Memory Online Update System with Model-Specific Parameter Records
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional online upgrade methods for electronic devices are limited by their compatibility with specific memory model types, requiring disassembly and external programmers for updates when switching to different memory models, leading to increased complexity in managing multiple firmware versions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows online upgrading of memory by loading multiple parameter records for various memory models, recognizing the model type, and transferring the corresponding parameters to a device controller for updating memory contents, enabling upgrades without disassembly or external programmers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the firmware is designed to be compatible with a specific memory model type, then the online upgrade method can properly access and update the memory, but the design flexibility is limited when switching to different memory model types
Solution Approach 1:
The firmware is designed with universal parameter structures that can accommodate multiple memory model types. Instead of being specific to one memory type, the firmware contains generic parameter definitions and access methods that can work with different memory models by loading appropriate parameter records. This allows the same firmware binary to support multiple memory types through parameter configuration rather than code modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter records that contain model-specific information (such as memory size, sector structure, command formats) that can be changed without modifying the firmware code. When a different memory model is detected, the corresponding parameter record is loaded, changing the operational parameters while keeping the firmware structure unchanged. This resolves the contradiction by allowing parameter adaptation while maintaining code reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple firmware versions are created to support different memory model types, then each firmware can properly access its corresponding memory type, but the complexity of managing and maintaining various firmware versions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory model-specific information is extracted from the firmware code and placed into separate parameter records. This extraction allows the firmware to remain a single universal version while storing model-specific data externally. The firmware loads the appropriate parameter record based on the detected memory type, eliminating the need for multiple firmware versions and simplifying management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the firmware functionality into two parts: universal access methods (in the firmware) and model-specific parameters (in separate records). This segmentation allows the firmware to remain simple and maintainable while supporting multiple memory types through modular parameter files, reducing the complexity of firmware version management.
3Ease of manufacture
If an external programmer is used to update memory when switching memory model types, then the new firmware can be written, but the process requires disassembly and external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The parameter records serve as an intermediary that enables the host system to communicate with different memory model types through a unified firmware interface. Instead of requiring direct firmware modification or external programming, the parameter records mediate between the universal firmware and model-specific memory characteristics, enabling online updates without disassembly or external equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
An online upgrade system/method for a memory. The system includes a host and an electronic device. An application is executed by the host and contains parameter records for different memory model types. The electronic device includes a memory and a device controller. The application distinguishes the model type of the memory equipped in the electronic device, and according to the model type of the memory, the application provides the device controller with the parameter record corresponding thereto and thereby the application upgrades the contents of the memory through the device controller.