Interface for flash EEPROM memory arrays
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of initializing a software driver for a flash memory system comprising:
- interrogating a query memory residing within the flash memory device to determine a characteristic of the flash memory device;
returning data stored in the query memory defining the characteristic of the flash memory device;
setting values for the software driver based on the characteristic provided as a result of the interrogation.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device level interface for connecting a flash EEPROM memory array to other components of a computer system which interface is designed to provide signals which directly relate to the primitive operations of a flash EEPROM memory array. The interface is adapted to use a fixed command set which allows a query command to be used to determine the functionality of the array. The values returned may be used to initialize software drivers used for accessing the array in primitives which relate to the flash EEPROM memory array.
-
Citations
28 Claims
-
1. A method of initializing a software driver for a flash memory system comprising:
-
interrogating a query memory residing within the flash memory device to determine a characteristic of the flash memory device;
returning data stored in the query memory defining the characteristic of the flash memory device;
setting values for the software driver based on the characteristic provided as a result of the interrogation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A method of communicating with a flash memory device comprising:
-
interrogating a query memory residing within the flash memory device;
returning data defining a characteristic of the flash memory device stored in the query memory;
initializing a software driver based on the query response;
translating a command from a disk file system command to a command directly executable by the flash memory device;
sending the command to the flash memory device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A machine readable media having stored thereon a sequence of commands which when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform the following:
-
interrogating a query memory residing within a flash memory device to determine a characteristic of the flash memory device;
receiving data stored in the query memory defining the characteristic of the flash memory device;
setting values for a software driver based on the characteristic provided as a result of the interrogation. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. A memory system comprising:
-
a flash memory device;
a query memory residing within the flash memory device which stores data defining a characteristic of the flash memory device;
a memory storing software, the software configured to receive data and commands in a disk file system format and convert the commands into commands directly executable by the flash memory device by providing an algorithm used for interfacing with the flash memory device based on the characteristic of the flash memory device stored in the query memory, the algorithm setting values for the software based on the characteristic of the flash memory device. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
a device command interface having address decode circuitry and state machines;
a write state machine configured to assist in writing and erasing cells of blocks of flash memory;
a write buffer configured to furnish data to blocks of flash memory cells;
a status register configured to provide operational status of the flash memory device; and
a data multiplexor configured to control the transfer of data in and out of the flash memory device.
-
Specification