Abstract: A method for improving the lifespan of flash memory is provided. By defining and configuring a plurality of memory block counters, the method assigns a counter to each memory block to record the number of writes to the memory block. With configuring a threshold for the counter, the counter is compared to the threshold for each write to the memory block so as to determine the priority update, data erase, update and move. The counter is also synchronously erased, updated, and moved so that the number of the writes to the flash memory blocks can be controlled by the configuration. Hence, the object of prolonging lifespan and reliability of the flash memory access is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for fast access to flash memory is provided, including a flash memory and an access controller. A system data reserved region is configured in the flash memory to provide temporary storage for data and instruction used in the flash memory access. The access controller includes a flash memory control interface, a RAM, a RAM DMA unit, and an ECC unit. The flash memory control interface is connected to the flash memory. The DMA unit and the ECC unit are connected between the RAM and the flash memory control interface to provide direct access and error correction functions, as well as allowing, during the data access to the flash memory, the data and the system instruction of the system data reserved region in the flash memory to go through the flash memory control interface, the DMA unit and the ECC unit to load into the RAM for acting as an extended memory for the RAM to effect fast access to the flash memory and extending the RAM capacity.