Wireless Bootloader Loading for Decoupled External Storage Booting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external storage devices require updates to firmware and bootloaders before USB connection can be established, and certain types of bootloading data cannot be changed once manufactured, leading to dependencies on specific memory devices and controllers for booting processes.
Innovation Solution
A decoupled booting process is implemented where bootloaders are loaded wirelessly from an external device, using a wireless communication ROM to inject bootloader data into the storage device's controller, which is then verified and executed to enable USB operation, reducing dependency on specific memory devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bootloaders are stored internally in the storage device, then the device can boot independently, but the device cannot be updated and is dependent on specific memory devices
Solution Approach 1:
The bootloader is extracted from the storage device's internal memory and relocated to an external device. The storage device only retains minimal boot code in its ROM to initiate the external bootloader loading process, while the actual bootloader resides externally where it can be updated without modifying the storage device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
A host computing device acts as an intermediary between the external bootloader source and the storage device. The host loads the bootloader into the storage device's memory and facilitates the boot process, enabling updates without direct modification of the storage device's internal components.
2Reliability
If firmware updates are performed before USB connection, then the storage device can operate properly, but the process requires complex pre-configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The bootloader is prepared in advance on an external device (such as a host computer or external storage), where it can be updated and verified before being loaded into the storage device. This preliminary preparation ensures the bootloader is ready for execution without requiring complex pre-configuration of the storage device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device's minimal ROM code automatically performs the necessary actions to load and execute the external bootloader when powered on, without requiring manual intervention or complex pre-configuration. The system self-services the boot process by automatically retrieving and executing the external bootloader.
Data Source
AI summary
Storage devices may be utilized in external devices that communicate with host computing devices over various communication ports and protocols. Traditionally, storage devices utilize bootloading data, such as boot ROMS, to start normal operations of the device. However, many storage devices are unable to change or update bootloading data once the device has been manufactured or deployed. Thus, methods, systems, and devices described herein decouple the bootloading process from the storage device and load bootloading data from an external device. The bootloading data can be loaded via a wireless communication connection from an external device, where it can be updated as needed. Once loaded, the bootloader can begin the process of loading firmware and starting the normal operation of the drive over regular wired communication ports. When the bootloading data or firmware cannot be loaded externally, traditional booting methods can be used utilizing previously stored copies of the required data.