MULTI-LAYER MEMORY SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A mass storage memory system, comprising:
- an interface adapted to receive data from a host system;
a plurality of memory layers, the plurality of memory layers comprising;
a first memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a first bit per cell storage capacity;
a second memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a second bit per cell storage capacity, the second bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the first bit per cell storage capacity; and
a third memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a third bit per cell storage capacity, the third bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the second bit per cell storage capacity;
anda controller in communication with the interface and the plurality of memory layers, the controller configured to direct data received from the host to one or more of the plurality of layers, and to transfer data between the plurality of memory layers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-later memory and method for operation is disclosed. The memory includes three or more layers, where each layer is made up of flash memory cells having a greater bit per cell storage capacity than then prior layer. The method may include the steps of directing host data directly into a first or second layer of the multi-layer memory upon receipt depending on a condition of the data. The method may also include copying data within a respective layer in a data relocation operation to generate more free blocks of memory so that data preferably stays within each layer, as well as transferring data from one layer to the next higher bit per cell layer when layer transfer criteria are met.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A mass storage memory system, comprising:
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an interface adapted to receive data from a host system; a plurality of memory layers, the plurality of memory layers comprising; a first memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a first bit per cell storage capacity; a second memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a second bit per cell storage capacity, the second bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the first bit per cell storage capacity; and a third memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a third bit per cell storage capacity, the third bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the second bit per cell storage capacity; and a controller in communication with the interface and the plurality of memory layers, the controller configured to direct data received from the host to one or more of the plurality of layers, and to transfer data between the plurality of memory layers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A mass storage memory system, comprising:
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an interface adapted to receive data from a host system; a plurality of memory layers, the plurality of memory layers comprising; a first memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a first bit per cell storage capacity; a second memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a second bit per cell storage capacity, the second bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the first bit per cell storage capacity; and a third memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a third bit per cell storage capacity, the third bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the second bit per cell storage capacity; and a controller in communication with the interface and the plurality of memory layers, the controller configured to; direct data received at the interface from the host to the first memory layer; move data from the first memory layer to the second memory layer when a number of free blocks in the first memory layer is below a first minimum threshold and upon detection of an amount of valid data in the first memory layer exceeding a first valid data threshold; and move data from the second memory layer to the third memory layer when a number of free blocks in the second memory layer is below a second minimum threshold and upon detection of an amount of valid data in the second memory layer exceeding a second valid data threshold. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method of managing data comprising:
in a memory system having an interface for receiving data from a host, a plurality of memory layers, and a controller in communication with the interface and the plurality of memory layers, the controller; directing data received at the interface to a first memory layer of the plurality of layers, the first memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a first bit per cell storage capacity; moving data from the first memory layer to a second memory layer when a first criteria is met, the second memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a second bit per cell storage capacity, the second bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the first bit per cell storage capacity; and moving data from the second memory layer to a third memory layer when a second criteria is met, the third memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a third bit per cell storage capacity, the third bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the second bit per cell storage capacity. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24)
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25. A method of managing data comprising:
in a memory system having an interface for receiving data from a host, a plurality of memory layers, and a controller in communication with the interface and the plurality of memory layers, the controller; directing data received at the interface to a first memory layer of the plurality of layers, the first memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a first bit per cell storage capacity; moving less recently updated data from the first memory layer to a second memory layer, the second memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a second bit per cell storage capacity, the second bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the first bit per cell storage capacity; and moving least recently updated data from the second memory layer to a third memory layer, the third memory layer having non-volatile memory cells comprising a third bit per cell storage capacity, the third bit per cell storage capacity being greater than the second bit per cell storage capacity.
Specification