Method of achieving wear leveling in flash memory using relative grades
First Claim
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1. A method of managing a memory, of a memory device, that includes a plurality of blocks, the method comprising the steps of, for each block:
- (a) calculating a number that is a function of how many times said each block has been erased and of how many times at least one other block has been erased; and
(b) storing said number in the memory device.
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Abstract
For each block of a memory, a number is calculated that is a function of how many times the block has been erased and of how many times at least one other block has been erased. The numbers are stored in the memory device that includes the memory. The numbers are updated as needed when blocks are erased. Blocks are selected to be erased in accordance with their numbers. Preferably, each block'"'"'s function is the block'"'"'s relative grade.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of managing a memory, of a memory device, that includes a plurality of blocks, the method comprising the steps of, for each block:
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(a) calculating a number that is a function of how many times said each block has been erased and of how many times at least one other block has been erased; and
(b) storing said number in the memory device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A memory device comprising:
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(a) a memory that includes a plurality of blocks; and
(b) a controller for managing said memory by steps including;
for each said block;
(i) calculaitng a number that is a function of how many times said each block has been erased and of how many times at least one other said block has been erased, and (ii) storing said number in the memory device. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable code embodied on said computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable code for managing a memory, of a memory device, that includes a plurality of blocks, the computer-readable code comprising:
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(a) program code for, for each block, calculating a number that is a function of how many times said each block has been erased and of how many times at least one other said block has been erased; and
(b) program code for, for each block, storing said number in the memory device.
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Specification