Abstract: A flexible non-volatile memory controller that provides external boot block protection and provides support for non-volatile memory devices having different sizes is disclosed. The flexible non-volatile memory controller includes a boot block protection unit that provides external boot block protection for a non-volatile memory device without internal boot block protection. The boot block protection unit prevents external devices from writing to a prespecified block of memory in the non-volatile memory device in a normal mode. The flexible non-volatile memory controller also includes a memory expansion unit that is adapted to control non-volatile memory devices having different sizes.

Abstract: A circuit disables an on-board voltage regulator when an upgrade voltage regulator is installed. The system including the voltage regulator disable circuit of the preferred embodiment comprises an on-board voltage regulator circuit, a receptacle, coupled to the on-board voltage regulator circuit, for receiving an upgrade voltage regulator module, and a disable circuit coupled to the on-board voltage regulator circuit and the receptacle, the disable circuit being activated upon insertion of the upgrade voltage regulator module to disable an output of the on-board voltage regulator circuit.