Method and apparatus for retaining flash block structure data during erase operations in a flash EEPROM memory array
December 3, 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 ReferencesSemiconductor RAM that is accessible in magnetic disc storage format Dynamic physical memory mapping and management of independent programming environments Bubble memory disk emulation system Solid state memory for aircraft flight data recorder systems Intelligent write in an EEPROM with data and erase check 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 Memory access control apparatus EPM having an improvement in non-volatile storage of accounting data InventorsApplicationNo. 020204 filed on 02/19/1993US Classes:711/103, Programmable read only memory (PROM, EEPROM, etc.)711/154, Control technique711/165Internal relocationExaminersPrimary: Rudolph, Rebecca L.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG06F 012/00AbstractA method for reliably storing management data in a flash EEPROM memory array, which array is divided into a plurality of individually-erasable blocks of memory cells and in which each of the blocks of memory cells has stored thereon data regarding management of the array during a cleanup process in which valid data stored in a first block is written to another block of the array, and then the first block is erased. The process includes the steps of storing data regarding management of the array from the first block in random access memory and, in an enhanced process, on another block before erasure of the first block. The data may then be rewritten to the first block after the erase. With the enhanced process, a special identification is provided to the data regarding the management of the array stored on another block which is outside the normal identification range for the host computer so that the specially identified data is not lost during a power loss during an erase process and may be detected after power is restored to the system.Other References
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