Flash Memory Lead Frame Contact Areas for High-Speed Data Writing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing combination of controllers and USB interfaces in flash memories embedded in electronic tokens is a bottleneck for high-speed data writing, leading to inefficient data personalization, especially when dealing with large volumes of data, as the current data flow rates are insufficient to meet manufacturing constraints.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a lead frame with generated contact areas for direct access to the flash memory interface, allowing for the generation and writing of physical data while keeping the controller in an inactive state, and subsequent removal of the contact areas, which enables faster data writing without relying on the USB interface's limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If USB interface and controller are used for data writing, then data flow capacity is improved, but writing speed is limited by controller performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata flow capacityVSAvoidwriting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data writing process into two distinct paths: a high-speed path using additional contact areas for bulk data transfer, and a controlled path using the USB interface for finalization. This segmentation allows the system to bypass the USB bottleneck for the majority of data transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (additional contact areas on the lead frame) that enables direct communication between the programming device and flash memory, bypassing the USB interface bottleneck. This intermediary allows high-speed data transfer while the USB interface maintains its role for control and finalization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If controller manages all data flows, then system complexity is reduced, but writing performance becomes a bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidwriting performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data management functions by creating a separate high-speed data path that operates independently from the controller. The controller continues to manage control signals and finalization through the USB interface, while bulk data transfer occurs through the additional contact areas, dividing the workload and improving performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using the USB interface only for control and finalization steps, while the majority of data transfer is handled by the additional high-speed contact path. This partial use of the USB interface avoids its bottleneck limitations while maintaining necessary control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If additional contact areas are added to lead frame, then data writing speed is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata writing speedVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The additional contact areas are used only temporarily during the programming process and are then discarded (broken away) after data transfer is complete. This allows the system to benefit from additional manufacturing complexity during production, while the final product remains simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The additional contact areas function as disposable elements that enable high-speed data transfer during programming but are removed afterward. This approach allows the use of simple, low-cost materials and processes for the temporary contacts, which are discarded after serving their purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2195810B1System and method of writing data in a flash memory on the basis of additional removable contact pads

Publication Date: 2011.03.23 THALES DIS FRANCE SA

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AI summary

The invention is a method of managing writing operation in a flash memory intended to be embedded in an electronic token. The flash memory has an interface comprising a plurality of connection pads and is attached to a lead frame. Said method comprises the following steps: - generating a set of contact areas (ALE, nWE, I/O0, I/07, VCC, GND) on the lead frame, each of said contact areas being directly bound to one connection pad of the flash memory, - taking the control of the memory interface, sending physical data to the memory interface through the contact areas, - writing the physical data in the flash memory, - removing the set of contact areas from the lead frame by a punch operation.