Non-volatile Configuration Register for Serial Flash Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serial flash memory devices face limitations in data throughput and flexibility, particularly in execute-in-place (XiP) implementations, as they require re-programming upon power-up, leading to inefficiencies and increased overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-volatile configuration register that stores configuration parameters, allowing the device to remember its configuration and adjust parameters such as dummy clock cycles and output driver strength, enabling improved performance and flexibility without the need for re-programming upon power-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If serial flash memory devices use re-programming upon power-up, then configuration can be adjusted, but overhead increases and start-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration parameters are pre-programmed into non-volatile configuration memory cells during manufacturing or initial setup. When power is applied, these pre-stored parameters are automatically read by the control unit without requiring any re-programming operations, thus eliminating the time penalty while maintaining configuration flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a copy of the configuration parameters in non-volatile memory cells that persists across power cycles. This copy allows the device to recall its configuration state immediately upon power-up without needing to re-program or re-fetch the parameters, thereby reducing start-up time while preserving adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If serial flash memory devices re-program configuration upon power-up, then configuration can be updated, but data throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration parameters are pre-loaded into non-volatile configuration memory cells during manufacturing or initial configuration. The control unit reads these pre-stored parameters directly into shift registers upon power-up, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-programming operations during normal operation and thereby maximizing data throughput while maintaining configuration update capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-configuration by automatically reading the pre-stored parameters from non-volatile memory cells into its internal shift registers when powered on. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external re-programming operations, thus improving data throughput while preserving the ability to update configurations when needed
3Loss of time
If configuration parameters are stored in non-volatile memory, then overhead is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is segmented into distinct functional areas: volatile memory cells for data storage, non-volatile configuration memory cells for parameter storage, and a control unit for managing operations. This segmentation allows the configuration parameters to be stored separately in non-volatile memory, reducing operational overhead while containing the complexity increase to a specific segment of the device
Solution Approach 2:
Shift registers act as intermediaries between the non-volatile configuration memory cells and the control unit. These registers buffer the configuration parameters, allowing the control unit to read and process them efficiently without directly accessing the non-volatile memory during normal operations, thus reducing overhead while managing the complexity through an intermediary layer
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments for configuring a serial non-volatile memory device may comprise a non-volatile configuration register to store a configuration value received from the processor, the configuration value to specify one or more attributes of a memory access operation. The configuration value may be read at least in part in response to power being applied to the memory device.