings before the product reaches the user. This preliminary configuration action ensures that the controller operates correctly out-of-the-box with appropriate manufacturer-selected settings, while still allowing users to change configurations later if needed through the configuration pins.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface channels are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific configuration bits to specific interface channel selections. Each non-volatile memory bit or combination of bits corresponds to a particular interface channel (USB, MMC, etc.), allowing the controller to efficiently determine the active interface through localized bit checking rather than complex global analysis. This localized configuration approach simplifies the control logic despite supporting multiple interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system is segmented into separate controllable elements: non-volatile memory bits for permanent manufacturer defaults and configuration pins for temporary user overrides. This segmentation allows independent management of different configuration aspects, reducing the overall complexity by breaking down the multi-interface selection problem into manageable, independent configuration decisions rather than requiring a monolithic complex selection mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device and method for flexibly configuring a flash memory controller. The device includes a flash memory array containing a plurality of memory cells, wherein at least two configuration bits are programmed to the plurality of memory cells. A controller having at least one configuration pin is further provided for controlling the flash memory array by selecting one interface channel for connection to an external host, according to the values of the configuration bits and/or the voltage level(s) on the configuration pin(s). A “flag” corresponding to each of the interface channels is further provided, thus defining which of said interface channels is operable.