Method and apparatus to effect firmware upgrades using a removable memory device under software control
First Claim
1. A memory update apparatus for use in a processor based system which is equipped with a processor and a permanently mounted programmable memory device, comprising:
- means for receiving a readable memory device, which contains firmware update data;
means for software detection of a readable memory device being installed in said receiving means; and
means, responsive to a readable memory device which contains firmware update data being installed in said receiving means, for downloading said firmware update data from said readable memory device into said permanently mounted programmable memory device.
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Abstract
The system of the preferred embodiment of the invention contains a processor as well as a permanently mounted programmable FLASH memory in which the firmware resides. The system makes use of a socket in which a memory device can be installed. The socket accepts a firmware update memory device which has stored thereon the firmware revisions or replacement firmware. Once the firmware update memory device is installed, the processor downloads the instructions contained therein to the permanent FLASH memory device. Once the program is transferred to the permanent memory, the system operation is not dependent on the reliability of the socket. In addition, program changes can be input to the system without requiring that the system be equipped with a data input/output device, such as a modem, floppy disk drive or the like.
192 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A memory update apparatus for use in a processor based system which is equipped with a processor and a permanently mounted programmable memory device, comprising:
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means for receiving a readable memory device, which contains firmware update data; means for software detection of a readable memory device being installed in said receiving means; and means, responsive to a readable memory device which contains firmware update data being installed in said receiving means, for downloading said firmware update data from said readable memory device into said permanently mounted programmable memory device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for inputting memory updates into a programmable memory, for use in a processor based system which is equipped with a processor and a permanently mounted programmable memory device, comprising the steps of:
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receiving a readable memory device, which contains firmware update data, in a memory device socket; detecting through software the presence of said readable memory device in said memory device socket; and downloading said firmware update data from said readable memory device into said permanently mounted programmable memory device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification