Patent ID: 6167482
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for re-programming a flash memory device in a micro-controller system comprising at least a read/write accessible memory cell, comprising the steps of:saving a current absolute unit timing parameter, representing real-time clock data, in the read/write accessible memory cell of the flash memory device;executing a re-programming cycle;measuring the duration of the re-programming cycle of the flash memory device;adding the measured duration of the re-programing cycle of the flash memory device to the current absolute unit timing parameter in the read/write accessible memory cell thereby updating the real-time clock data to maintain accurate unit timing;copying outside the affected flash memory device a software Real Time Clock (RTC) service routine capable of running outside the affected flash memory device, wherein a counter of the software RTC routine capable of running outside the affected flash memory device measures the duration of the re-programming cycle of the flash memory device; andstopping a software RTC service routine running inside the affected flash memory device.