Flash Memory EEPROM Simulation via Packet Identity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory devices cannot instantly update data at a specified address like EEPROMs, and they have a shorter service life and lower cost compared to EEPROMs, making them less suitable for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A data programming method that assigns an identity code to initial data, packs it with a check code into a new data packet, and programs it to a flash memory storage space if it does not already exist, simulating EEPROM functionality by managing data packets with unique codes and address sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flash memory is used instead of EEPROM, then cost is reduced and service life is extended, but the ability to instantly update data at a specified address is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual EEPROM layer that copies the functionality of EEPROM over flash memory. The controller simulates EEPROM's instant update capability by implementing a file system that reads and writes data packets to flash memory, making the underlying flash memory operations transparent to the user. This allows flash memory to be used while maintaining EEPROM-like operation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file system as an intermediary layer between the host and flash memory. This file system implements virtual file operations that simulate EEPROM's direct address update capability. By using this intermediary, the system achieves EEPROM-like operation on flash memory without requiring the host to be aware of the underlying storage differences.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If flash memory is used instead of EEPROM, then service life is extended, but the ability to maintain long service life through frequent erasures is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a wear-leveling mechanism that performs preliminary actions to distribute write operations across different flash memory blocks. By pre-planning data packet storage locations and using a file system that manages write operations, the system prevents any single block from being overwritten too frequently, thereby extending the overall service life of the flash memory while maintaining efficient data updating.
3Ease of manufacture
If flash memory cannot instantly update data like EEPROM, then service life is reduced, but cost is also reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic file system that adapts to flash memory's characteristics. The system dynamically manages data packets, using identity codes to track and update only changed data. This dynamic approach optimizes write operations to match flash memory's strengths while compensating for its inability to perform instant updates, thereby extending service life without sacrificing cost advantages.
4Reliability
If EEPROM is used to support instant data updates, then service life is extended, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes flash memory multi-functional by implementing a file system that provides both flash memory's cost-effectiveness and EEPROM-like data update capabilities. The system can perform both traditional flash memory operations and simulated EEPROM operations through the same physical medium, eliminating the need for separate EEPROM components and reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A data programming method includes the following operations: assigning a first identity code to initial data according to a data type of the initial data; packing the first identity code, the initial data, and a check code to a new data packet; determining whether a first storage space in a flash memory stores a first data packet being the same as the new data packet; and if the first storage space does not store the first data packet, programming the new data packet to the first storage space in a first address sequence.