USB Routing Logic for Non-Invasive BIOS Flash Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As computing devices become smaller and more integrated, accessing the boot ROM and internal circuit boards to upgrade BIOS or other software becomes difficult or impossible without disassembly, necessitating a method that does not require specialized connectors or direct access to the circuit board.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with routing logic coupled to a communication port, such as USB, allows external data to be routed to the memory subsystem for modifying or replacing boot code without disassembly, using a standard interface like USB to perform a flash operation on the boot ROM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct access to boot ROM pins is used for programming, then programming functionality is achieved, but device disassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the USB host controller serve multiple functions: its normal data transfer role and a secondary role as a programming interface for the boot ROM. By routing programming signals through the existing USB data lines (D+ and D-), the system eliminates the need for separate programming ports or device disassembly, allowing BIOS upgrades through a standard USB connection that users can access without opening the device.
2Reliability
If specialized programming connectors are used, then direct boot ROM access is enabled, but device integration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the programming function with the existing USB host controller infrastructure. Instead of adding a separate specialized programming connector that would require device disassembly, the invention combines boot ROM programming capabilities with the standard USB data lines already present in the device. This integration allows reliable programming communication while maintaining device compactness and eliminating the need for external programming ports.
3Ease of manufacture
If internal circuit board access is required for programming, then boot code can be updated, but device disassembly becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the USB host controller as an intermediary between the external USB interface and the boot ROM. This mediator enables communication between the outside world and the internal boot ROM through existing data lines, allowing users to update boot code through a standard USB connection without needing to open the device or access internal circuit boards directly.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes routing logic operatively coupled to a communication port that is externally accessible so that there is no need to disassemble the electronic device to gain access. The port may be a USB (universal serial bus) port and provides access to an internal bus. The routing logic is also operatively coupled to a memory subsystem such that it may route data from an external device, connected at the port, to the memory subsystem to modify or replace a boot code, including a BIOS code. A memory interface device includes an interface module, a memory interface module for communicating with a memory subsystem including a boot PROM (programmable read only memory), and a routing logic coupled to the interface module and the memory interface module. The routing logic routes data from the external device to the boot PROM, so that a boot code, including a BIOS (basic input/output system), may be modified or replaced.