Non-volatile data storage unit method of controlling same

摘要

A non-volatile data storage unit having a data input and a volatile memory device for storing data. The volatile memory device is preferably a latch circuit made up of a pair of cross-coupled inverter circuits which store the data in complementary form. A non-volatile memory device, such as a pair of flash memory cells, is included which also store data in complementary form. Control circuitry is provided for controlling the operation of the data storage unit, including circuitry for transferring data from the data input to the volatile memory device and circuitry for programming the non-volatile memory device with data from the volatile memory device. The storage unit also preferably includes circuitry for transferring data stored in the non-volatile memory device to the volatile memory device, with such transfer typically taking place after an interruption of power to the storage unit.