Abstract: A method and system for managing maintenance operations in a multi-bank non-volatile storage device is disclosed. The method includes receiving a data write command and associated data from a host system for storage in the non-volatile storage device and directing a head of the data write command to a first bank in the and a tail of the data write command to a second bank, where the head of the data write command only includes data having logical block addresses preceding logical block addresses of data in the tail of the data write command. When a status of the first bank delays execution of the data write command the controller executes a second bank maintenance procedure in the second bank while the data write command directed to the first and second banks is pending. The system includes a plurality of banks, where each bank may be associated with the same or different controllers, and the one or more controllers are adapted to execute the method noted above.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and computer readable media for upgrading firmware stored in a non-volatile memory, in phases, and restoring firmware in-situ to compensate for failed firmware upgrades. In various embodiments, methods and computer readable media can upgrade and restore the firmware as the non-volatile memory remains functioning. In one embodiment, a method includes designating a first copy of firmware for accessing, and designating a second copy of the firmware for upgrading. The method continues by accessing one or more firmware instructions from the first copy. It also can include upgrading at least a portion of the second copy with at least a portion of new firmware. Upgrading the second copy can be coincident or substantially coincident to accessing the one or more firmware instructions in the first copy.

Abstract: A method and system for managing maintenance operations in a multi-bank non-volatile storage device is disclosed. The method includes receiving a data write command and associated data from a host system for storage in the non-volatile storage device and directing a head of the data write command to a first bank in the and a tail of the data write command to a second bank, where the head of the data write command only includes data having logical block addresses preceding logical block addresses of data in the tail of the data write command. When a status of the first bank delays execution of the data write command the controller executes a second bank maintenance procedure in the second bank while the data write command directed to the first and second banks is pending. The system includes a plurality of banks, where each bank may be associated with the same or different controllers, and the one or more controllers are adapted to execute the method noted above.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and computer readable media for upgrading firmware stored in a non-volatile memory, in phases, and restoring firmware in-situ to compensate for failed firmware upgrades. In various embodiments, methods and computer readable media can upgrade and restore the firmware as the non-volatile memory remains functioning. In one embodiment, a method includes designating a first copy of firmware for accessing, and designating a second copy of the firmware for upgrading. The method continues by accessing one or more firmware instructions from the first copy. It also can include upgrading at least a portion of the second copy with at least a portion of new firmware. Upgrading the second copy can be coincident or substantially coincident to accessing the one or more firmware instructions in the first copy.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus, a memory controller and a system for upgrading firmware stored in a non-volatile memory, in phases, and restoring firmware in-situ to compensate for failed firmware upgrades. In various embodiments, the apparatus, memory controller and system can upgrade and restore the firmware as the non-volatile memory remains functioning. In one embodiment, a multi-mode memory controller includes a firmware selector for selecting a first copy of firmware for accessing in a functional mode, and for selecting a second copy of the firmware for upgrading in an upgrade mode. It also can include a phased upgrade controller being configured to access the first copy in the functional mode coincident or substantially coincident to replacing at least a portion of the second copy with at least a portion of an upgrade firmware in the upgrade mode.