Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable processing unit includes a microprocessor, and an embedded Flash memory for non-volatile storage of code, data and bit-streams. The embedded Flash includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) port. The reconfigurable processing unit further includes a direct memory access (DMA) channel, and an S-RAM embedded FPGA for FPGA reconfigurations. The S-RAM embedded FPGA has an FPGA programming interface connected to the FPGA port of the Flash memory through the DMA channel. The microprocessor, the embedded Flash memory, the DMA channel and the S-RAM embedded FPGA are integrated as a single chip.

Abstract: The voice message managing method for a voice data recording/playing/editing electronic device, said electronic device including a memory device having a first memory area and a second memory area, includes the steps of memorizing, in the first memory area, a plurality of voice messages, and of memorizing, in the second memory area, information regarding the plurality of voice messages. The method also includes the steps of organizing the first memory area as a sequence of blocks, and of memorizing in each block a portion of voice message. The method moreover comprises the steps of defining a list (FBL) containing information on the status of the blocks and memorizing the list in a first memory sub-area of the second memory area, and of defining a table containing a plurality of first vectors associated to respective voice messages and memorizing this table in a second memory sub-area of the second memory area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of expanding the functional capabilities of portable electronic devices with user friendly modes, wherein a host device is associated a quick-connect function-expanding module. In this method, at each installation of a given module, the functional expansion module and the host device recognize each other; on first installation of a given module in the host device, a series of checking operations are carried out automatically; the user can select to activate the available expansion; and once a given application is selected, the configuration and functions required for each application are stored.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic system with modular expansion of its functions, which is of a type including a portable host electronic device associated with an expansion module adapted for quick-connect engagement and disengagement in/from the portable device. The module includes a series of peripheral devices adapted to serve different classes of functions; a non-volatile memory storing information that pertains to configuring the different functions in the module; a re-configurable device adapted to establish connections, implement functional portions, and control all the system components; a control device adapted to cooperate with the host device in guiding the steps for re-configuring the whole system; and a software algorithm adapted to instruct the system to re-configure itself on which function and with which characteristics.

Abstract: The voice message managing method for a voice data recording/playing/editing electronic device, said electronic device including a memory device having a first memory area and a second memory area, includes the steps of memorizing, in the first memory area, a plurality of voice messages, and of memorizing, in the second memory area, information regarding the plurality of voice messages. The method also includes the steps of organizing the first memory area as a sequence of blocks, and of memorizing in each block a portion of voice message. The method moreover comprises the steps of defining a list (FBL) containing information on the status of the blocks and memorizing the list in a first memory sub-area of the second memory area, and of defining a table containing a plurality of first vectors associated to respective voice messages and memorizing this table in a second memory sub-area of the second memory area.

Abstract: An electronic device integrated in a chip of semiconductor material, and including a control unit, a signal-conversion unit, and a non-volatile memory unit, which are connected together via a main transmission line. The signal-conversion unit is designed to receive at an input an analog signal correlated to a voice signal, and to generate at an output a stream of appropriately compressed digital signals. The stream of compressed digital signals is stored in pre-set memory locations of the non-volatile memory unit according to the control signals generated by the control unit. During reproduction, the compressed digital signals stored in the non-volatile memory unit are supplied to the signal-conversion unit, which decompresses them and sends them to a speaker.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device organized with memory cells arranged by rows and columns in a matrix structure comprising source lines for memory cell groups. A switch is set between at least two rows or columns or source lines, which has two no pilotable terminals connected respectively to each one of the two rows or columns or source lines and a pilotable terminal connected to a logic circuitry. The switch allows a precharge of one of the two rows or columns or source lines by capacitive means associated to a each one of the two rows or columns or source lines after the other of the two rows or columns or source lines is connected to a higher voltage than that of said one of the two rows or columns or source lines.