Method and apparatus for booting and upgrading firmware
US6622246B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/1433
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for writing software into a programmable memory and a method for initiating program control are provided. A host computer loads new firmware from an external source. The computer then checks two firmware spaces to determine which firmware space is erased or which firmware space is valid. The computer then stores the new firmware in the firmware space that is erased or not valid.To initiate program control, the host computer determines whether either of firmware spaces are erased and then executes programs from the firmware space that is not erased. If both firmware spaces contain firmware, then the host computer may determine the validity of the firmware using a checksum. The host computer will then execute programs from the firmware space containing valid firmware.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.