Marvell ARMADA 16x Applications Processor Family

Marvell ® ARMADA 16x Applications Processor Family
Version 3.2.x Boot ROM Reference Manual
Figure 7:
Layout Change
Block 4095
Block 0
Example Flash Layout
Without Partitioning
NTIM
FBBT
Reserved Pool
Block 4095
Block 1
Block 0
As an enhancement to the boot process, Marvell suggests passing information to the next level of
software to optimize/reduce access to the Flash devices. In particular, the Non-Trusted Image
Module (NTIM), Partition Table, and the Factory Bad-Block Table can remain in memory and a
structure of pointers can be passed to the next layer of software. The location of the structure is
implementation dependent.
Example 1: Proposed Structure for Passing Boot Information
Example Flash Layout With
Partitioning
File System Partition
Reserved Pool
OSL Partition
Reserved Pool
NTIM
PT FBBT
NTIM
PT FBBT
Boot Partition
struct {
__int32* pNTIM;
__int32* pPT;
__int32* pFBBT;
__int32 Reserved
}
The Marvell Flash management method is intended for use with all Flash types to provide for a
consistent boot implementation independent of any operating system. The data found in the boot
partition Block 0 is considered the master copy of the boot data for the device. All devices have a
boot partition, whether it is logical or physical. This partition is designed for boot purposes and is
used at a minimum by the Boot ROM and/or OEM Boot Module (OBM) firmware. Three important
structures reside in the boot partition: the NTIM, the Factor Bad-Block Table (FBBT) for NAND
devices, and the master partition table. These structures are described in detail in later sections.
Partitioning and bad-block management are considered optional by the embedded Boot ROM and
the system can still boot without these features. However, there are side effects to device operation
without them; software designers: consult vendor specifications to understand the technology being
used. Also, the features implemented can vary according to the technology type being supported on
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Doc. No. MV-S301208-00 Rev. - Copyright © 11/15/10 Marvell
Page 50
November 2010 PUBLIC RELEASE