Binary counter and method for counting to extend lifetime of storage cells
AssigneeMicrochip Technology Incorporated
InventorRobert P. Mather
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Abstract
A digital counter and method for counting are implemented which minimize fatigue-related failure in the storage element for the count value. The counting sequence is chosen such that the transitions within individual storage elements are the same for each element within a complete counting cycle. The invention extends to software or microcontroller implemented methods for counting, including encoding and decoding applications.
Claims24
A microcontroller having a counter sequenced to extend the lifetime of a non-volatile memory which stores the counter bit values, comprising:
- a microcontroller having a non-volatile memory;
- and
- said non-volatile memory having a plurality of bit storage elements for storing a count value;
- wherein said microcontroller computes a next state of said plurality of bit storage elements and changes each of said plurality of bit storage elements substantially the same number of times before said count value is repeated.
A method for counting with a microcontroller, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing in a microcontroller a plurality of bit storage elements for storing a binary number containing an initial value;
- retrieving said binary number;
- computing a next number from said binary number wherein said next number is chosen such that each bit in said binary number changes substantially the same number of times before said next number is equal to said initial value;
- and
- storing said next number.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.