Erase count differential table within a non-volatile memory system
US7032087B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/349
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for efficiently tracking the usage of physical blocks of non-volatile memory are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for maintaining a data structure that stores contents relating to the usage of physical blocks includes determining when to update the contents stored in the data structure, and obtaining a first differential erase count from the data structure when the contents are to be updated. The first differential erase count provides information on a number of times a first physical block has been erased. The method also includes determining a first actual erase count when the contents are to be updated. The first actual erase count is associated with a second physical block, and provides a number of times the second physical block has been erased. Finally, the method includes updating the first differential erase count when the contents are to be updated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.