2008-01-19 11:24:22     What memory should i use for applications?

2008-01-19 11:24:22     What memory should i use for applications?

Michael Fl (BELGIUM)

Message: 49848    Hello! I'm designing a new board using BF-527 processor. I'm planning to use it as a web-server, so it should have some amount of non-volatile memory to be accessible from Internet for changing web-server data (pages, pictures, scripts, etc.). The problem is, i cannot use NAND memory, because it can't operate simultaneously with the Ethernet PHY. (That's what's said about it in EZ-KIT Lite Manual: "The Ethernet signals are shared with NAND flash, and the Ethernet is by default turned off (SW1 OFF, OFF, ON, OFF). See “ETH Enable Switch (SW1)” on page 2-9 for more information. It is important not to run code that accesses the NAND while using the Ethernet interface." ) uClinux kernel is supposed to boot from parallel 4Mbytes flash, but this memory is not enough to store data, and it's not appropriate since data should be often updated. What memory should i use for my purpose?

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2008-01-19 13:00:42     Re: What memory should i use for applications?

Robin Getz (UNITED STATES)

Message: 49851    Michael:

Why isn't parallel flash "not appropriate since data should be often updated"? I'm not sure I understand that comment.

Otherwise, you have 3 choices:

- SPI Flash (up to 16Meg)

- NAND Flash (just not connected to the NAND controller - you can still do this on the EBIU - just have a look at the way we ere doing it for 533/537).

- NOR Flash (bank switching with GPIOs - Mike is just validating this now).

-Robin

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2008-01-19 14:01:49     Re: What memory should i use for applications?

Michael Fl (BELGIUM)

Message: 49852    Thank you very much fo your help, Robin! Could you please tell me where exactly can I find NAND to EBIU connection example? I was unable to find it in Projects section.

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2008-01-19 14:34:39     Re: What memory should i use for applications?

Robin Getz (UNITED STATES)

Message: 49853    Michael:

I would start here:

http://docs.blackfin.uclinux.org/doku.php?id=blackfin_nand_flash_mtd_driver

The HW schematics are at:

http://blackfin.uclinux.org/gf/project/stamp/frs/?action=FrsReleaseBrowse&frs_package_id=55

Also - if you are interested in this - you will still need some way to boot (cheap 128 or 256k SPI to put U-Boot in): See:

http://docs.blackfin.uclinux.org/doku.php?id=bootloaders:bootrom#boot_modes

-Robin

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2008-01-19 15:48:59     Re: What memory should i use for applications?

Michael Fl (BELGIUM)

Message: 49854    Robin, I also found this Engineer-to-Engineer Note (EE-302) http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Application_Notes/35024333719092EE_302_Blackfin.pdf However, it's still unclear where should I connect NAND Busy and NAND Write Protect. About cheap 128 or 256k SPI to put U-Boot in - you mean setting Blackfin to boot from SPI, where U-boot is, and then copying uClinux kernel to SDRAM and booting, like described here http://docs.blackfin.uclinux.org/doku.php?id=using_nand_flash_with_u-boot_and_linux_kernel ?

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2008-01-19 16:39:54     Re: What memory should i use for applications?

Robin Getz (UNITED STATES)

Message: 49855    Michael:

The rule of thumb is - if you want Linux/U-Boot to work, ignore most of the EE Notes on ADI's web site. Only refer to docs.blackfin.uclinux.org and blackfin.uclinux.org

and Yes - U-Boot lives in the SPI Flash, and then can load the kernel from the NAND.

-Robin