Memory Card Boot Area Segmentation and Controller Address Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to efficiently store and access boot data in memory cards, particularly in electronic devices, where existing solutions do not effectively manage the separation and retrieval of boot and user data within a flash memory system.

Innovation Solution

A memory card device with a flash memory system that includes a boot area for storing boot data and a user area for storing user data, along with a controller that can switch between accessing the boot and user areas based on command inputs from a host, allowing for the storage and retrieval of boot data while maintaining separate logical addresses for each area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If boot data is stored in the same area as user data in flash memory, then the memory card structure is simpler, but the reliability of boot data access deteriorates because boot data cannot be reliably accessed without interfering with user data operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory card structureVSAvoidboot data access reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flash memory storage area is divided into two distinct segments: a boot area for storing boot data and a user area for storing user data. This segmentation ensures that boot data can be accessed independently without interference from user data operations, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and access reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a separate boot area is created in flash memory, then boot data access reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional controller logic for address translation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot data access reliabilityVSAvoidcontroller logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the host and the flash memory, implementing address translation logic that maps host addresses to appropriate physical locations in either the boot area or user area. This intermediary function manages the complexity of dual-area access while maintaining reliable boot data retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the memory card uses standard flash memory addressing, then ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to selectively access boot and user areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandard addressing compatibilityVSAvoidselective area access capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically translates host addresses to different physical areas (boot area or user area) based on the access requirements. This dynamic address translation maintains compatibility with standard flash memory addressing while enabling selective access to different storage areas, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8370611B2Memory card, memory system including the same, and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2013.02.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a memory card device. The memory card device includes a flash memory and a controller. The flash memory includes a boot area storing boot data, and a user area storing user data. The controller accesses the boot area or the user area according to an external command. Boot data can be stored in a memory card integrated in an electronic device. Also, when a host requests an access to boot data/user data stored in the memory card, the boot data/user data can be accessed under control of the controller.