Abstract: For bit errors caused by intrinsic cell variations, the bit errors are scattered across a page of memory. However, for bit errors caused by a physical issue in memory, the bit errors cluster together within the same memory area. In an example data storage device, a page of memory is divided into sections, and counters are used to count the number of errors in each section. A physical error location is detected if the number exceeds a parameter, and as compared to the number of errors in the other sections. In another example data storage device having an error correction code (ECC) engine, a histogram and binomial probability are used to detect physical errors. This has the advantage of detecting weak memory blocks that are about to fail, so the blocks can be retired early as a grown bad block.

Abstract: A process for reliably erasing data from a solid-state drive (SSD) includes first, prior to user data being stored on the drive, generating a restore image of information stored on the drive which characterizes a restore state of the drive, such as a factory image. Then, imparting energy to the drive to promote electrons representing bits in corresponding memory cells to exit the cells, such as imparting thermal energy or high-energy electromagnetic radiation to the drive. Also, generating a set of quantitative data for verifying erasure of the data for presentation to the user helps ensure trust in the data wipe process. The drive may also be electrically erased prior to imparting energy to the SSD, to provide another level of confidence in the data wipe process. The restore image may then be loaded to the necessary locations on the wiped drive to restore drive functionality.

Abstract: A programmable memory device includes a ROM block to store instructions associated with functionality of the programmable memory device, a memory array having reserved pages to store updates to be performed on the ROM block, and a controller coupled to the ROM block and the memory array. The controller is to, in response to receipt of a remote command from a vendor server via a host system, execute the instructions to perform operations including: executing a set features command to access the set of reserved pages, as an extension to one time programmable mode; programming a set of sub-feature parameters to a specified feature address of the reserved pages, where the set of sub-feature parameters are to trigger operation within a ROM-emulated memory (REM) profile mode; and programming a REM-profiled page of the reserved pages with REM data received from the vendor server via the host system.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for operating mixed mode blocks. One example method can include tracking single level cell (SLC) mode cycles and extra level cell (XLC) mode cycles performed on the mixed mode blocks, maintaining a mixed mode cycle count corresponding to the mixed mode blocks, and adjusting the mixed mode cycle count differently for mixed mode blocks operated in a SLC mode than for mixed blocks operated in a XLC mode.

Abstract: A processing device in a memory system detects a data loss occurrence in a block of a memory component. The processing device further designates the block as a quarantined block, performs a stress test on the block, and depending on whether the stress test on the block satisfies a testing criterion, either designates the block as usable by the memory component or retires the block of the memory component.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes memory blocks erasable in a single level cell mode. A number of embodiments include a memory comprising a plurality of mixed mode blocks and a controller. The controller may be configured to identify a particular mixed mode block for an erase operation and, responsive to a determined intent to subsequently write the particular mixed mode block in a single level cell (SLC) mode, perform the erase operation in the SLC mode.

Abstract: A data erase operation is performed on the memory system. The directed data erase operation performed on the memory system erases blocks of the memory device including blocks that are indicated as not including user data. In some embodiments, a data erase operation may be performed on a memory system to erase those groups of memory cells (e.g., blocks) indicated as not including user data. In some embodiments, a data erase operation may be performed on a memory system to erase those groups of memory cells (e.g., blocks) indicated as valid without erasing those groups of memory cells (e.g., blocks) indicated as invalid. In some embodiments, a data erase operation that can be performed on a memory system may obtain information associated with failing scenes of groups of memory cells (e.g., blocks) prior to obtaining the information, and erase the blocks (e.g., invalid blocks) subsequently.

Abstract: A non-volatile storage system includes a control circuit connected to non-volatile memory cells provides for progressive writing of data. That is, existing data is overwritten by new data without performing a traditional erase operation that changes the threshold voltage of the memory cells back to the traditional or original erase state. In one example, new data is written on top of old data using shifted threshold voltage distributions. Some embodiments include writing MLC data over SLC data, using intermediate erase threshold voltage distributions and/or automatically detecting which threshold voltage distributions are currently being used to store data.

Abstract: A data erase operation is performed on the memory system. The directed data erase operation performed on the memory system erases blocks of the memory device including blocks that are indicated as not including user data. In some embodiments, a data erase operation may be performed on a memory system to erase those groups of memory cells (e.g., blocks) indicated as not including user data. In some embodiments, a data erase operation may be performed on a memory system to erase those groups of memory cells (e.g., blocks) indicated as valid without erasing those groups of memory cells (e.g., blocks) indicated as invalid. In some embodiments, a data erase operation that can be performed on a memory system may obtain information associated with failing scenes of groups of memory cells (e.g., blocks) prior to obtaining the information, and erase the blocks (e.g., invalid blocks) subsequently.

Abstract: A programmable memory device includes a ROM block to store instructions associated with functionality of the programmable memory device, a memory array having reserved pages to store updates to be performed on the ROM block, and a controller coupled to the ROM block and the memory array. The controller is to, in response to receipt of a remote command from a vendor server via a host system, execute the instructions to perform operations including: executing a set features command to access the set of reserved pages, as an extension to one time programmable mode; programming a set of sub-feature parameters to a specified feature address of the reserved pages, where the set of sub-feature parameters are to trigger operation within a ROM-emulated memory (REM) profile mode; and programming a REM-profiled page of the reserved pages with REM data received from the vendor server via the host system.

Abstract: A processing device in a memory system detects a data loss occurrence in a block of a memory component. The processing device further designates the block as a quarantined block, performs a stress test on the block, and depending on whether the stress test on the block satisfies a testing criterion, either designates the block as usable by the memory component or retires the block of the memory component.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for operating mixed mode blocks. One example method can include tracking single level cell (SLC) mode cycles and extra level cell (XLC) mode cycles performed on the mixed mode blocks, maintaining a mixed mode cycle count corresponding to the mixed mode blocks, and adjusting the mixed mode cycle count differently for mixed mode blocks operated in a SLC mode than for mixed blocks operated in a XLC mode.

Abstract: A programmable memory device includes a read only memory (ROM) block to store instructions associated with functionality of the programmable memory device. The device includes a memory array having a set of reserved pages to store updates to be performed on the ROM block. The device includes a controller coupled to the ROM block and the memory array. The controller is to execute the instructions to: execute a set features command; program, in execution of the set features command, a set of sub-feature parameters to a specified feature address of the set of reserved pages, wherein the set of sub-feature parameters are to trigger operation within a ROM-emulated memory (REM) profile mode; and program a REM-profiled page of the set of reserved pages with REM data received from a host system.

Abstract: A processing device in a memory system detects a data loss occurrence in a block of a memory component. The processing device identifies a behavioral criterion associated with the data loss occurrence in the block of the memory component. The processing device further increments a counter associated with the block in response to an occurrence of the behavioral criterion, wherein a value of the counter corresponds to a number of occurrences of a plurality of behavioral criteria associated with data loss occurrences in the block. Responsive to determining that the value of the counter satisfies a first threshold criterion, the processing device designates the block as a quarantined block, performs a stress test of a plurality of stress tests of the block, and responsive to the block failing a first stress test, the processing device retires the block of the memory component.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for operating mixed mode blocks. One example method can include tracking single level cell (SLC) mode cycles and extra level cell (XLC) mode cycles performed on the mixed mode blocks, maintaining a mixed mode cycle count corresponding to the mixed mode blocks, and adjusting the mixed mode cycle count differently for mixed mode blocks operated in a SLC mode than for mixed blocks operated in a XLC mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes memory blocks erasable in a single level cell mode. A number of embodiments include a memory comprising a plurality of mixed mode blocks and a controller. The controller may be configured to identify a particular mixed mode block for an erase operation and, responsive to a determined intent to subsequently write the particular mixed mode block in a single level cell (SLC) mode, perform the erase operation in the SLC mode.

Abstract: A target vector representing a usage parameter corresponding to a test of a memory component is generated. A test sample is assigned to the target vector and a set of path variables are generated for the test sample. A test process of the test is executed using the test sample in accordance with the set of path variables to generate a test result. A failure associated with the test result is identified.

Abstract: A programmable memory device includes a read only memory (ROM) block to store instructions associated with functionality of the programmable memory device. The device includes a memory array having a set of reserved pages to store updates to be performed on the ROM block. The device includes a controller coupled to the ROM block and the memory array. The controller is to execute the instructions to: execute a set features command; program, in execution of the set features command, a set of sub-feature parameters to a specified feature address of the set of reserved pages, wherein the set of sub-feature parameters are to trigger operation within a ROM-emulated memory (REM) profile mode; and program a REM-profiled page of the set of reserved pages with REM data received from a host system.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes memory blocks erasable in a single level cell mode. A number of embodiments include a memory comprising a plurality of mixed mode blocks and a controller. The controller may be configured to identify a particular mixed mode block for an erase operation and, responsive to a determined intent to subsequently write the particular mixed mode block in a single level cell (SLC) mode, perform the erase operation in the SLC mode.

Abstract: A processing device in a memory system detects a data loss occurrence in a block of a memory component. The processing device identifies a behavioral criterion associated with the data loss occurrence in the block of the memory component. The processing device further increments a counter associated with the block in response to an occurrence of the behavioral criterion, wherein a value of the counter corresponds to a number of occurrences of a plurality of behavioral criteria associated with data loss occurrences in the block. Responsive to determining that the value of the counter satisfies a first threshold criterion, the processing device designates the block as a quarantined block, performs a stress test of a plurality of stress tests of the block, and responsive to the block failing a first stress test, the processing device retires the block of the memory component.