Abstract: A processing system capable of downloading and executing firmware at the same time, and from multiple storages, is disclosed. The processing system includes a first storage unit for storing firmware; a second storage unit for storing frequently accessed firmware, the second storage unit having a higher operating speed than the first storage unit; a download unit for downloading firmware from the first storage unit to the second storage unit; an execution unit for executing firmware from the first storage unit or the second storage unit; and a processor for controlling the download unit and execution unit to operate concurrently.

Abstract: A memory control method for accessing a memory with partial or full serial transmission, includes: comparing a predicted data-to-command delay of a first data at a first address with a predicted time interval required for waiting for the first data's appearance in serially transmitted data from the memory; and if the predicted time interval is greater than the predicted data-to-command delay, sending a command to the memory to request the first data at the first address.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a firmware image from a second encrypted data having an encrypted firmware image. The encrypted firmware image is generated from the firmware image sequentially encrypted utilizing a first encryption key and a second encryption key. The first encryption key is specified for securing the firmware image. The second encryption key is specified for securing a distribution of the firmware image. The method includes: providing a second decryption key specified for decrypting the second encrypted data; decrypting at least the encrypted firmware image utilizing the second decryption key to generate a first encrypted data; providing a first decryption key specified for decrypting the first encrypted data; and decrypting the first encrypted data utilizing the first decryption key to obtain the firmware image.

Abstract: A processing system capable of downloading and executing firmware at the same time, and from multiple storages, is disclosed. The processing system includes a first storage unit for storing firmware; a second storage unit for storing frequently accessed firmware, the second storage unit having a higher operating speed than the first storage unit; a download unit for downloading firmware from the first storage unit to the second storage unit; an execution unit for executing firmware from the first storage unit or the second storage unit; and a processor for controlling the download unit and execution unit to operate concurrently.