Code storage using volatile memory
A method and system for code storage using volatile memory are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises providing a system on a chip (SOC) that includes at least one volatile memory. The method includes coupling a portable power source to the SOC, wherein the portable power source powers the at least one volatile memory with minimal leakage. The method includes storing updatable code on the at least one volatile memory. In a second aspect, the system comprises a system on a chip (SOC) and at least a Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) coupled to the SOC with updatable code stored therein. The system includes a portable power source coupled to the SOC, wherein the portable power source powers the SRAM with minimal leakage.
1. A method for code storage using volatile memory, the method comprising:
providing a system on a chip (SOC), wherein the SOC includes at least one volatile memory;
coupling a portable power source to the SOC, wherein the portable power source powers the at least one volatile memory with minimal leakage; and
storing updatable code on the at least one volatile memory, wherein the at least one volatile memory is the only type of memory used to update the updatable code.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the SOC includes at least one non-volatile memory, further comprising:
storing stable code on the at least one non-volatile memory.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein storing updatable code on the at least one volatile memory further comprises:
providing in-circuit test (ICT) contacts points on a printed circuit board (PCB) that expose an interface, wherein the interface includes a plurality of electrical contacts; and
programming the updatable code into the at least one volatile memory through the plurality of electrical contacts.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coupling further comprises:
isolating power of the at least one volatile memory from main power of the SOC.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coupling further comprises:
reducing a voltage level of the at least one volatile memory.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
housing the SOC within a wireless sensor device.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:
updating the updatable code remotely while the wireless sensor device is in use.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the portable power source powers the at least one volatile memory for up to a predetermined time period.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the portable power source powers the at least one volatile memory for a lifetime of the wireless sensor device.
10. The method of claim 2 , wherein the at least one volatile memory is at least one Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and the at least one non-volatile memory is at least one Read-Only Memory (ROM).
11. A wireless sensor device, the wireless sensor device comprising:
a system on a chip (SOC);
at least one Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) coupled to the SOC with updatable code stored therein, wherein the SRAM is the only type of memory used to update the updatable code; and
a portable power source coupled to the SOC, wherein the portable power source powers the SRAM with minimal leakage.
12. The wireless sensor device of claim 11 , further comprising:
in-circuit test (ICT) contact points coupled to the SOC, wherein the ICT contact points expose an interface; and
a plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the interface;
wherein code is updated by programming through the plurality of electrical contacts during a manufacturing ICT process.
13. The wireless sensor device of claim 12 , wherein the interface is a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and the plurality of electrical contacts are a plurality of pogo pins.
14. The wireless sensor device of claim 11 wherein power of the SRAM is isolated from main power of the SOC.
15. The wireless sensor device of claim 11 , wherein the portable power source powers the SRAM at a reduced voltage level.
16. The wireless sensor device of claim 11 , wherein the updatable code is updated remotely while the wireless sensor device is in use.
17. The wireless sensor device of claim 11 , wherein the portable power source powers the SRAM for up to a predetermined time period.
18. The wireless sensor device of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined time period is a lifetime of the wireless sensor device.
19. The wireless sensor device of claim 11 , wherein the portable power source is irreplaceable.