as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0133734 Al
`Jul. 8, 2004
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jordan et al.
`
`US 20040133734A1
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`USE OF NAND FLASH FOR HIDDEN
`MEMORYBLOCKSTO STORE AN
`OPERATING SYSTEM PROGRAM
`
`Inventors: Marc Kevin Jordan, Austin, TX (US);
`Antonio Torrini, Austin, TX (US);
`i
`.
`Jean Charles Pina, Austin, TX (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`GARLICK HARRISON & MARKISON LLP
`P.O. BOX 160727
`
`AUSTIN, TX 78716-0727 (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/723,909
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 26, 2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/429,941, filed on Nov.
`29, 2002.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Inte C1? cecssnsnsnnemnennnnnnnniee GO6F 12/00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cle cassessnesnssnisitnsnsnteie
`11/103; 711/163
`
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A memorydevice has a plurality of memoryblocks utilized
`to store data. Oneof the blocks is used as a hidden memory
`blockto store an operating system program,instead ofdata.
`The hidden memory block is designated as a bad block so
`that data will not be written into the hidden memory block,
`but a tag associated with the hidden memory blockidentifies
`that the hidden memory block contains the operating system
`program.
`
`
`
`low loss
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`
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`56
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`interface22
`
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`
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`
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` analoginputport66
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`
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`
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`
`APPLE 1104
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 20 of 25
`
`US 2004/0133734 Al
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 22 of 25
`
`US 2004/0133734 Al
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`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 23 of 25
`
`US 2004/0133734 Al
`
`920
`
`FILE SYSTEM
`DATA AREA
`
`(FONTS, BITMAP, CODE, ETC.)
`
`SYSTEM 4
`BOOT MANAGER
`
`SYSTEM 2
`USB FIRMWARE
`
`SYSTEM 3
`AUDIO PLAYER
`
`SYSTEM 4
`RESERVED FOR
`RESOURCES
`
`FIG. 30
`
`24
`
`24
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 24 of 25
`
`US 2004/0133734 Al
`
` 16D
`
`
`(INSTRUCTIONTOBOOTFROMNAND FLASH)
`
`~ 35D
`
`FIG.31
`
`12D
`
`GPIO ORHARDWIRE
`
`25
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 25 of 25
`
`US 2004/0133734 Al
`
`600
`
`ant
`
`START UP
`
`GPIO (OR HARDWIRED)
`INSTRUCTION TO START
`BOOT MODE
`
`601
`
`602
`
`603
`
`CHIP POWERS UP
`
`
`
`ACCESS ROM FOR BOOT
`
`SEQUENCE
`
`READ FLASH BLOCK(S)
`604
`FOR BAD BLOCK
`
`LOOK FORTAGIN BAD
`605
`BLOCK(S)
`
`
`
`LOAD BOOT MANAGER
`WHEN TAG IS FOUND
`
`606
`
`
`
`FOLLOW BOOT SEQUENCE
`SET BY BOOT MANAGER
`
`607
`
`FIG. 32
`
`26
`
`26
`
`

`

`US 2004/0133734 Al
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`boot program from a memory device, such as a read only
`memory (ROM). In some instances the boot program is
`stored on a writable memory device, so that
`the boot
`program may be updatedor reloaded with different versions
`of the booting program. In some instances, a NORtypeflash
`memorydevice may be employed to store the boot program,
`since NOR flash memories are more suited for this type of
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi-
`operation. Accordingly,it is a typical practice to employ a
`sional Patent Application entitled MULTI-FUNCTION
`ROM or a NORflash memoryfor booting when the device
`HANDHELD DEVICE,having a Serial No. of 60/429,941
`is initialized. The advantageof the use of a flash memoryis
`andafiling date of Nov. 29, 2002, which is incorporated
`that the boot program may be customized. Furthermore, the
`herein byreference.
`flash device may be updated with newer or different boot
`programs.
`
`USE OF NAND FLASH FOR HIDDEN MEMORY
`BLOCKS TO STORE AN OPERATING SYSTEM
`PROGRAM
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`[0002]
`
`1. Technical Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] This invention relates generally to portable elec-
`ronic equipment, and moreparticularly to a multi-function
`handheld device that employs a memory having hidden
`memory blocks to store operating system programs.
`
`[0004]
`
`2. Description of Related Art
`
`[0005] As is known,integrated circuits are used in a wide
`variety of electronic equipment, including portable, or hand-
`held, devices. Such handheld devices include personal digi-
`al assistants (PDA), CD players, MP3 players, DVD play-
`ers, AM/FM radio, a pager, cellular telephones, computer
`memory extension (commonlyreferred to as a thumb drive),
`etc. Each of these handheld devices include one or more
`
`integrated circuits to provide the functionality of the device.
`For example, a thumb drive may include an integrated
`circuit for interfacing with a computer(e.g., personal com-
`puter, laptop, server, workstation, etc.) via one of the ports
`of the computer (e.g., Universal Serial Bus, parallel port,
`etc.) and at least one other memoryintegrated circuit (¢.g.,
`flash memory). As such, when the thumbdrive is coupled to
`a computer, data can be read from and written to the memory
`of the thumb drive. Accordingly, a user may store person-
`alized information (e.g., presentations,
`Internet access
`account information, etc.) on his/her thumb drive and use
`any computer to access the information.
`
`[0006] As another example, an MP3 player may include
`multiple integrated circuits to support the storage and play-
`back of digitally formatted audio (i.e., formatted in accor-
`dance with the MP3 specification). As is known, one inte-
`grated circuit may be used for interfacing with a computer,
`another integrated circuit for generating a power supply
`voltage, another for processing the storage and/or playback
`of the digitally formatted audio data, and still another for
`rendering the playback of the digitally formatted audio data
`audible.
`
`Integrated circuits have enabled the creation of a
`[0007]
`plethora of handheld devices, however,
`to be “wired” in
`today’s electronic world, a person may need to posses
`multiple handheld devices. For example, one may own a
`cellular telephone for cellular telephone service, a PDA for
`scheduling, address book, etc., one or more thumb drives for
`extended memory functionality, an MP3 player for storage
`and/or playback of digitally recorded music, a radio, etc.
`Thus, even though a single handheld device may be rela-
`tively small, carrying multiple handheld devices on one’s
`person can become quite burdensome.
`
`[0009] Even though a ROM or a NOR flash memory
`device is employed with a processor, the actual data storage
`is performed utilizing other
`types of memorystorage
`devices. For example, if the flash technology is employed,
`typical practice is to employ a NAND type flash memory
`device for mass storage of data, since NAND flashes are
`more suited for mass data storage. Therefore, prior art
`practice has been to employ a ROM or NORtype flash
`memoryforstorage of booting programs, while NAND type
`flash storage devices are utilized for the storing of data.
`Accordingly,
`embodiments of
`the present
`invention
`addresses a scheme in which both a boot program is stored
`on the same storage media as data, so that one type of
`storage device may be utilized to store both the boot
`program and data.
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0010] The multi-function handheld device of the present
`invention substantially meets these needs and others. An
`embodiment of the device includes a host interface, a bus, a
`processing module, a memoryinterface, a multimedia mod-
`ule, and a DC-to-DC converter. The host interface is oper-
`able to receive or transmit data with a host device (e.g.,
`personal computer, laptop computer, etc.) when the multi-
`function handheld device is operably coupled to the host
`device. The bus provides a medium for transmitting and/or
`receiving data between the host interface,
`the processing
`module, and the memory interface. The processing module
`functions to place the multi-function handheld device in a
`first functional mode when the host interface is operably
`coupled to the host device and places the multi-function
`handheld device in a second functional mode whenthe host
`interface is not operably coupled to the host device.
`[0011] The memoryinterface is operably coupled to, when
`the multi-function handheld device is in the first functional
`
`mode, provide data received from the host device to memory
`coupled to the integrated circuit for storage. The memory
`interface also provides data retrieved from the memoryto
`the host interface for transmission to the host device. The
`
`multimedia module is operably coupled to, when the multi-
`function handheld device is in the second functional mode,
`to convert data stored in the memoryinto rendered output
`data (e.g., prepares the data to be heard or seen). The DC to
`DC converter is operably coupled to provide at least a first
`supply voltage to at least one of the host interface,
`the
`processing module, the memoryinterface, and the multime-
`dia module. With such an integrated circuit, a handheld
`device may provide multiple functions, thus reducing the
`burdens of handheld device users.
`
`Ina typical hand-held device, an integrated circuit
`[0008]
`that contains a processor or a controller generally loads a
`
`[0012] An embodiment of a handheld device includesthe
`integrated circuit, a battery, and memory, which is coupled
`
`27
`
`27
`
`

`

`US 2004/0133734 Al
`
`to the integrated circuit via the memory interface. The
`battery is operably coupled to the DC-to-DC converter,
`which produces therefrom the supply voltage(s) for the
`integrated circuit. The handheld device may further include
`a clock source, a speaker, a headphonejack, a microphone,
`a display, a video capture device, and/or an user input
`module (e.g., key pad).
`
`[0013] An embodimentof the invention uses an external
`memory thatstores both operating system program and data.
`The operating system program is stored in an external
`memory along with data. In order to separate the operating
`system program from data, the operating system program is
`stored in a hidden block designated as a bad block. A unique
`tag in the designated block identifies the block as a hidden
`block holding the operating system program.In one embodi-
`ment, the external memoryis a NANDflash memory.
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`FIG.14 is a schematic block diagram ofa display
`[0027]
`interface system in accordance with one embodimentofthe
`present invention.
`
`[0028] FIG. 15 is a diagram of a memory system in
`accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.
`
`[0029] FIG. 16 is a diagram of a program random access
`memoryin accordance with one embodiment ofthe present
`invention.
`
`[0030] FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of another
`memorysystem in accordance with one embodimentof the
`present invention.
`
`[0031] FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of a DC-to-
`DC converter in accordance with one embodiment of the
`
`present invention.
`
`[0032] FIG. 19 is a logic diagram of a method for pro-
`viding current limit in a DC-to-DC converter in accordance
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`[0014] FIG.1is a schematic block diagram ofa handheld
`[0033] FIG. 20 is a diagram corresponding to providing
`device and corresponding integrated circuit in accordance
`current limit in a DC-to-DC converter in accordance with
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of another
`handheld device and corresponding integrated circuit
`in
`accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.
`
`[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of another
`integrated circuit in accordance with one embodimentof the
`present invention.
`
`FIG.4 is a schematic block diagram ofyet another
`[0017]
`integrated circuit in accordance with one embodimentof the
`present invention.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`one embodimentof the present invention.
`
`FIG.21 is a schematic block diagram of an elec-
`[0034]
`trostatic protection circuit in accordance with one embodi-
`mentof the present invention.
`
`[0035] FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of another
`electrostatic protection circuit
`in accordance with one
`embodimentof the present invention.
`
`FIG.23 is a logic diagram of a method forloading
`[0036]
`and/or programming a system on a chip in accordance with
`one embodimentof the present invention.
`
`[0037] FIG. 24is a logic diagram of a method for booting
`up a system on a chip in accordance with one embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`[0038] FIG. 25 is a logic diagram of a method for pro-
`viding efficient battery use in accordance with one embodi-
`mentof the present invention.
`
`FIGS. 26 is a logic diagram of a method for
`[0039]
`providing an overload fail-safe algorithm in accordance with
`one embodimentof the present invention.
`
`FIGS. 27is logic diagram of a method for provid-
`[0040]
`ing a system lowvoltage fail-safe algorithm in accordance
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`FIGS. 28 is logic diagram of a method for provid-
`[0041]
`ing a battery lowvoltage fail-safe algorithm in accordance
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`FIGS. 29 is a diagram of an embodiment of a
`[0042]
`memorysystem in which a hidden memoryblock of a data
`storage medium is used to store a boot program.
`
`FIG.30 is a diagram ofa portion of the memoryof
`[0043]
`FIG. 29 showing the storing of several boot routines.
`
`[0044] FIG. 31 is a block schematic diagram showing a
`use of a NANDfiash memoryto store a boot program which
`is used to boot an integrated circuit.
`
`[0045] FIG. 32 is a flow diagram for booting the inte-
`grated circuit of FIG. 31.
`
`28
`
`
`
`[0018] FIG. 5isa schematic block diagram ofstill another
`integrated circuit in accordance with one embodimentof the
`present invention.
`
`[0019] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a further
`integrated circuit in accordance with one embodimentof the
`present invention.
`
`FIG.7 is a schematic block diagram of a cell of a
`[0020]
`general purpose input output interface in accordance with
`one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`FIG.8 is a schematic block diagram ofa digital to
`[0021]
`analog converterin accordance with one embodimentofthe
`present invention.
`
`[0022] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram ofa digital to
`analog converterin accordance with one embodimentofthe
`present invention.
`
`[0023] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an opera-
`ional amplifier in accordance with one embodimentof the
`present invention.
`
`[0024] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a pro-
`grammable driver in accordance with one embodiment of
`he present invention.
`
`[0025] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a micro-
`phonebiascircuit in accordance with one embodimentof the
`present invention.
`
`[0026] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of an input
`interface system in accordance with one embodimentofthe
`present invention.
`
`28
`
`

`

`US 2004/0133734 Al
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
`
`circuit 12 will be described in greater detail with reference
`to FIGS. 15-17 and FIGS. 29-32.
`
`[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a multi-
`function handheld device 10 and corresponding integrated
`circuit 12 operably coupled to a host device A, B, or C. The
`multi-function handheld device 10 also includes memory
`integrated circuit (IC) 16 and a battery 14. The integrated
`circuit 12 includes a host interface 18, a processing module
`20, a memory interface 22, a multimedia module 24, a
`DC-to-DC converter 26, and a bus 28. The multimedia
`module 24 alone or in combination with the processing
`module 20 provides the functional circuitry for the inte-
`grated circuit 12. The DC-to-DC converter 26, which may be
`constructed in accordance with the teaching of U.S. Pat. No.
`6,204,651, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`REGULATING A DC VOLTAGE,provides at least a first
`supply voltage to one or more of the hostinterface 18, the
`processing module 20, the multimedia module 24, and the
`memoryinterface 22. The DC-to-DC converter 26 mayalso
`provide V,,, to one or more of the other components ofthe
`handheld device 10.
`
`[0047] When the multi-function handheld device 10 is
`operably coupled to a host device A, B, or C, which may be
`a personal computer, workstation, server (which are repre-
`sented by host device A), a laptop computer (host device B),
`a personaldigital assistant (host device C), and/or any other
`device that may transceive data with the multi-function
`handheld device, the processing module 20 performsatleast
`one algorithm 30, which will be described in greater detail
`with reference to FIGS. 15-17 and 23-28, where the corre-
`sponding operational instructions of the algorithm 30 are
`stored in memory16 and/or in memory incorporated in the
`processing module 20.
`
`[0048] The processing module 20 may be a single pro-
`cessing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a
`processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-control-
`ler, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central process-
`ing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic
`device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digi-
`tal circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals
`(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions.
`The associated memory maybe a single memory device or
`a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may
`be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile
`memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic
`memory,flash memory, and/or any devicethat stores digital
`information. Note that when the processing module 20
`implements one or moreofits functions via a state machine,
`analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the
`associated memory storing the corresponding operational
`instructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising the
`state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic
`circuitry.
`
`[0049] With the multi-function handheld device 10 in the
`first functional mode, the integrated circuit 12 facilitates the
`transfer of data between the host device A, B, or C and
`memory 16, which may be non-volatile memory(e.g., flash
`memory, disk memory, SDRAM) and/or volatile memory
`(e.g., DRAM). In one embodiment, the memory IC 16 is a
`NANDflash memory that stores both data and the opera-
`tional instructionsof at least some of the algorithms 30. The
`interoperability of the memory IC 16 and the integrated
`
`In this mode, the processing module 30retrieves a
`[0050]
`first set of operational instructions(e.g., a file system algo-
`rithm, which is known in the art) from the memory 16 to
`coordinate the transfer of data. For example, data received
`from the host device A, B, or C (e.g., Rx data) is first
`received via the host interface module 18. Depending on the
`type of coupling between the host device and the handheld
`device 10, the received data maybe formatted in a particular
`manner. For example,if the handheld device 10 is coupled
`to the host device via a USB cable, the received data may be
`in accordance with the format proscribed by the USB
`specification. The host interface module 18 converts the
`formatof the received data (e.g., USB format) into a desired
`format by removing overhead data that corresponds to the
`format of the received data and storing the remaining data as
`data words. Under the control of the processing module 20,
`the data words are provided, via the memoryinterface 22, to
`memory16 for storage. In this mode, the handheld device 10
`is functioning as extended memory ofthe host device (e.g.,
`like a thumb drive).
`
`In furtheranceofthe first functional mode, the host
`[0051]
`device mayretrieve data (e.g., Tx data) from memory 16 as
`if the memory were part of the computer. Accordingly, the
`host device provides a read command to the handheld
`device, which is received via the host interface 18. The host
`interface 18 converts the read request into a generic format
`and provides the request to the processing module 20. The
`processing module 20 interprets the read request and coor-
`dinates the retrieval of the requested data from memory 16
`via the memory interface 22. The retrieved data (e.g., Tx
`data) is provided to the hostinterface 18, which converts the
`format of the retrieved data from the generic format of the
`handheld device into the formatof the coupling between the
`handheld device and the host device. The host interface 18
`then provides the formatted data to the host device via the
`coupling.
`
`[0052] The coupling between the host device and the
`handheld device may be a wireless connection or a wired
`connection. For instance, a wireless connection may be in
`accordance with Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11(a), (b) or (g),
`and/or any other wireless LAN (local area network) proto-
`col, IrDA,etc. The wired connection may be in accordance
`with one or more Ethernet protocols, Firewire, USB, etc.
`Depending on the particular type of connection, the host
`interface module 18 includes a corresponding encoder and
`decoder. For example, when the handheld device 10 is
`coupled to the host device via a USB cable, the host interface
`module 18 includes a USB encoder and a USB decoder.
`
`It is to be noted that the data stored in memory 16,
`[0053]
`which may have 64 Mbytes or greater of storage capacity,
`maybe text files, presentationfiles, user profile information
`for access to varies computer services (e.g., Internet access,
`email, etc.), digital audio files (e.g, MP3 files, WMA—
`Windows Media Architecture—, MP3 PRO, Ogg Vorbis,
`AAC—Advanced Audio Coding), digital video files [e.g.,
`still images or motion video such as MPEG (motion picture
`expert group) files, JPEG (joint photographic expert group)
`files, etc.], address book information, and/or any other type
`of information that may be stored in a digital format.It is to
`be noted that when the handheld device 10 is coupled to the
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`Jul. 8, 2004
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`host device A, B, or C, the host device may power the
`handheld device 10 such that the battery is unused.
`[0054] When the handheld device 10 is not coupled to the
`host device, the processing module 20 executesan algorithm
`30 to detect the disconnection and to place the handheld
`device in a second operational mode. In the second opera-
`tional mode, the processing module 20 retrieves, and sub-
`sequently executes, a second set of operationalinstructions
`from memory 16 to support the second operational mode.
`For example, the second operational mode may correspond
`to MP3file playback, digital dictaphone recording, MPEG
`file playback, JPEG file playback, text messaging display,
`cellular telephone functionality, and/or AM/FM radio recep-
`tion. Since these functions may be knownin the art, no
`further discussion of the particular implementationof these
`functions will be provided except to further illustrate the
`concepts of the present invention.
`[0055]
`In