Memory Controller Firmware Update via Archive Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing memory systems face increased maintenance and verification costs due to the need for manual selection of firmware variations and environments during updates, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A memory system that includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory and a controller capable of extracting the appropriate firmware from an archive file containing multiple firmware versions, using a header to identify and select the correct firmware for the specific memory system, thereby updating only the necessary firmware and skipping unnecessary data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If firmware image is prepared for the number of variations and manual selection is performed, then the firmware can be updated for different customer and usage environments, but the cost burden for maintenance and verification works increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal firmware image file that contains multiple firmware versions and types within a single archive. The firmware image file can serve multiple customers and usage environments simultaneously, eliminating the need to prepare separate firmware images for each variation. This multi-functional approach reduces maintenance and verification costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary firmware from the archive file based on identification information (such as customer ID, usage environment, or coupling part variations). Instead of manually selecting from multiple prepared firmware images, the system automatically extracts and applies only the relevant firmware portion, reducing verification work and maintenance burden.
2Reliability
If multiple firmware versions are prepared for different variations, then the correct firmware can be selected for each environment, but the complexity of firmware management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the memory system automatically identifies its own configuration (customer, usage environment, coupling parts) and selects the appropriate firmware from the archive without external intervention. The system uses embedded identification information to autonomously determine which firmware to extract and apply, reducing management complexity while ensuring accurate firmware selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the memory system reports its configuration information to the firmware update system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines the appropriate firmware version and extracts it from the archive. This feedback loop ensures reliable firmware selection while automating the management process.
3Reliability
If all firmware data is acquired during update, then complete firmware coverage is ensured, but the update time and data transmission load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by extracting and transferring only the necessary portion of firmware from the archive file based on the memory system's specific requirements. Instead of transferring the entire archive or multiple complete firmware images, the system transfers only the required firmware segment, reducing update time and data transmission load while ensuring firmware completeness for the specific application.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, upon reception of a command and an archive file for updating first firmware, a controller selects first information corresponding to information for identifying the memory system from a plurality of first information included in the header. The controller acquires second information included in the selected first information, and acquires one of a plurality of second firmware included in the archive file based on the acquired second information, to update the first firmware by the acquired second firmware.