Integrated circuit with flash memory
US6574142B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/102
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to the structure and design of microprocessor ICs, in particular to the embedding or integration of a non-volatile flash memory (7) into an IC. To integrate such a flash memory into an IC raises some problems which are solved by providing a dedicated flash bus (3) which operationally links the flash memory (7) with one or more microprocessors (1, 2) on the IC. Preferably, the flash bus (3) controls the flash-memory-specific commands and has a width greater than, in particular a multiple of, the width of the microprocessor (1, 2) and/or the flash memory (7) to compensate for the relatively slow access time of the flash memory. It is especially advantageous to structure the system as a master/slave bus system for operating the flash memory (7) and to link the flash bus via bridges (4, 5, 6) to the microprocessor/s (1, 2,) and through a shell (8) to the flash memory (7). For operating such a system, a flash bus arbiter (9) may be necessary or advantageous.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.