Nonvolatile Memory Boot Code Reading via Signal Echo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory systems face challenges in reading boot codes from nonvolatile memory devices, particularly when using differential signaling serial transmission interfaces, as existing techniques are not applicable to systems with high-speed interfaces and multiple connected devices, leading to increased terminal counts and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory device with a controller unit and host interface unit that transmits and receives signals identical to those from the host device to activate the interface and read boot codes, enabling simple and appropriate data communication and synchronization processes, even in systems with multiple connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single ended transmission interface is used for boot code reading, then the interface activation and synchronization processes are simple, but the system cannot support high-speed data transfer and has limited adaptability to differential signaling serial transmission interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The host interface unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it activates the interface, synchronizes data and clock signals, and reads boot codes all through a single unified mechanism. This universal approach allows the same interface to handle both high-speed differential signaling data transfer and boot code reading operations, eliminating the need for separate activation and synchronization processes while maintaining simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nonvolatile memory devices are connected to the host device, then the system capacity and functionality are enhanced, but the number of terminals increases and system complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nonvolatile memory devices are connected in series between the host device and ground, forming a chain topology. This merging approach allows multiple devices to share common terminals and communication paths, enabling the system to access multiple memory devices without proportionally increasing the number of terminals or connection complexity. The host device can selectively activate and communicate with different memory devices in the chain through a unified interface.
3Productivity
If boot code reading is performed during system start-up before software activation, then the boot code can be read from nonvolatile memory, but the host device cannot execute commands to control the reading process
Solution Approach 1:
The host interface unit automatically performs interface activation and synchronization without requiring host device commands. When the host device sends a boot code reading signal, the host interface unit autonomously activates the interface, synchronizes the clock and data signals, and reads the boot code from the nonvolatile memory device. This self-service mechanism enables boot code reading during system start-up before full software control is available.
Data Source
AI summary
In a memory system including a host device and one or more nonvolatile memory devices, the host device reads, from a nonvolatile memory device connected in the system, a boot code used to operate a CPU of the host device before the CPU is activated. The boot code reading process is required to be performed with a simple method. A host device (2) transmits a first symbol including a synchronous code to a nonvolatile memory device (1). The nonvolatile memory device (1) receives the first symbol from the host device (2), and transmits a first symbol that is identical to the received first symbol to the host device (2), and then transmits a boot code to the host device (2). In this manner, the host device (2) reads a boot code from the nonvolatile memory device 1 with a simple method.