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Abstract

An architecture for microcontroller with embedded flash memory is provided. The microcontroller allows the reprogramming of data into the embedded flash memory of the microcontroller to be performed on-board without having to dismount the entire IC package of the microcontroller from the circuit board and then use a dedicated writer to perform the write operation. The reprogramming operation can be initiated either by an external reprogramming-enable signal or an internal reprogramming-enable signal. When either of these two signals is generated, it causes an OR gate to output a high-voltage logic signal to a multiplexer to thereby cause the multiplexer to select a ROM unit for connection to the microprocessor unit. This allows the microprocessor unit to execute a reprogramming control routine stored in the ROM unit. The flash memory unit further stores a reprogramming detection/initialization routine which checks whether a flash reprogramming request signal is issued from the main-unit interface. With this microcontroller architecture, the reprogramming of data into the embedded flash memory can be performed on-board without having to laboriously dismount the microcontroller from the circuit board. The reprogramming operation is therefore quite easy and quick to perform, thus more cost-effective than the prior art.

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First Claim