Method for releasing space in flash EEPROM memory array to allow the storage of compressed data
November 1, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesBubble memory disk emulation system Solid state memory for aircraft flight data recorder systems Security system for microcomputers Method of preserving data storage in a postal meter Emulation device for converting magnetic disc memory mode signal from computer into semiconductor memory access mode signal for semiconductor memory Solid state electronic emulator of a multiple track motor driven rotating magnetic memory Disk emulation system Method and apparatus for storing digital data in off-specification dynamic random access memory devices Solid state disk drive emulation Solid state memory array using address block bit substitution to compensate for non-functional storage cells InventorApplicationNo. 146439 filed on 11/01/1993US Classes:365/189.01, READ/WRITE CIRCUIT365/185.11, Bank or block architecture365/185.29, Erase365/230.01ADDRESSINGExaminersPrimary: Fears, Terrell W.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG11C 013/00AbstractA process for releasing sectors of a flash EEPROM memory array in which data furnished by a host computer is stored in compressed form so that memory space used for the sectors may be used to store new data. The flash EEPROM memory array includes a plurality of individually erasable blocks and stores sectors of data in such blocks with a header providing a logical sector number, an indication of validity of data stored. The process stores a list of files and sectors which have been deleted by a host computer in a first table in host memory, stores a value indicating an amount of free space remaining in the flash EEPROM memory array, provides a first signal to the host computer when the value indicating the amount of free space falls below a first predetermined value to indicate that sectors listed in the first table should be released, and provides a second signal when the value indicating the amount of free space falls below a second predetermined value to terminate writes to and erasures of the array. | |
