Abstract:
A memory chip coupled to a host includes a memory and a controller. The memory is pre-loaded with a plurality of boot images, wherein the boot images have the same content. The controller is coupled to the memory, and processes data transmissions between the memory chip and the host, wherein the controller further determines whether the memory chip enters a boot mode for the first time, and when the memory chip enters the boot mode for the first time, the controller accesses the memory to obtain a correct boot image from the boot images and transmits the correct boot image to the host. Further, each boot image includes a plurality of data blocks, and the controller loads a plurality of correct data blocks from one or more of the boot images to obtain the correct boot image.
Abstract:
A flash memory control technique with high reliability is provided. A flash memory controller provides a volatile storage area for temporary storage of logical-to-physical address mapping data between a host and a flash memory as well as error detection codes encoded from the logical-to-physical address mapping data. When reading from the volatile storage area, the microcontroller of the flash memory controller is configured to perform an error detection procedure based on the error detection codes. The microcontroller is further configured to restore the logical-to-physical address mapping data in the volatile storage area based on a backup of the logical-to-physical address mapping data.
Abstract:
A memory chip coupled to a host includes a memory and a controller. Multiple boot images having the same content are pre-loaded in the memory. The controller is coupled to the memory for processing data transmission between the memory chip and the host. The controller further determines whether the memory chip enters a boot mode for the first time. When the memory chip enters the boot mode for the first time, the controller accesses the memory so as to obtain a correct boot image from the boot images and transmits the correct boot image to the host.
Abstract:
An identification technique for physically damaged blocks of a flash memory of a data storage device. In the data storage device, a controller coupled to the flash memory writes data into the flash memory with at least one time stamp corresponding to the data. The time stamp is taken into consideration by the controller to identify the physically damaged blocks of the flash memory, and thereby it is prevented from erroneously identifying a physically undamaged block as bad. Thus, the flash memory is prevented from being erroneously regarded as a write protected memory. The lifespan of the flash memory is effectively prolonged.
Abstract:
An overclocking process for a data storage device using a flash memory. A controller for the flash memory tests the flash memory using test clocks with various frequencies to determine at least one clock signal suitable to the flash memory. The clock candidates suitable to the flash memory are selected from the test clocks. The flash memory is operated in a variable-frequency manner by which the flash memory is switched between the clock candidates, such that electromagnetic interference is spread over different bands.