Non-Volatile Memory Preload Zone Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory device manufacturing processes are costly and time-consuming due to the need for large memory sizes and frequent updates in ROM firmware, which requires modifying the manufacturing process for each change in flash memory configuration.
Innovation Solution
A preload zone is allocated in non-volatile memory to store configuration data such as memory identification and access timing, which is then loaded onto RAM as the device powers on, reducing the need for ROM memory space and allowing for flexible updates without modifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If configuration data is stored in ROM firmware, then data persistence is ensured, but manufacturing process must be modified for each configuration change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides configuration data into two parts: fixed configuration data stored in ROM firmware and variable configuration data stored in a separate writable/erasable medium. This segmentation allows the fixed part to remain stable while the variable part can be easily updated without modifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the variable configuration data from the ROM firmware and stores it in a separate writable/erasable medium. This extraction allows the manufacturing process to remain unchanged while enabling easy updates of configuration data through software.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all flash memory configuration data is loaded onto ROM firmware, then compatibility across different memory types is achieved, but ROM memory size must be large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration data into essential fixed data (stored in ROM) and optional variable data (stored in writable/erasable medium). This allows the ROM to contain only the minimum necessary data for basic compatibility, reducing its size while maintaining adaptability through the separate variable data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal structure where the ROM contains core configuration data that works across all memory types, while the writable/erasable medium provides additional memory-specific configurations. This multi-functional approach maintains broad compatibility without requiring large ROM capacity.
3Reliability
If ROM firmware contains all configuration data, then complete memory support is provided, but manufacturing becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing essential configuration data in ROM firmware during manufacturing, while preparing a separate writable/erasable medium for additional configuration data. This allows the manufacturing process to complete faster with core data, while additional configurations can be loaded afterward without slowing production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts variable configuration data from the manufacturing process and places it in a writable/erasable medium that can be updated after production. This separation allows manufacturing to proceed quickly with fixed data, while memory-specific configurations are added subsequently, improving manufacturing speed without compromising completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for loading configuration data onto a non-volatile memory and the device using the same is provided. A non-volatile memory block is preloaded with a certain compatible memory configuration data in advance when the memory device is being manufactured. The memory configuration data comprises plural parameters corresponding to the non-volatile memory. When readying the memory device, the preloaded configuration data is loaded onto a random-access memory thereof so as to save the space in a read-only memory used for storing the memory's identification and its specification. Additionally, means for loading the configuration data from the preload zone onto the random-access memory is introduced to update the firmware.