Logic partitioning of a nonvolatile memory array
US6581134B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2212/7211
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A FLASH memory is organized in a plurality of physical sectors which may be split into a plurality of singularly addressable logic sectors. Each logic sector may include a memory space of a predetermined size and a chain pointer assuming a neutral value or a value pointing to a second logic sector associated with a respective chain pointer at the neutral value. Each logic sector may also include a status indicator assuming at least one of a first value if the logic sector is empty, a second value if the data therein belongs to the logic sector, a third value if the data does not belong to the logic sector, and a fourth value if the data has been erased. Further, each logic sector may include a remap pointer assuming the neutral value or a value pointing directly or indirectly to the chain pointer of a third logic sector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.