PROGRAMMING NON-VOLATILE MEMORY USING A RELAXED DWELL TIME

摘要

In at least one embodiment, a data storage system includes a non-volatile memory array including a plurality of blocks of physical memory, each including multiple pages. The data storage system further includes a controller that maintains a data structure identifying blocks of physical memory in the memory array that currently do not store valid data. The controller, responsive to receipt of a write input/output operation (IOP) specifying an address and write data, selects a particular block from among the blocks identified in the data structure prior to a dwell time threshold for the particular block being satisfied, programs a page within the selected block with the write data, and associates the address with the selected block.

主权项

1. A method of operating a data storage system including a non-volatile memory array controlled by a controller, the method comprising:
the controller maintaining a data structure identifying blocks of physical memory in the memory array that have already been erased and currently do not store valid data; the controller generally refraining from selecting erased blocks from the data structure for programming until dwell time thresholds for the erased blocks are satisfied; in response to receipt of a write input/output operation (IOP) specifying an address and write data:
determining whether the address is a frequently accessed address;in response to determining that the address is a frequently accessed address, the controller selecting a particular block from among the erased blocks identified in the data structure, wherein the selecting includes selecting the particular block prior to a dwell time threshold for the particular block being satisfied; andprogramming the selected block with the write data and associating the address with the selected block.