Block-erasable non-volatile semiconductor memory which tracks and stores the total number of write/erase cycles for each block
Patent 5544356 Issued on August 6, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date: March 3, 2015. 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.
707/205, File allocation365/185.11, Bank or block architecture711/103, Programmable read only memory (PROM, EEPROM, etc.)714/5Of memory or peripheral subsystem
A non-volatile semiconductor memory that is erasable only in blocks is described. Each bit of the non-volatile semiconductor memory cannot be overwritten from a first logical state to a second logical state without a prior erasure. Each bit of the non-volatile semiconductor memory can be overwritten from a second logical state to a first logical state without a prior erasure. The non-volatile semiconductor memory comprises an active block for storing a first file, a reserve block for storing a second file, and a directory block. The second file is a copy of the first file. The copy is made during a clean-up operation prior to erasure of the active block. The directory block comprises a directory entry for identifying the first file.
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March 3, 2015. 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.
