Method and apparatus to effect firmware upgrades using a removable memory device under software control
US5781921A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F8/65
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.