Method and apparatus for using a one-time or few-time programmable memory with a host device designed for erasable/rewriteable memory
First Claim
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1. A memory device comprising:
- a memory array logically organized into areas having a first size; and
a controller in communication with the memory array, wherein the controller is operative to;
(a) receive a request from a host device in communication with the memory device to write data to a first address in the memory array, wherein the data comprises a second size less than the first size and wherein a sideband area is defined by a difference between the first size and the second size;
(b) write the data to a second address instead of the first address;
(c) update a file system structure in the memory array to indicate that the second address is no longer free; and
(d) write either the second address or an address to a remap table in a sideband area of the first address.
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Abstract
The embodiments described herein can be used to enable one-time or few-time programmable memories to work with existing consumer electronic devices (such as those that work with flash—an erasable, non-volatile memory) without requiring a firmware upgrade, thereby providing backwards compatibility while minimizing user impact. As such, these embodiments are a viable way to bridge one-time or few-time programmable memories with existing consumer electronic devices that have flash card slots. These embodiments also allow future consumer electronic devices to be designed without updating firmware to include a file system customized for a one-time or few-time programmable memory.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A memory device comprising:
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a memory array logically organized into areas having a first size; and a controller in communication with the memory array, wherein the controller is operative to; (a) receive a request from a host device in communication with the memory device to write data to a first address in the memory array, wherein the data comprises a second size less than the first size and wherein a sideband area is defined by a difference between the first size and the second size; (b) write the data to a second address instead of the first address; (c) update a file system structure in the memory array to indicate that the second address is no longer free; and (d) write either the second address or an address to a remap table in a sideband area of the first address. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification