Flash Memory Controller Firmware Extendable Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital flash memory devices have fixed command sequences hardwired into state machines, making it expensive and time-consuming to modify or add new commands, requiring new device fabrication for changes.
Innovation Solution
A digital controller system with a command decoding state machine that wakes a microcontroller to process extended commands, including timed and test mode commands, allowing for software extendability and support of additional user commands without recoding the state machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If command sequences are hardwired into state machine or ROM, then device reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as commands cannot be modified after fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The command processing system is segmented into two parts: a state machine that handles basic command sequencing and a microcontroller that handles extended commands. This segmentation allows the state machine to maintain reliability for standard operations while the microcontroller provides adaptability for custom commands through software programming.
Solution Approach 2:
A microcontroller acts as an intermediary between the state machine and the external interface. When an extended command is detected, the microcontroller is awakened to process the command, bridging the gap between fixed hardware implementation and flexible software-based command extension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new commands are added by recoding state machine, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost worsen due to required new device fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The command set is made dynamic by introducing a microcontroller that can be programmed with custom commands after device fabrication. Instead of statically defining all commands in hardware, the system dynamically loads command implementations through software, allowing command extension without manufacturing changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of command implementation from fixed hardware logic to programmable software. By storing command implementations in memory and executing them through the microcontroller, the command set can be modified by changing software parameters rather than hardware configuration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If microcontroller is kept in sleep mode, then power consumption is reduced, but command processing speed worsens when extended commands need to be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller operates in periodic cycles, remaining in sleep mode during normal operations and only being awakened when an extended command is detected. This periodic activation pattern minimizes power consumption while ensuring timely processing of extended commands when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The state machine monitors incoming commands and automatically wakes the microcontroller only when an extended command is detected, eliminating the need for continuous microcontroller operation. The system serves itself by having the state machine manage the microcontroller's power state based on command requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for expanding the command set of a memory controller is provided. In one implementation, the method includes decoding a first plurality of commands through a command decoding state machine, and in response to the command decoding state machine decoding an extended command, waking the microcontroller to process an additional command other than a command among the first plurality of commands. The extended command is a command that notifies the microcontroller of the additional command to be processed.