GB2447241A

GB2447241A - Memory programming device

Info

Publication number: GB2447241A
Application number: GB0704193A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Hoptroff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-05
Filing date: 2007-03-05
Publication date: 2008-09-10
Also published as: GB0704193D0

Abstract

The programming device comprises a processor, non volatile memory and electrical connectors and in use can be used to program or retrieve data from a target device memory. In operation, the device draws power from the target device but does not require any computational assistance from the target device. The data transferred may be encrypted and the device processor used to decrypt data as required. Where data is transmitted to the target device in encrypted form, a decryption algorithm is written to the target device memory. The device may also be limited to the number of times it can perform a programming operation. The device is ideally used to program devices in the field where previously a target device would have to be returned to the manufacturer for reprogramming.

Description

Memory programming device This invention relates to devices for

programming the values stored in non-volatile memory inside electronic products. Examples of such memory include flash memory integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays and microcontrollers with on-board flash memory.

Typically the values are sent via programming signals to the memory from an external programming device. No computing capability on the product (such as a boot-loader) assists in the programming process. It is general practice for memory to be programmed in-factory at the time of manufacture, due to the dedicated programming equipment required.

The fact that programming must normally performed in-factory is a significant limitation. For example, if an improved version were developed, an existing product could only be upgraded if it were returned to the factory for reprogramming. In addition, this difficulty of packaging and delivering such intellectual property to the point of demand, rather than vice versa, is a barrier to the creation of a firmware publishing industry. Compare, for example, the software components industry well established in the sphere of Microsoft Windowsm computer software, where software components such as charting tools are purchased and delivered on CD-ROM or over the internet in the form of encrypted software libraries.

An object of this invention is to provide a low cost, easy to use, portable memory programming device (Invention') which may be readily transported to the device to be programmed (Target'), rather than vice versa, while providing reasonable security for the intellectual property (Data') provided therein.

Accordingly, the Invention is an electronic circuit containing: (i) control electronics capable of managing the programming process, (ii) non-volatile memory for storing the Data to be programmed and (iii) a connector which connects to the Target in order to obtain electric power from the Target and to program the memory.

Preferably, the Data is retained indefinitely. The Invention thus also serves as an archive comparable with a CD ROM.

Preferably, the programming signals also allow Data to be uploaded from the Target to the Invention for storage and diagnostic purposes.

Preferably, the Programmer has the capability to program a limited number of Targets, after which it declines to further disclose the Data.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIGURE 1 shows a block diagram of the typical components of the invention (I), being: (2) microprocessor capable of managing the programming process, (3) non-volatile memory for storing the Data to be programmed, (4) a connector for transmitting Data to non-volatile memory, (5) a connector which connects to the Target for purposes of obtaining electric power and for programming the Target's memory, (6) an indicator light which indicates the state of the circuit. If microprocessor (2) is not capable of generating the in-circuit programming signals directly, for example if different voltage levels are required, signal conversion circuitry (7) may also be provided to obtain the required in-circuit programming signals. A single connector might fulfill the roles of connectors (4) and (5). Likewise a single microcontroller might fulfill the roles of microprocessor (2) and memory (3).

FIGURE 2 depicts the invention (1) being attached (9) onto a programming device (8). Programming device (8) consists of a connector (10) for making electrical contact with Invention (1), a microcontroller (11) and a USB plug (12).

FIGURE 3 depicts the invention (1) being attached (13) onto Target device printed circuit board (14). Target (14) contains a connector (15) for making electrical contact between Invention (I) and Target (16) to be programmed.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, a computer connected via USB plug (12) can provide power to the Invention (1) and send Data to the Invention's microcontroller (2), which then stores the Data in memory (3). Indicator (6) indicates when Data transfer is successful and complete. Data may be transferred into Invention (1) in an encrypted format and may either be stored encrypted, or decrypted and stored unencrypted. Data is then stored on Invention (1) which may be transported to the target device or retained for archival purposes.

As shown in figures 1 and 3, Invention (1) may then be attached (13) to Target printed circuit board (14) via a connector (15) which also provides power to Invention (1). Invention (I) then generates the programming signals required to program Target (16), using signal conversion circuitry (7) if required.

Target (16) may be any device capable of being configured in-circuit, including, for example, a microcontroller or field programmable gate array.

No computing capability on Target (14) plays an active role during the programming process other than provided at time of manufacture for normal programming purposes. Thus factory-fresh target components may be used without preloading any kind of boot-loader. Indicator (6) indicates when programming is successful and complete. In order to prevent unauthorized copying of the data during the data transfer process, the Invention may first program a decrypting bootloader into the target and then deliver then remainder of the Data in encrypted form, to be decrypted by the bootloader.

Many programming protocols provide means for reading Target (16) in addition to writing it. Therefore Invention (1) could also be confgured to read the memory rather than write to it. Invention (1) would then contain a record of the Data on the Target (14). Again, no computing capability on Target (14), plays an active role during such reading process, so the device might be used for diagnosis of non-functional units.

Invention (1) may store in its memory (3) a count of the number of times it has programmed Targets (14) and may decline to function once a specified number of Targets (14) have been programmed.

Claims

1. A device containing a microprocessor, nonvolatile memory and electrical connectors which can store data for programming a target device or retrieve data from a target device and which can generate all the required programming signals to program or read the memory on said target and which derives power from said target and where said target does not provide any computational assistance in the programming process other than that provided at time of manufacture for normal programming purposes.

2. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim where the data is transmitted to the device's memory in an encrypted manner and decrypted by the device's microprocessor as required.

3. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim where the data is transmitted to the target device in an encrypted manner and decrypted as follows: (i) a decryption algorithm is written into target memory using any process as claimed in any proceeding claim, (ii) a target device executes the decryption algorithm, (iii) encrypted data is then transmitted to the target where it is decrypted by decryption algorithm.

4. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim where the programming operation may only be performed a limited number of times before the device declines to function.