Refresh algorithm for memories

摘要

A method and apparatus for refreshing data in a flash memory device is disclosed. A counter is maintained for each memory block. When a memory block is erased, the counter for that erase block is set to a predetermined value while the remaining counters for other erase blocks are changed. When a memory block counter reaches a predetermined threshold value, the associated memory block is refreshed.

主权项

1. A memory device, comprising:
at least one main memory block comprising a plurality of erase blocks; a control circuit configured to control erasing of the main memory block, the control circuit being configured, in response to an erasing of a first erase block of the main block, to set a count associated with the first erase block to a particular value and change a count associated with another erase block of the main block; and refresh the other erase block in response to the count associated with the other erase block reaching a threshold, wherein the refresh of the other erase block comprises: moving user data contained in the other erase block to a new location, if the other erase block contains user data when the other erase block is refreshed; and refreshing system data contained in the other erase block in place.