NAND Flash Boot Volume Squashfs Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The limited memory capacity of boot volumes in devices using NAND flash restricts the ability to increase software image size, hindering the addition of new features due to the need for a primary and secondary boot partition configuration that typically includes redundant copies of the root filesystem.
Innovation Solution
A NAND flash boot volume configuration with a primary boot partition, a secondary boot partition, and a rootdisk partition, where only one copy of the root filesystem is stored, allowing for compression into a squashfs image that can be directly written and mounted from NAND flash or UBIFS, optimizing space and enabling background upgrades without the need for copying the root filesystem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional boot volume configuration with primary and secondary boot partitions is used, then system reliability is improved through redundancy, but memory capacity is reduced due to storing redundant copies of the root filesystem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the secondary boot partition and rootdisk partition into a single combined partition structure. Instead of maintaining separate redundant copies of the root filesystem in both primary and secondary partitions, the invention stores the root filesystem once in the combined partition, eliminating redundant data storage while preserving boot functionality through the primary partition's kernel and initrd.
2Quantity of substance
If the boot volume memory is increased to accommodate larger software images, then software image size is improved, but the boot volume structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the boot volume into distinct functional components: the primary boot partition contains only the kernel and initrd necessary for booting, while the combined partition contains the root filesystem and software images. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple, reliable boot structure while accommodating large software images in the segmented rootdisk area without increasing overall structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the root filesystem is copied during boot up, then system reliability is improved through verification, but boot time is increased due to the copying process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification mechanisms during the boot process that validate the root filesystem before mounting it, eliminating the need for time-consuming copy operations. The system performs integrity checks and verification on the root filesystem stored in the combined partition during early boot stages, ensuring reliability without requiring redundant copying of the entire filesystem.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein includes a NAND flash memory having a boot volume. The boot volume can include a primary boot partition, a secondary boot partition, and a rootdisk partition. The primary boot partition can be configured to receive a kernel component of a file. The secondary boot partition can be configured to receive a copy of the kernel component of the file. The rootdisk partition can be configured to receive a root filesystem of the file.