Non-Volatile Memory Expansion ROM Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flash memory storage devices require an additional expansion ROM for plug and play functionality, which increases size and fabrication costs due to the need for an extra storage unit.
Innovation Solution
A non-volatile memory storage system that provides an expansion ROM function without an additional storage unit by using a controller with a microcontroller, buffer memory, and virtual host module to store and transmit an expansion ROM image, allowing the host to recognize and activate the device without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an expansion ROM is added to provide plug and play functionality, then the device can be activated by the host BIOS, but the size and fabrication cost of the storage device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the expansion ROM functionality with the existing non-volatile memory by storing the expansion ROM image within the same memory chip. The controller reads the expansion ROM image from the non-volatile memory and transmits it to the host, eliminating the need for a separate expansion ROM chip while maintaining plug and play capability
Solution Approach 2:
The non-volatile memory is designed to serve multiple functions: storing user data and storing the expansion ROM image. The controller is designed to perform multiple tasks: managing data storage and reading/transmitting the expansion ROM image. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated expansion ROM hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If an expansion ROM is added to provide plug and play functionality, then the device can be activated by the host BIOS, but the fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the expansion ROM functionality with the existing non-volatile memory and controller, eliminating the need for additional expansion ROM chips and reducing the number of manufacturing steps, components, and assembly operations required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the expansion ROM image from separate hardware and represents it as data stored in the non-volatile memory. This extraction allows the use of standard non-volatile memory manufacturing processes without requiring additional specialized expansion ROM fabrication
3Adaptability or versatility
If an additional storage unit is used to store expansion ROM image, then the expansion ROM function is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the expansion ROM functionality into the existing non-volatile memory and controller system. The controller is enhanced with a virtual host module that handles expansion ROM image reading and transmission, integrating multiple functions into a single device rather than adding separate components
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile memory storage system including a connecting interface, a non-volatile memory, a buffer memory, a microcontroller, and a virtual host module is provided. The connecting interface is used for connecting to a host. The non-volatile memory is used for storing user data, wherein the non-volatile memory further stores an expansion read only memory (ROM) image to be read by the host. The buffer memory is used for temporarily storing the expansion ROM image. The microcontroller controls the operation between the connecting interface, the buffer memory, and the non-volatile memory. The virtual host module provides an activation code in the expansion ROM image to the host through the microcontroller. Thereby, both the size and the fabrication cost of the non-volatile memory storage system can be effectively reduced.