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Storage Hardware Considerations (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)

  • Article

1/5/2010

For information about how software uses RAM, ROM, and mass storage, see RAM, ROM, and Mass Storage Comparison. For information about developing device drivers for a specific type of device, see Windows CE Drivers.

ATA Hard Disk Drives

You can optionally include an internal hard disk drive that is capable of direct memory access (DMA) or a CD/DVD R/W drive that is capable of DMA. You can use this storage for booting the run-time image, storing device data files, or for any other purpose that you see fit.

If the hard disk drive is the storage medium for the run-time image, the boot loader must be able to download another copy of the run-time image to the hard disk drive by using another storage medium such as a network or a USB key drive. This ensures recovery of the boot loader and the run-time image from possible storage corruption. Use this same storage medium to update the run-time image. The development software for the networked media device (NMD) provides boot loader sample code that you can use as a starting point for your specific implementation.

Internal Flash Memory Storage

You can optionally support internal flash memory storage. Internal flash memory storage can store the run-time image, data files for the device, or both.

If the internal flash memory is the storage medium for the run-time image, the boot loader must be able to download another copy of the run-time image to the hard disk drive by using another storage medium such as a network or a USB key drive. This ensures recovery of the boot loader and the run-time image from possible storage corruption. Use this same storage medium to update the run-time image. The development software for the NMD provides boot loader sample code that you can use as a starting point for your specific implementation.

Examples of internal flash memory storage are the following:

  • Disk on module (DOM)
  • Disk on chip (DOC)
  • NAND flash array
  • NOR flash array

See Also

Concepts

Hardware Architecture Diagram for Networked Media Devices

Other Resources

Performance Considerations for the Hardware Components of Networked Media Devices
CETK Tests
Core OS Services
Developing a Board Support Package
Developing a Device Driver
Developing an OEM Adaptation Layer