Patent ID: 9208073
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method, in a data processing system, for improved firmware storage and maintenance, the method comprising: for each master device in a plurality of master devices: identifying an amount of Flash memory space required by the master device; allocating the amount of Flash memory space from a Flash component to the master device as a virtual Flash memory allocation; recording an initial sector location of the virtual Flash memory allocation in a data structure as an offset into the Flash component; recording a length of the virtual Flash memory allocation in the data structure; and loading data that allows the master device to boot up into the virtual Flash memory allocation; and the method further comprising; receiving a command from one of the plurality of master devices as a virtual Flash memory allocation; identifying a mode of operation in which the master device is operating; based on the identified mode of operation, determining whether the command can be executed; responsive to a determination that the command can be executed, determining the offset associated with the virtual Flash memory allocation of the master device; and performing the command using the offset.