Abstract: A flash disk controller includes an input operable to receive analog signals from a flash memory die. The flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. The analog signals represent data values stored in the flash memory cells. An analog-to-digital conversion module is coupled to the input to convert received analog signals into digital data. A control module selects memory cells from which the input receives analog signals.

Abstract: A system and method, including software implemented techniques, can be used to adjust for sag in stored data values. Charge is applied to multiple memory cells, and each memory cell is charged to a target voltage corresponding to a data value. The memory cells include a reference cell that is charged to a predetermined voltage. A voltage level in the reference cell is detected, and voltage levels from a group of memory cells are also detected. An adjustment is performed based upon the difference between the detected voltage level in the reference cell and the predetermined voltage.

Abstract: Systems and processes may be used to retrieve metadata from a nonvolatile memory of a portable device and transmit the retrieved metadata to an external host. Metadata may be analyzed using the external host and/or at least a portion of the metadata may be modified based on the analysis. Modified metadata may be transmitted from the external host to a memory controller of the host.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing mount time for a peripheral device connected to an external host device are presented. In some implementations, when a connection is detected, file system data is pre-fetched before a request for such data is sent by the external host device. This allows faster access to the file system data used for initiating read/write communications. In other implementations, in response to a data access command from the external host device, a reply message is delayed from the peripheral device to prevent data access command failures. This delayed response prevents the external host device from pausing before attempting subsequent communication requests.

Abstract: A flash disk controller includes an input operable to receive analog signals from a flash memory die. The flash memory die includes multiple flash memory cells. The analog signals represent data values stored in the flash memory cells. An analog-to-digital conversion module is coupled to the input to convert received analog signals into digital data. A control module selects memory cells from which the input receives analog signals.

Abstract: Systems and processes may use a host and an external host. The host may be a portable device that includes a memory, a memory controller, and a communication interface for communication with the external host. The portable device may receive a command signal from the external host and initiate a predetermined amount of wear leveling in response to the command signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer software for operating a device can be used to operate the device in multiple modes. The device can be operated in a first operating mode adapted for processing data, in which a first processor executes a driver for a nonvolatile memory and a second processor performs processing of data stored in files on the nonvolatile memory. An instruction can be received to switch the device to a second operating mode adapted for reading and/or writing files from or to the nonvolatile memory. The driver for the nonvolatile memory can be switched from the first processor to the second processor in response to the instruction, and the driver for the nonvolatile memory can be executed on the second processor after performing the switch. A communications driver can be executed on the first processor in response to the instruction to switch the device to the second operating mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software, for reading data from a flash memory cell involve detecting voltages from a group of memory cells. The group of memory cells have associated metadata for error detection, and each memory cell stores a voltage representing a data value selected from a plurality of possible data values. Each possible data value corresponds to one range of multiple non-overlapping ranges of analog voltages. Memory cells having uncertain data values are identified based on the detected voltages. Alternative data values for the memory cells having the uncertain data values are determined. A combination of alternative data values is selected, and an error detection test is performed using the metadata associated with the memory cells and the selected combination of alternative data values.

Abstract: A data storage system for use with a plurality of tape cartridges is provided. Each tape cartridge includes a length of tape media and an amount of flash memory. The data storage system includes a tape cartridge library having a plurality of storage cells. Each storage cell is configured to store a tape cartridge. The tape cartridge library further includes a plurality of tape drives. Each tape drive is configured to access a tape cartridge when the tape cartridge is received in the tape drive. The system further includes a robotic tape mover and a flash memory access mechanism. The robotic tape mover moves tape cartridges between the plurality of storage cells and the plurality of tape drives. The flash memory access mechanism is configured in the tape cartridge library to access the flash memory of a tape cartridge when the tape cartridge is in the tape cartridge library.

Abstract: Systems and processes may use a first memory, a second memory, and a memory controller. The second memory is at least as large as a block of the first memory. Data is received and stored in the second memory for further writing to the second memory.

Abstract: Systems and processes may include a first memory and a second memory. A driver and/or an application may be stored in the first memory. Flash memory type data of the first memory may be stored in the second memory. The driver may control the first memory at least partially based on the flash memory type data. The first memory may be exchanged for a third memory. The driver may be stored on the third memory. The flash memory type data for the third memory may be stored on the second memory.

Abstract: Articles and associated methods and systems relate to selecting read interleaving policies independently of selecting write interleaving policies. In various implementations, the selection may be static or dynamic during operation. In implementations that dynamically select read interleaving policies and write interleaving policies, the selection may be based on various operating conditions, such as temperature, power source, battery voltage, and operating mode. Examples of operating modes may include (1) reading or writing to flash memory when connected to an external power source, (2) reading from flash memory when powered by portable power source (e.g., battery), and (3) writing to flash memory when powered by a portable power source.

Abstract: A host processor is coupled to a memory controller and configurable to retrieve from the memory controller information indicative of the health of a non-volatile memory device operatively coupled to the memory controller. A host system uses the information to monitor the health of the non-volatile memory device.

Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software for writing to a memory device include applying charge to each of multiple memory cells for storage of a selected data value in each memory cell. The memory cells include a first reference memory cell, and each data value is selected from a group of possible data values. Each possible data value has a corresponding target voltage level, and the first reference memory cell has a corresponding predetermined first reference target voltage level. The voltage level in the first reference memory cell is detected. A determination is made whether the voltage level in the first reference memory cell is less than the first reference target voltage level. Additional charge is applied to the memory cells upon the determination that the voltage level in the first reference memory cell is less than the first reference target voltage.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a flash memory die having multiple flash memory cells. Each flash memory cell is operable to store at least four bits of data. A second die includes a controller for accessing the flash memory cells. DRAM is used by the controller to temporarily store data. An interface is operable to send and receive signals associated with the flash memory cells to a host. A housing contains the flash memory die, the second die, the DRAM, and the interface.

Abstract: A system and method, including computer software, is used to write to a flash memory device that includes multiple memory cells. One or more of the memory cells are written at a first resolution corresponding to a first number of bits of data. A signal to write at a second resolution corresponding to a second number of bits of data is received. One or more of the memory cells are written at the second resolution.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes identifying and restoring corrupted data stored, for example, on a portable media player. Some of the described implementations include synching a media player with a host device (e.g., a personal computer). During synchronization, the host device can query the media player to determine whether any media stored on the device should be replaced. For example, the host device can determine whether a corruption event occurred in association with a media file (e.g., whether the media player skipped the media file as unplayable). In another example, the host can determine whether portions of a media player's storage device are damage or “bad.” If a bad portion is detected, the host device can identify media stored on the portion as corrupt. After identifying corrupted media, the host can replace the media with valid copies.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer software for operating a device can be used to operate the device in multiple modes. The device can be operated in a first operating mode adapted for processing data, in which a first processor executes a driver for a nonvolatile memory and a second processor performs processing of data stored in files on the nonvolatile memory. An instruction can be received to switch the device to a second operating mode adapted for reading and/or writing files from or to the nonvolatile memory. The driver for the nonvolatile memory can be switched from the first processor to the second processor in response to the instruction, and the driver for the nonvolatile memory can be executed on the second processor after performing the switch. A communications driver can be executed on the first processor in response to the instruction to switch the device to the second operating mode.

Abstract: A method for managing data storage is described. The method includes receiving data from an external host at a peripheral storage device, detecting a file system type of the external host, and adapting a caching policy for transmitting the data to a memory accessible by the storage device, wherein the caching policy is based on the detected file system type. The detection of the file system type can be based on the received data. The detection bases can include a size of the received data. In some implementations, the detection of the file system type can be based on accessing the memory for file system type indicators that are associated with a unique file system type. Adapting the caching policy can reduce a number of data transmissions to the memory. The detected file system type can be a file allocation table (FAT) system type.

Abstract: Articles and associated methods and systems relate to selecting read interleaving policies independently of selecting write interleaving policies. In various implementations, the selection may be static or dynamic during operation. In implementations that dynamically select read interleaving policies and write interleaving policies, the selection may be based on various operating conditions, such as temperature, power source, battery voltage, and operating mode. Examples of operating modes may include (1) reading or writing to flash memory when connected to an external power source, (2) reading from flash memory when powered by portable power source (e.g., battery), and (3) writing to flash memory when powered by a portable power source.