On-Chip MRAM Direct Execution for Mobile SoC Boot
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing boot process in portable devices is slowed down by the need to copy and execute boot loaders and kernel software from external NAND Flash-based memory to external RAM, leading to increased power consumption and reduced battery life due to the lack of execute-in-place functionality in NAND Flash devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing on-chip MRAM within the System-on-Chip (SoC) to store and directly execute boot software, including start-up software, boot loaders, and kernel, as well as user-personalized information, allowing direct access and reducing the need for external data transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If boot software is stored in external NAND Flash memory, then storage capacity is sufficient, but boot-up time increases and power consumption increases due to required data copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boot software storage function from external NAND Flash memory into on-chip MRAM within the SoC. This integration eliminates the need for external data copying operations, directly reducing boot-up time while maintaining sufficient storage capacity for boot software, boot loaders, and kernel
2Use of energy by moving object
If boot software is copied from external memory to external RAM, then execution is possible, but power consumption increases due to data transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the boot software execution function from the external memory-RAM copying process and implements it directly within the on-chip MRAM. This extraction eliminates power-consuming data transfer operations while maintaining boot process efficiency, as the MRAM can execute boot software in-place without requiring copying to external RAM
Solution Approach 2:
The on-chip MRAM serves itself by storing and directly executing boot software without requiring external memory controllers or data copying mechanisms. This self-service capability reduces power consumption by eliminating the need for active data transfer operations between external memory and RAM
3Ease of operation
If NAND Flash is used for boot storage, then non-volatile storage is achieved, but execute-in-place functionality is unavailable requiring additional copying steps
Solution Approach 1:
The on-chip MRAM provides multi-functionality by serving as both non-volatile storage and execute-in-place memory for boot software. This universal functionality combines the advantages of NAND Flash (non-volatility) with the execution capability of RAM, eliminating the need for separate copying steps while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method for booting a system-on-chip (SoC) including the steps of directly executing a boot software from an on-chip magnetic random access memory (MRAM) residing on a same semiconductor as the SoC; directly executing an operating system software from an external MRAM by the SoC without loading the operating system into a volatile memory; and directly executing an application software from the external MRAM by the SoC, wherein the external MRAM is coupled to the SoC and is configured for storing the operating system software and the application software.