OTP firmware enhances processor flexibility

Yeng Peng
(02/20/2006 10:00 AM EST), EE Times

Processor firmware must be upgradable to account for new algorithms or to simplify the development of derivative products. Storing such firmware in ROM or flash memory poses problems for embedded applications. With mask-programmable ROM, the processor's firmware is "locked in" during chip fabrication. In a typical system-on-chip design flow, firmware is directly in the project's critical path. Every change in the contents of a masked ROM requires an NRE charge and a turnaround that may stretch to months. ROM-based storage also increases the cost of inventory management.

Flash memory is prohibitively costly for many consumer applications. Accessing firmware stored on external flash is power-intensive compared with storing the firmware on-chip. Downloading firmware from an external flash chip makes the download process susceptible to undesirable interception by an unauthorized third party. On-chip flash, through reverse-engineering, can also be read to reveal its contents.

A better solution is to embed one-time programmable (OTP) nonvolatile memory on the processing chip. Beyond accommodating changes in data standards and decreasing the time and cost of derivative products, OTP memory can handle engineering change orders through software modifications. Product lifetime is increased, and firmware configuration during system development enhances the co-development of hardware and software.

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