Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling errors during device bootup from a non-volatile memory (“NVM”). A NVM interface of an electronic device can be configured to detect errors and maintain an error log in volatile memory while the device is being booted up. Once device bootup has completed, a NVM driver of the electronic device can be configured to correct the detected errors using the error log. For example, the electronic device can move data to more reliable blocks and/or retire blocks that are close to failure, thereby improving overall device reliability.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring the time it takes to perform a write operation, and based on the time it takes, a determination is made whether to retire a block that is a recipient of the write operation. The time duration of the write operation for a page or a combination of pages may indicate whether any block or blocks containing the page or combination of pages is experiencing a physical failure. That is, if the time duration of the write operation for a particular page exceeds time threshold, this may indicate that this page requires a larger number of program cycles than other pages. The longer programming cycle can be an indication of cell leakage or a failing block.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for dynamically allocating power for a system having non-volatile memory. A power budgeting manager of a system can determine if the total amount of power available for the system is below a pre-determined power level (e.g., a low power state). While the system is operating in the low power state, the power budgeting manager can dynamically allocate power among various components of the system (e.g., a processor and non-volatile memory).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for managing a non-volatile memory (“NVM”), such as a flash memory. The NVM may be managed based on results of a test performed on the NVM. The test may indicate, for example, physical memory locations that may be susceptible to errors, such as certain pages in the blocks of the NVM. Tests on multiple NVMs of the same type may be compiled to create a profile of error tendencies for that type of NVM. In some embodiments, data may be stored in the NVM based on individual test results for the NVM or based on a profile of the NVM type. For example, memory locations susceptible to error may be retired or data stored in those memory locations may be protected by a stronger error correcting code.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for storing hibernation data in a non-volatile memory (“NVM”). Hibernation data is data stored in volatile memory that is lost during a reduced power event, but is needed to restore the device to the operational state it was in prior to entering into the reduced power event. When a reduced power event occurs, the hibernation data is stored in the NVM. When the device “wakes up” the hibernation data is retrieved and used to restore the device to its prior operational state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for partitioning data for storage in a non-volatile memory (“NVM”), such as flash memory. In some embodiments, a priority may be assigned to data being stored, and the data may be logically partitioned based on the priority. For example, a file system may identify a logical address within a first predetermined range for higher priority data and within a second predetermined range for lower priority data, such using a union file system. Using the logical address, a NVM driver can determine the priority of data being stored and can process (e.g., encode) the data based on the priority. The NVM driver can store an identifier in the NVM along with the data, and the identifier can indicate the processing techniques used on the associated data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamically allocating a number of bits per cell to memory locations of a non-volatile memory (“NVM”) device. In some embodiments, a host may determine whether to store data in the NVM device using SLC programming or MLC programming operations. The host may allocate an erased block as an SLC block or MLC block based on this determination regardless of whether the erased block was previously used as an SLC block, MLC block, or both. In some embodiments, to dynamically allocate a memory location as SLC or MLC, the host may provide an address vector to the NVM package, where the address vector may specify the memory location and the number of bits per cell to use for that memory location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for managing the peak power consumption of a system, such as a non-volatile memory system (e.g., flash memory system). The system can include multiple subsystems and a controller for controlling the subsystems. Each subsystem may have a current profile that is peaky. Thus, the controller may control the peak power of the system by, for example, limiting the number of subsystems that can perform power-intensive operations at the same time or by aiding a subsystem in determining the peak power that the subsystem may consume at any given time.

Abstract: This application is directed to a headset having an integrated data connector (e.g., a USB female connector). The headset may include an electronic device interfacing portion that may include a USB male connector and a 3.5 mm jack for engaging an electronic device. The headset may also include an acoustic portion that may include at least acoustic element (e.g., speaker) and a USB female connector. To connect the electronic device to a host device (e.g., to transfer music files or recharge the electronic device's battery), the USB connector of the electronic device interfacing portion can engage the host device. To provide audio to a user, the USB connector of the acoustic portion can engage the electronic device interfacing portion, which provides a path from the electronic device to the acoustic element for audio signals. This approach allows a user to use a single cable for connecting the electronic device to both the host device and the acoustic element.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for storing data to or reading data from a non-volatile memory (“NVM”), such as flash memory, using a metadata redundancy scheme. In some embodiments, an electronic device, which includes an NVM, may also include a memory interface for controlling access to the NVM. The memory interface may receive requests to write user data to the NVM. The user data from each request may be associated with metadata, such as a logical address, flags, or other data. In response to a write request, the NVM interface may store the user data and its associated metadata in a first memory location (e.g., page), and may store a redundant copy of the metadata in a second memory location. This way, even if the first memory location becomes inaccessible, the memory interface can still recover the metadata from the backup copy stored in the second memory location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing incremental garbage collection for non-volatile memories (“NVMs”), such as flash memory. In some embodiments, an electronic device including the NVM may perform incremental garbage collection to free up and erase a programmed block of the NVM. The programmed block may include valid data and invalid data, and the electronic device may be configured to copy the valid data from the programmed block to an erased block in portions. In between programming each portion of the valid data to the erased block, the electronic device can program host data to the erased block. This way, the electronic device can stagger the garbage collection operations and prevent a user from having to experience one long garbage collection operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for testing a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory. The non-volatile memory may be virtually partitioned into a test region and a general purpose region. A test application may be stored in the general purpose region, and the test application can be executed to run a test of the memory locations in the test region. The results of the test may be stored in the general purpose region. At the completion of the test, the test results may be provided from the general purpose region and displayed to a user. The virtual partitions may be removed prior to shipping the electronic device for distribution.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for selectively storing and updating data in primary storage. The primary storage may initially be evenly partitioned into a predetermined number of partitions. As a user selects a program, the partitions dedicated to programs not selected are reduced in size. As subsequent selections are made by the user, the partitions of the primary storage are adjusted to accurately represent the next set of possible selections available to a user. A second selective storing technique involves storing a list of assets for display in one of the partitions. This list is a predetermined portion of an entire list of assets available for selection by the user. User input, such as scrolling through the assets, allows a user to sort through the partial list. Once the user input is completed, the asset list may be repopulated with predetermined assets corresponding to the portion of the list selected by the user.