JP2000082122A - Memory card - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a development term of a memory card such as a flash card and to improve its convenience. SOLUTION: This memory card such as a flash card(FC) is composed by mounting a flash memory FMEM having a relatively large storage capacity and a single chip microcomputer MC equipped with a read only memory ROM consisting of a central processing unit CPU, a mask ROM and the like on the same card. In this case, a random access memory RAM consisting of a volatile memory such as a dynamic type RAM is provided in the microcomputer MC and only a basic routine of firmware for controlling the microcomputer MC is stored in the read only memory ROM. It is constituted so that a main routine or the like, which is a part of the main routine, can be transferred to the random access memory RAM in the power supply or reset after writing it in a firm data area of the flash memory FMEM from an external host terminal HOST, etc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a memory card, for example, a flash card using a flash memory as a main basic means (flash memory card), and is particularly effective when used for shortening the development period and improving convenience. About technology.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A single chip microcomputer including a central processing unit (central processing unit) and a relatively large-capacity flash memory are mounted on the same card, and mounted and connected to an information processing terminal device or the like via a connector. There are memory cards such as flash cards. In such a flash card, the microcomputer operates in accordance with a control program (hereinafter, referred to as firmware), and incorporates a read-only memory including a mask ROM or the like and holding the firmware.

[0003]

Prior to the present invention, the present inventors have developed a flash card having a microcomputer, and have noticed the following problems in the process. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, this flash card FC includes a microcomputer MC having a built-in read-only memory ROM, a flash memory FMEM having a relatively large storage capacity,
A control gate array CGA constituting the interface circuit FC and the like is mounted. Microcomputer M
C operates according to the firmware as described above, and this firmware is stored in a non-rewritable read-only memory ROM. Therefore, if a defect is detected in the firmware during the flash card development stage,
The microcomputer MC including the read-only memory ROM rewritten with the new firmware must be replaced for each chip, which increases the TAT (Turn Around Time: correction time) of the flash card and the development period. In addition, firmware revision / rewrite is also required for version upgrades and specification revisions.However, the above-described modification method reduces the convenience of the flash card, and inconveniences both the card provider and the user. Results.

An object of the present invention is to shorten the development period of a memory card such as a flash card and to enhance its convenience.

[0005] The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0006]

The following is a brief description of an outline of typical inventions disclosed in the present application. That is, a first storage unit having a relatively large storage capacity, such as a flash memory, and a single-chip microcomputer having a second storage unit, such as a central processing unit and a mask ROM, are mounted on the same card. In a memory card such as a flash card, a third storage unit including a volatile memory such as a dynamic RAM is provided in the microcomputer, and a basic routine of firmware for controlling the microcomputer is provided in the second storage unit. The main routine, which is another part of the firmware, is externally written to a predetermined area of the first storage unit, and then stored in the first storage unit at power-on or reset.
To the storage unit.

According to the above means, at the development stage of a flash card or the like, the firmware can be modified without rewriting the second storage unit composed of a read-only memory.
For example, new firmware posted on a website on the Internet can be downloaded to a flash card or the like via a host terminal and rewritten to the latest version. As a result, the development period of a flash card or the like can be shortened, and its convenience can be improved.

[0008]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a flash card FC (memory card) to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 shows a memory map of an embodiment of the flash memory FMEM of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a content configuration diagram of an embodiment of a firmware data designation sector provided in the system area. ing. Based on these figures, first, the outline of the configuration and operation of the flash card FC of this embodiment and the flash memory F
The storage area of the MEM will be described.

Although the circuit elements constituting each block in FIG. 1 are not particularly limited, a known MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. In this specification, the MOSFET is formed as an insulated gate field effect transistor) Are formed on one or a plurality of chip (semiconductor substrate) surfaces by an integrated circuit manufacturing technique. The chip on which each block is formed is mounted on a single common card, electrically connected via predetermined printed wiring, and externally connected via a connector CON provided at one end of the card. It is mounted and connected to a device, that is, a host terminal HOST (terminal device). Further, a card on which each block including a chip is mounted is actually packaged using a predetermined coating material. However, FIG. 1 omits this coating material and shows a block diagram as an external view. In addition, in the following description, when the firmware is subjected to a write or read operation similarly to normal data, the firmware may be referred to as firmware data.

In FIG. 1, the flash card FC of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but includes a flash memory FMEM (first storage unit) in which a plurality of flash memory (first non-volatile memory) chips are combined. , Central processing unit CPU, read only memory ROM (second storage unit) and random access memory RAM
A single-chip microcomputer MC in which a (third storage unit) is formed on one chip surface, and a control gate array CGA in which various standard logic gates are combined. Flash card F
C is connected to the host terminal HOST via a connector CON provided at the left end of the figure as described later, and a part of the control gate array CGA has a predetermined interface between the flash card FC and the host terminal HOST. It functions as an interface circuit IF for electrically coupling while satisfying the conditions.

The central processing unit CPU constituting the microcomputer MC of the flash card FC is a read only memory ROM or a random access memory RAM.
It operates according to a control program, that is, firmware written in the flash card FC, and controls and controls each unit of the flash card FC. The read only memory ROM and the random access memory RAM are respectively a mask ROM (second
And a volatile memory such as a dynamic RAM, and holds firmware necessary for the operation of the central processing unit CPU.

In this embodiment, the central processing unit C
The firmware necessary for the operation of the PU includes a main routine for realizing the main purpose of the flash card FC and a reset state of each part of the flash card FC at the time of power-on or reset, as described later. Process interrupt request, read only memory ROM and random access memory RAM
Of the flash memory FMEM, and determines a firm data designated sector provided in the system area of the flash memory FMEM, or is divided into a basic routine for controlling the transfer operation of the main routine.

Of these, the basic routine is stored in a non-rewritable read-only memory ROM since its specifications have already been determined and the function confirmation has been completed. However, the main routine is first written into the firmware data area in the system area of the flash memory FMEM, and then written in the basic routine in order to cope with the fact that the specifications are different for each end user and changes in specifications due to version upgrades and the like. The data is transferred from the flash memory FMEM to the random access memory RAM using the transfer routine, and is used for control of the central processing unit CPU. In addition,
The specific configuration of the firmware and its transfer operation will be described later in detail.

Next, the flash memory FMEM has a relatively large storage capacity, and its storage area is, as shown in FIG. 2, an address ADDaａ which cannot be seen or recognized by the end user of the flash card FC. ADDe
And a user area having addresses ADDf to ADDg that can be seen or recognized by the end user. Among these, in the user area, various data serving as a main use purpose of the flash card FC are written or read by the user. The addresses ADDa to ADDb, which are the main parts of the system area, are:
It is used as a spare area for replacing / repairing a defective portion detected in the user area. In the case of this embodiment, a part of the system area, for example, addresses ADDd to AD
De is used as a firmware data area for writing the main routine, and the other part, that is, for example, the address ADDc, stores the history of writing the main routine in the firmware data area, and stores the start address of the written area. It is used as a firm data designation sector for indicating the last address.

Here, the firmware data designation sector provided in the system area of the flash memory FMEM is not particularly limited, but as shown in FIG. 3, a firmware data discrimination code CODE consisting of several bits and a firmware consisting of predetermined bits. It consists of a data storage start address FADD and a firmware data storage end address EADD. Among them, the firmware data discrimination code CODE is
Flash memory FMEM via host terminal HOST
When the main routine is written in the firmware data area of the system area, a predetermined determination code is written,
In the initial state where the main routine is not written, the state is set to the default state. Also, the firmware data storage start address FADD and the firmware data storage end address EA
When the main routine is written in the firmware data area, the start address ADDd and the last address ADDe of the write area are written in the DD, respectively. The initial state where the main routine is not written is a default state.

Returning to FIG. Microcomputer MC
The central processing unit CPU controls the writing operation of the user data from the host terminal HOST to the flash memory FMEM according to the main routine stored in the random access memory RAM.
The operation of reading user data from the MEM to the host terminal HOST is controlled. Also, the read only memory R
According to the basic routine stored in the OM, the reset operation of each unit at the time of power-on or reset is controlled, an interrupt request generated from each unit is processed, and the write or read operation to the read only memory ROM or the random access memory RAM is controlled. Then, the firmware determines the necessity of the transfer processing of the main routine written in the firmware data area of the flash memory FMEM by determining the firmware data determination code CODE written in the firmware data designated sector of the flash memory FMEM. The transfer operation of the main routine from the firmware data area of the FMEM to the random access memory RAM is controlled.

On the other hand, control gate array CGA
Executes the operation of writing user data from the host terminal HOST to the flash memory FMEM under the control of the microcomputer MC, or executes the operation of writing the host terminal HOST from the user area of the flash memory FMEM.
To read the user data from. At this time, data exchange with the host terminal HOST is performed according to predetermined interface conditions, and a part of the control gate array CGA functions as an interface circuit IF for satisfying the interface conditions.

FIG. 4 is an operation sequence diagram of one embodiment at the time of writing the firmware data of the flash card FC of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is an operation sequence diagram of one embodiment at the time of the firmware data transfer. It is shown. FIG.
FIG. 7 shows a conceptual diagram of an embodiment for explaining the movement of firmware data in the flash card FC of FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 shows a flash card developed by the present inventors prior to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of one embodiment for comparing and explaining a firmware change method with one flash card FC. The procedure and method of the firmware change processing in the flash card FC of this embodiment and the features thereof will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. Please refer to FIG. 6 as needed in the course of these descriptions. The transfer process of the firmware data shown in FIG. 5 is not particularly limited. However, after executing the process of writing the firmware data shown in FIG. 4, the power of the host terminal HOST including the flash card FC is once turned off and then turned on again. Or by applying a system reset.

First, in FIG. 4, the write operation of the firmware data in the flash memory FMEM of the flash card FC of this embodiment, that is, the write operation of the main routine is performed by turning on the power of the host terminal HOST and then writing to the flash memory FMEM ( It starts by issuing a write) command. In the flash card FC, in response to the valid level of a reset signal (not shown) immediately after the power is turned on, a reset routine is read from the read only memory ROM, and the reset processing of the control gate array CGA, the flash memory FMEM, and the microcomputer MC is performed. . After the reset, the determination routine is read from the read-only memory ROM, and the determination processing of the firmware data determination code CODE of the firmware data designated sector is performed.

At this time, the central processing unit CPU of the microcomputer MC controls the control gate array C
A read (read) command is issued to the GA for reading the firmware data specified sector of the flash memory FMEM. Also, the control gate array CG
A receives this read command, reads out the firmware data designated sector from the address ADDc in the system area of the flash memory FMEM, and transmits the firmware data discrimination code CODE to the central processing unit CPU. The central processing unit CPU, based on the transmitted firmware data determination code CODE,
It is determined whether or not the firmware data has been written in the MEM firmware data area. Then, if the firmware data has been written, the process of FIG. 5 described below is executed. If the firmware data has not been written, the process is stopped and a write command from the host terminal HOST is waited.

When the host terminal HOST issues a write command, the flash card FC reads a physical write routine from the read-only memory ROM,
The operation of writing firm data via the control gate array CGA is started. When writing the firmware data, the read only memory ROM
The C generation routine is read out, ECC (error correction code) is added to the firmware data, and the reliability of the data is improved. When the writing of the latest version of the main routine to the system area of the flash memory FMEM is completed, the central processing unit CPU
As the firmware data determination code CODE of the firmware data designated sector of the MEM, a code indicating that the writing has been completed is written, and the firmware data is written as the firmware data storage start address FADD and the firmware data storage end address EADD of the firmware data designated sector. Write the start address and end address of the specified area.

As described above, the process of writing the firmware data is completed, and the host terminal HOST shifts to another process. Further, the microcomputer MC of the flash card FC can perform the processing according to the basic routine stored in the read-only memory ROM, but since the firmware data has not yet been transferred to the random access memory RAM, the processing related to the main routine is performed. Cannot be executed.

Next, when the writing of the latest firmware data to the flash memory FMEM is completed and the power supply of the host terminal HOST is once turned off and then turned on again,
In the flash card FC, as shown in FIG. 5, the central processing unit determines that the firmware data has been written to the flash memory FMEM by reading the firmware data designated sector after the reset processing and determining the firmware data determination code CODE. Identified by the CPU. In response to this, the read only memory RO
The transfer routine and the physical read routine are read from M, and the process of transferring the firmware data to the random access memory RAM is started.

As a result, the latest firmware written in the firmware data area of the flash memory FMEM by the firmware data write operation shown in FIG. 4 is transferred to the random access memory RAM of the microcomputer MC, whereby the flash card FC This is a state in which a write or read operation of user data by the main routine can be executed.

As described above, the flash card FC of this embodiment has a flash memory FMEM having a relatively large storage capacity, a central processing unit CPU, a read only memory ROM, and a random access memory RA.
A single-chip microcomputer MC in which M is mounted on a common chip surface. The central processing unit CPU of the microcomputer MC operates according to a control program, that is, firmware. This firmware is divided into a basic routine stored in a read-only memory ROM and a main routine stored in a random access memory RAM. On the other hand, the storage area of the flash memory FMEM is divided into a user area that can be recognized by the user and a system area that cannot be recognized by the user.
The system area includes a firmware data area for writing the latest firmware from an external host terminal HOST, a firmware data designation sector for storing a history of writing the firmware data in the firmware data area and holding a write address. Is provided. Further, the central processing unit CPU, when power is turned on or reset,
In accordance with a transfer routine that is a part of the basic routine, it has a function of transferring the firmware written in the firmware data area of the flash memory FMEM to the random access memory RAM of the microcomputer MC.

From these facts, in the flash card FC of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the random access of the microcomputer MC from the external host terminal HOST can be performed without rewriting the read only memory ROM of the microcomputer MC. The firmware in the memory RAM can be modified, and when a version is upgraded or specifications are modified, for example, new firmware posted on an Internet homepage is transferred to the flash memory FM via the host terminal HOST.
It can be downloaded to the EM, that is, the random access memory RAM, and rewritten to the latest version. As a result,
It is possible to shorten the development period of the flash card FC and enhance its convenience.

FIG. 8 shows a system configuration diagram of an embodiment of the host terminal HOST including the flash card FC of FIG. The configuration and operation of the host terminal HOST to which the flash card FC of this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, FIG.
This is for describing the operation of the host terminal HOST, especially at the time of writing firmware data, and its functional blocks are the same as those of a general personal computer.

Referring to FIG. 8, the host terminal H of this embodiment
The OST is composed of a so-called notebook personal computer, and includes a keyboard provided on the main body surface and a liquid crystal display which can be folded so as to face the keyboard. On the right side of the main body of the host terminal HOST, a connector for mounting and connecting a flash card FC is provided. The host terminal HOST of this embodiment can be connected to the Internet (communication network) via a public communication line. The Internet has a homepage for providing the user with the latest version of firmware, that is, a main routine. Is provided.
The home page includes firmware data relating to the latest main routine, that is, main routine data, and a host terminal HOST that has accessed the firmware data.
And a program for writing to the flash memory FMEM of the flash card FC.

Thus, the user who is the owner of the host terminal HOST accesses the above-mentioned homepage of the Internet after attaching and connecting the flash card FC to the connector, and for example, a predetermined portion such as an icon provided on the screen of the liquid crystal display. By clicking, the latest firmware written on the homepage can be downloaded and written on the flash card FC. As a result, the provider of the flash card FC can relatively easily upgrade its firmware, that is, the main routine, or change its specifications, and the user can always use the latest main routine.

The operation and effect obtained from the above embodiment are as follows. That is, (1) the first memory unit having a relatively large storage capacity, such as a flash memory, and a single-chip microcomputer including the second storage unit, such as a central processing unit and a mask ROM, are mounted on the same card. In a memory card such as a flash card, a third storage unit including a volatile memory such as a dynamic RAM is provided in the microcomputer, and a firmware for controlling the microcomputer is provided in the second storage unit. The main routine, which is another part of the firmware, is externally written to a predetermined area of the first storage unit, and then stored in the first storage unit when the power is turned on or reset. 3 so that it can be transferred to the storage unit. The effect is obtained that the firmware can be corrected relatively easily without rewriting the second storage unit composed of the do-only memory.

(2) According to the above item (1), at the time of version upgrade or specification modification, for example, new firmware posted on the Internet homepage can be downloaded to a flash card or the like via the host terminal. The effect is obtained that the user can always rewrite the latest version. (3) According to the above items (1) and (2), an effect is obtained that the development period of a flash card or the like can be shortened and its convenience can be improved.

Although the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention. Needless to say, there is. For example, in FIG. 1, the flash memory FMEM may be composed of a single flash memory. The read only memory R of the microcomputer MC
The OM may be a nonvolatile memory other than the mask ROM, and the random access memory RAM may be a volatile memory other than the dynamic RAM. The block configuration and the shape of the flash card FC may take various embodiments without being restricted by the present embodiment.

In FIG. 2, the flash memory FMEM
Is merely an example, and various methods for dividing the memory map and setting the area may be considered. In FIG. 3, if the firmware data can be fixed length, the firmware data designation sector has a firmware data discrimination code CODE.
Only the firmware data storage start address FADD may be provided. 4 and 5, the operation sequence of the flash card FC and the host terminal HOST including the same at the time of writing and transferring firmware data and the absolute time relationship thereof are not restricted by these embodiments. In FIG. 6, the types of the basic routines stored in the read-only memory ROM of the microcomputer MC, the names of the routines, and the like can take various embodiments. In FIG. 8, the flash card FC
The host terminal HOST including the host terminal HOST can have various embodiments, and the communication network that provides the latest firmware is not limited to the Internet.

In the above description, the case where the invention made by the present inventor is mainly applied to a flash card, which is the field of application as the background, has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a normal EEPRO
The present invention can be applied to various memory cards including those using M (electrically erasable / programmable read-only memory). INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be widely applied to a memory card including at least a relatively large-capacity nonvolatile memory and a microcomputer that operates according to firmware, and an apparatus or a system including the same.

[0035]

The effects obtained by typical ones of the inventions disclosed in the present application will be briefly described as follows. That is, a first storage unit having a relatively large storage capacity such as a flash memory and a single-chip microcomputer including a second storage unit including a central processing unit and a mask ROM are mounted on the same card. In a memory card such as a flash card, a third storage unit including a volatile memory such as a dynamic RAM is provided in the microcomputer, and a basic routine of firmware for controlling the microcomputer is provided in the second storage unit. The main routine, which is another part of the firmware, is externally written to a predetermined area of the first storage unit, and then stored in the first storage unit at power-on or reset.
In the development stage of a flash card or the like, the firmware can be modified without rewriting the second storage unit composed of a read-only memory, and at the time of version upgrade or specification modification. In, for example, new firmware posted on a homepage on the Internet can be downloaded to a flash card or the like via a host terminal and rewritten to the latest version. As a result, the development period of a flash card or the like can be shortened, and its convenience can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a flash card to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a memory map showing one embodiment of a flash memory included in the flash card of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a content configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a firm data designation sector included in the flash memory of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an operation sequence diagram showing an embodiment when writing the firmware data in the flash card of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an operation sequence diagram showing one embodiment at the time of transferring firmware data of the flash card of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment for explaining the movement of firmware data in the flash card of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing one embodiment for comparing and explaining a firmware changing method between the flash card developed by the present inventors and the flash card of FIG. 1 prior to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a host terminal including the flash card of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

HOST: Host terminal, FC: Flash card,
CGA: Control gate array, IF: Interface circuit, FMEM: Flash memory, MC
... microcomputer, CPU ... central processing unit, RAM ... random access memory, ROM ... read-only memory. ADDa to ADDg... Addresses of flash memory. CODE: firmware data determination code, FADD: firmware data storage start address,
EADD: The final address for storing the firmware data.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kazunori Motobu 5-2-2-1, Kamisumihonmachi, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo Inside Hitachi Super LSI Systems Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shigeru Kadowaki 5-22-1, Kamisumihonmachi, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo Inside Hitachi Ultra-SII Systems Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kyio Okubo 5-221-1, Kamisumihonmachi, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo (72) Inventor Yuichiro Yamada 5-20-1, Kamimizuhoncho, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo F-term in the Semiconductor Division, Hitachi, Ltd. 5B035 AA02 BB09 CA07 CA26 CA29 5B058 CA13 CA23 KA02

Claims (7)

[Claims] A first storage unit comprising a first nonvolatile memory and rewritable by an external device; a second storage unit comprising a second nonvolatile memory and non-rewritable; and a second storage unit comprising a volatile memory. 3 and a central processing unit that operates according to a control program are mounted on a common card, and a part of the control program is written in the second storage unit. A part of the memory card is written to the first storage unit, and then transferred to the third storage unit, where the memory card is used for controlling the central processing unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first nonvolatile memory is a flash memory, the second nonvolatile memory is a mask ROM, and the volatile memory is a dynamic RAM. A memory card characterized by the above. 3. The control program according to claim 1, wherein another part of the control program written in the first storage unit is used when the external device including the memory card is powered on or reset. A memory card which is transferred to the third storage unit. 4. The control program according to claim 1, wherein another part of the control program is written in a system area of the storage area of the first storage unit that is not recognizable by a user. The system area is provided with a firmware data designation sector that stores a history of another part of the control program written in the first storage unit and indicates an address of the written area. A memory card, characterized in that: 5. The control program according to claim 1, wherein a part of the control program includes a main routine for realizing a main purpose of the memory card. Another part of the control program resets each part of the memory card at power-on or reset,
Process the interrupt request to the central processing unit,
The write or read operation to the first to third storage units is controlled, the firmware data designated sector is determined, or the third storage unit is transferred from the first storage unit of another part of the control program. A memory card including a basic routine for controlling a transfer operation to a memory card. 6. The memory card according to claim 1, wherein the memory card is connected to the external device via a predetermined connector. The device is a terminal device having a communication function, wherein the terminal device receives another part of the control program via a predetermined communication line, and writes the other part of the control program into the first storage unit of the memory card. A memory card characterized by having: 7. The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device is connected to a predetermined communication network, and another part of the control program is posted on a predetermined homepage of the communication network. A memory card, characterized in that: