Memory apparatus and method of evenly using the blocks of a flash memory
US8122179B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2212/7211
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A memory apparatus and a method of evenly using the blocks of a flash memory are provided. The memory apparatus comprises a flash memory and a controller. The flash memory comprises a data region with a plurality of data blocks and a spare region with a plurality of spare blocks. The controller is configured to receive data corresponding to the first data block, select a spare block, program data into the spare block when the erase count corresponding to the spare block is less than the predetermined value or to select a second data block and program data stored in the second data block into the spare block when the erased count corresponding to the spare block reaches the predetermined value. As a result, the blocks of the flash memory are used evenly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.