Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Digital data processing system initialization or configuration – Loading initialization program
Patent
1998-02-28
1999-11-16
Palys, Joseph E.
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
Loading initialization program
713100, G06F 9445
Patent
active
059876050
ABSTRACT:
Methods and associated apparatus for using a dual-boot capable programmable device and for updating programmed information in such a dual-boot capable programmable device. The apparatus of the present invention includes a primary boot memory device, a secondary boot memory device, and means for selecting between the two memory devices for purposes of "booting" the dual-boot mode device. In particular, a reset switch of the apparatus of the present invention resets devices in the dual-boot capable programmable device and is coupled to a selection device. The selection device multiplexes signals from the two boot memory devices onto the corresponding bus signals of the dual-boot capable programmable device. When a "long" reset switch activation is sensed, the selection device selects a first of the two boot memory devices for coupling to the programmable device. A "short" activation of the reset switch selects the other boot memory device. The present invention also includes methods for updating the contents of the two boot memory devices so as to avoid an inoperable state encountered due to failure of the update process in a single boot memory device. In particular, both boot memory devices are updated in sequence. The second memory update is prevented if the first memory update is determined to have failed.
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Atchison Lee
Atkins Glen
Hill Gregory
Platz Charles D.
Purcell Raymond A.
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Mai Rijue
Palys Joseph E.
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