Flash Memory Type Identification via Adaptive Interface Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for identifying flash memory types are costly and inflexible, requiring manual collection of information and burning of eFuses, which are not erasable and lead to inconsistencies when replacing flash memories from different manufacturers or types, necessitating the replacement of the main control IC.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that automatically identify flash memory types by sending reading commands through a flash memory interface with adjustable configurations and protocols until successful, storing the identity and corresponding firmware in non-volatile memory, enabling automatic adaptation and flexible manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual information collection and eFuse burning is used to identify flash memory type, then the flash memory ID can be stored, but the cost increases and manufacturing flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification by automatically detecting flash memory type through reading commands and status register analysis, eliminating the need for manual information collection and eFuse burning. The memory controller autonomously identifies the flash memory type and configures appropriate parameters, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving flexibility while maintaining accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of information collection and eFuse burning with an automated electronic detection system. The system uses software-based identification through reading commands and status register analysis, substituting physical manual operations with electronic automation, which reduces cost and improves manufacturing flexibility.
2Reliability
If eFuse is used to store flash memory ID, then the information can be permanently stored, but the eFuse cannot be erased leading to inconsistency when replacing flash memories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage medium from permanent eFuse to erasable non-volatile memory, allowing the flash memory ID and configuration parameters to be dynamically updated. This enables the system to adapt to different flash memory types and manufacturers by erasing and rewriting the identification information, maintaining reliable storage while improving replacement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, permanent storage approach (eFuse) to a dynamic, reconfigurable approach (erasable non-volatile memory). The identification information can be modified, erased, and rewritten based on the detected flash memory type, enabling the system to adapt to changing configurations while maintaining reliable data storage.
3Ease of operation
If firmware is written based on previous flash memory information, then the host can access flash memory, but the firmware becomes incompatible with newly set flash memories of different manufacturers or types
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting the flash memory type through reading commands and status registers, then using this detected information to dynamically select and write the appropriate firmware. This closed-loop approach ensures firmware compatibility with the specific flash memory installed, allowing the host to access the memory correctly while adapting to different manufacturers and types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of the flash memory type before writing firmware, using reading commands and status register analysis to detect the memory characteristics. This preliminary action ensures that the correct firmware is selected and written in advance, guaranteeing compatibility when the host accesses the flash memory, regardless of the manufacturer or type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the main control IC is replaced when flash memory is changed, then the system can be configured for the new flash memory, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the memory controller universal by equipping it with automated detection capabilities that work with multiple flash memory types and manufacturers. The controller can identify the flash memory type through reading commands and status registers, then automatically configure appropriate parameters and firmware. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to replace the main control IC when changing flash memory, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adaptively identifying flash memory type includes driving a flash memory interface according to a predetermined configuration and a predetermined protocol of the flash memory interface to send a reading command to a flash memory module to obtain a flash memory identity by successfully reading the flash memory module; changing at least one of the configuration and the interface protocol of the flash memory interface then performing the obtaining the flash memory identity again until all preset adjustments have been tried; and storing the obtained flash memory identity and a firmware corresponding to the obtained flash memory identity to a designated address of a non-volatile memory when the flash memory module is successful read. The above automated method can solve the disadvantages of high cost and low manufacturing flexibility caused by conventional manual identification and re-burning of eFuses.