Flash EEPROM Rewriting for Continuous Vehicle Equipment Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rewriting control programs in flash EEPROMs within on-board electronic devices for vehicle equipment often result in the inability to continuously operate the equipment during the rewriting process, as the microcomputer is reset to an initial condition, preventing user operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves storing data on the internal condition and state of the microcomputer when a control-program-rewriting command is received, allowing the microcomputer to maintain these conditions and states during the rewriting process, enabling continuous operation of vehicle equipment by transitioning to a flash EEPROM rewriting program and using this data to control the microcomputer for seamless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the microcomputer is reset to initial condition to enable flash EEPROM rewriting, then the flash EEPROM can be rewritten with new control program, but the vehicle equipment cannot be continuously operated by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The control program is divided into two independent parts: a normal control program for vehicle equipment operation and a flash EEPROM rewriting program for memory rewriting. By segmenting the program functionality, the system can execute normal control operations during flash EEPROM rewriting without interference, thus maintaining continuous vehicle equipment operation while enabling flash EEPROM rewriting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated flash EEPROM rewriting program acts as an intermediary between the external rewriting device and the flash EEPROM. This intermediary program handles the rewriting process while the normal control program continues to manage vehicle equipment operations, allowing both functions to coexist without disrupting each other.
2Ease of manufacture
If the microcomputer is reset to initial condition during flash EEPROM rewriting, then the rewriting process can be performed, but the user cannot operate the vehicle equipment connected to the microcomputer
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily stores the current internal condition and state of connection data before switching to the flash EEPROM rewriting program. This preliminary action ensures that when the normal control program resumes execution after rewriting, the microcomputer can restore the previous operational state, maintaining reliability and continuous operation of vehicle equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system temporarily discards the normal control program execution during flash EEPROM rewriting, but recovers it by restoring the stored internal condition and state of connection data. This discard-and-recover mechanism allows the rewriting process to complete while preserving the ability to continue normal vehicle equipment operations.
3Productivity
If the flash EEPROM rewriting program operates, then the control program can be updated, but low level output signals cannot be continuously supplied to the microcomputer port
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the normal control program and the flash EEPROM rewriting program based on operational needs. During rewriting operations, the normal control program is suspended and the rewriting program executes; after rewriting, the normal control program resumes. This dynamic switching allows the system to maintain high productivity in program updates while preserving continuous signal output capability through the normal control program's ongoing execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of rewriting a flash EEPROM of an electronic control device for controlling a vehicle equipment via a microcomputer is proposed. The flash EEPROM stores a control program and a flash EEPROM rewriting program. The operation of the vehicle equipment is changed by changing the control program via a microcomputer. When receiving a control-program-rewriting command signal, data on an internal condition and state of connection of the microcomputer are memorized. Then, the control program is changed to the flash EEPROM rewriting program, so that the data are read according to the flash EEPROM rewriting program to control the microcomputer to operate in the same internal condition and state of connection thereof as before. Thereafter, the microcomputer rewrites the flash EEPROM with a new control program sent from outside. Therefore, the vehicle equipment can be continuously operated by a user during the rewriting mode.