Patent ID: 6507881
Filing Date: 2003-01-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for updating a firmware of a flash read-only memory (ROM), the method being suitable for a host computer (Host) to update the firmware of the flash ROM through an integrated device electronics (IDE) interface, the method comprising:re-interpreting all IDE bus activities so that the flash ROM is updated without using definitions of the IDE interface; redefining registers of task files from definitions of the IDE interface to definitions for updating the flash ROM; entering a flash ROM programming mode by issuing an IDE control command from the Host, and the registers of the task files work under the definitions for updating the flash ROM; reading or writing data on the flash ROM by the Host using the redefined task files of the IDE interface through a software cycle or a hardware cycle, in which the flash ROM has a plurality of pins; leaving the flash ROM programming mode and returning to a normal mode with original definitions of the task files. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reading or writing data on the flash ROM further comprises assigning an initial address.