Introducing Dual Bank Flash Memory Feature Optimized for OTA Updates

OTA (over-the-air) is a function that remotely updates the software or firmware of a device or changes its settings via wireless communication. It has become an important function in IoT and industrial microcontrollers. The Dual Bank function of the ABOV MCU responds to this need, enabling stable and flexible firmware management in an OTA environment.

[Key Advantage of Dual Bank]

1.     Configuring dual bank area for OTA

l   Since the flash memory is physically divided into two banks (Bank-0/Bank-1), users do not need to manually divide the area.

l   Convenient and easy firmware switching with two banks (bank swap function)

2.     Safe firmware upgrade and Structure with rollback capability.

l   When new firmware is stored in Bank-1 via OTA, the existing firmware in Bank-0 is preserved. Even if there is a problem with the new firmware in Bank1, it is possible to roll back to the existing Bank-0 because the existing firmware in Bank-0 is preserved.

As shown in the figure below, the flash memory area can be used as a single area or as a dual bank. When a bank swap is performed, the address of the changed bank is automatically changed to a new logical address.

3.     Support for RWW (Read-While-Write) function

l   It is possible to update firmware in the bank-1 area while running in real time in bank-0 (no CPU delay).

l   It does not support simultaneous execution and writing in the same bank, but it supports it when writing to another bank.

The figure below shows the operation of the RWW function according to bank mode.

X: CPU stalled, O: RWW available

※ RWW (Read-While-Write) function refers to the ability to write data in a specific area of ​​flash memory while simultaneously reading data in another area.

■ RWW function in single bank mode – Bank Disable

■ RWW function in dual bank mode – Bank Enable

■ RWW function in dual bank mode and bank swap – Bank Swap

[Dual Bank Supported Products]

The table below lists the current dual bank product series available from ABOV.

For more detailed information, please contact us at sales_gl@abov.co.kr