M-Systems DiskOnChip 2000 / Millennium Installation Guide

About this manual

This manual explains how to install M-Systems’ DiskOnChip flash disks (2000 or Millennium) as an additional or bootable drive under Linux. It covers hardware requirements, required utilities, driver integration, firmware updates, and boot configuration.

Step‑by‑step procedures are provided for compiling the TrueFFS driver (built‑in or loadable module), creating partitions, building an INITRD image, and troubleshooting common boot and driver issues.

What's inside

• Introduction
• Hardware Requirements
• Installation Requirements
• Utilities Diskette Content
• Linux Driver Files
• Installing as an Additional Drive
• Updating Firmware
• Integrating the TrueFFS Driver
• Booting Linux from DiskOnChip
• Troubleshooting

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What are the hardware requirements for the DiskOnChip?

The DiskOnChip requires a 12‑bit address bus, an 8‑bit data bus, and three active‑low control signals (CE#, OE#, WE#).

How do I update the DiskOnChip firmware?

Insert the DiskOnChip, boot DOS, and run the command dformat /win:d000 /s:doc2.fff /y to format with the alternative firmware.

How can I compile the TrueFFS driver as a built‑in kernel module?

Unpack driver_4.2.1.tgz, then run the patch_linux script with the appropriate kernel‑patch and driver‑patch files, set EXTRAVERSION, enable the driver in make menuconfig, and rebuild the kernel.