Abstract: A boot method for a data control unit downloads boot information from a nonvolatile memory into a temporary buffer of a boot-activation unit. A processing unit is activated by the boot-activation unit; a boot code is executed by the processing unit; and an operating code is downloaded from the nonvolatile memory into a volatile memory through the boot-activation unit. To correct possible errors in the block of the nonvolatile memory containing information and boot codes, the boot-activation unit verifies whether the boot information downloaded into its volatile memory has a critical-error condition and activates a spare memory portion of the nonvolatile memory in presence of the critical-error condition.

Abstract: A memory, particularly but not limitatively a flash memory, comprises at least one data storage area comprising a plurality of data storage locations, and an access circuitry for accessing the data storage locations for either retrieving or altering a data content thereof, depending for example on a memory user request. The memory includes at least one first user-configurable flag element and a second user-configurable flag element. Both the at least one first and the second flag elements are used by a user to set a protected state of the respective data storage area against alteration of the content of the data storage locations thereof. The protected state defined by setting the first flag element is user-removable, i.e., it can be removed by request from the user, so as to enable again the alteration of the content of the data storage area.

Abstract: A boot method for a data control unit downloads boot information from a nonvolatile memory into a temporary buffer of a boot-activation unit. A processing unit is activated by the boot-activation unit; a boot code is executed by the processing unit; and an operating code is downloaded from the nonvolatile memory into a volatile memory through the boot-activation unit. To correct possible errors in the block of the nonvolatile memory containing information and boot codes, the boot-activation unit verifies whether the boot information downloaded into its volatile memory has a critical-error condition and activates a spare memory portion of the nonvolatile memory in presence of the critical-error condition.

Abstract: A memory, particularly but not limitatively a flash memory, comprises at least one data storage area comprising a plurality of data storage locations, and an access circuitry for accessing the data storage locations for either retrieving or altering a data content thereof, depending for example on a memory user request. The memory includes at least one first user-configurable flag element and a second user-configurable flag element. Both the at least one first and the second flag elements are used by a user to set a protected state of the respective data storage area against alteration of the content of the data storage locations thereof. The protected state defined by setting the first flag element is user-removable, i.e., it can be removed by request from the user, so as to enable again the alteration of the content of the data storage area.

Abstract: A memory device implements a reading operation. The memory device includes first, second, and third memory cells; a read circuit coupled to the memory cells and operable to read first, second, and third values, respectively, from the first, second, and third memory cells; and a comparison circuit coupled to the read circuit and operable to compare the first and second values with fourth and fifth predetermined values and to generate a data-valid signal that indicates that the third value is valid if the first and second values equal the fourth and fifth values, respectively. The memory device may further include a selection circuit coupled to the read circuit and to the comparison circuit and operable to couple the third value to a data bus in response to the data-valid signal.

Abstract: A memory device implements a reading operation that comprises: