System and method for programming non-volatile memory
AssigneeBroadcom Corporation
InventorsJeffrey Douglas Carr, Mark Buer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods that may program a non-volatile memory for use in configuring features of a device, such as a set top box, for example, are disclosed. One method may include the steps of beginning a programming cycle; programming mode control bits of the non-volatile memory that correspond to configurations of features of the device; if an interruption occurs during the programming cycle, then rendering the non-volatile memory invalid; and if no interruption occurs during the programming cycle, then rendering the non-volatile memory operational.
Claims16
A method for programming a non-volatile memory for use in configuring features of a device, comprising the steps of:
- (a) beginning a programming cycle;
- (b) programming mode control bits of the non-volatile memory that correspond to configurations of features of the device;
- (c) if an interruption occurs during the programming cycle, then rendering the non-volatile memory invalid;
- and
- (d) if no interruption occurs during the programming cycle, then rendering the non-volatile memory operational.
A method for programming a non-volatile memory for use in configuring features of a device, comprising the steps of:
- programming a bank of mode control bits of the non-volatile memory that correspond to configurations of features of the device;
- setting a lock bit associated with the programmed bank of mode control bits;
- and
- permanently locking values stored in the bank of mode control bits as a result of setting the associated lock bit.
A system for programming a non-volatile memory for use in configuring features of a device, comprising:
- a processor coupled to the non-volatile memory, the processor adapted to perform the steps of
- beginning a programming cycle on a first set of bits of the non-volatile memory,
- one-time programming mode control bits of the first set of bits of the non-volatile memory that correspond to configurations of features of the device,
- if an interruption occurs during the programming cycle, then rendering the non-volatile memory invalid, and
- if no interruption occurs during the programming cycle, then rendering the non-volatile memory operational.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.