Patent ID: 6178549
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A method for modifying a machine code, which performs a predetermined function after being loaded in a memory device for program execution, the machine code including an address-referencing instruction step, the address-referencing instruction step including an address-referencing value, the memory device having good memory locations and at least one defective memory-cell location, said method comprising the steps of:(1) inputting a defective memory-cell location and a list of insertion-point, wherein an insertion point is a code address at which an extra code step may be inserted without changing the predetermined function of the machine code;(2) inserting the extra code step at one of the insertion-point such that a modified machine code is obtained, wherein the modified machine code, when loaded in the memory device, substantially performs the same function as the predetermined function while bypassing the defective memory-cell locations during program execution;(3) modifying the address-referencing value to take into account of the required change of the address-referencing instruction step due to the insertion of the extra code step in the machine code.