Cache buffer control apparatus and method using counters to determine status of cache buffer memory cells for writing and reading data therefrom

摘要

Methods for controlling and storing data in a cache buffer in a storage apparatus having a nonvolatile memory medium are disclosed. Memory cells are logically divided into a plurality of pages. An open status is registered in a counter for each page that has at least some (and usually all) memory cells available to store new data. A full status is registered in the counter for each page that does not have memory cells that are available to store new data. New data is stored in pages having the open status in the counter. The pages can be weighted according to the read command rate and prioritized for reading and writing purposes.