Memory sanitation using bit-inverted data

摘要

Method and apparatus for sanitizing a memory using bit-inverted data. In accordance with various embodiments, a memory location is sanitized by sequential steps of reading a bit value stored in a selected memory cell of the memory, inverting the bit value, and writing the inverted bit value back to the selected memory cell. The memory cell may be erased between the reading and writing steps, as well as after the writing step. Random bit values may be generated and stored to the memory cell, and run-length limited constraints can be used to force bit-inversions.

主权项

1. A method for sanitizing a memory comprising sequential steps of reading a bit value associated with a selected host level address and stored in a selected memory cell of the memory at a selected physical address, inverting the bit value, writing the inverted bit value back to the selected memory cell, erasing the selected memory cell after the reading step and prior to the writing step, and subsequently erasing the selected memory cell after the writing step to place the cell in a securely erased state, wherein the reading, inverting, writing and erasing steps are repeated a plural number of times prior to the subsequently erasing step.