SANDFORCE INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120060060 | Techiniques increasing a lifetime of blocks of memory - Techniques are described for increasing a lifetime of blocks of memory. In operation, respective life expectancy scores for each of the blocks are calculated based at least in part on a respective number of times each of the blocks is respectively erased, and further based at least in part on at least one other factor that affects the lifetime of the blocks. An order to write and recycle the blocks is determined, based at least in part on at least some of the respective lifetime expectancy scores. A total amount of the blocks that are erased and written is minimized while lifetime expectancy score variation between the blocks is equalized. | 03-08-2012 |
20120060002 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DATA REDUNDANCY AFTER REDUCING MEMORY WRITES - A storage subsystem receives writes from a computer via a standard storage subsystem interface. The storage subsystem reduces a number of the writes. A single drive of the storage subsystem has primary and redundant storage devices with storage device interfaces. A disk controller of the single drive implements a data redundancy scheme by storing data associated with the reduced number of writes in the primary storage devices and by storing computed redundancy information in the redundant storage devices. The disk controller is operable without a loss of data in the presence of at least a single failure of any of the storage devices. Optionally the storage devices are flash memory devices. Optionally the disk controller is operable without a loss of data in the presence of at least two failures of any of the storage devices when a number of the redundant storage devices is at least two. | 03-08-2012 |
20120060001 | MEMORY LIFETIME GAUGING SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - Techniques are taught for reducing writes, and estimating and displaying estimated remaining lifetime of non-volatile memories. The write reducing is optionally via determining a difference between write operation results and data stored in the non-volatile memories. The estimated remaining lifetime is optionally based at least in part on a previous lifetime. The displaying is optionally via a gauge. | 03-08-2012 |
20110276745 | TECHNIQUES FOR WRITING DATA TO DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF STORAGE DEVICES BASED ON WRITE FREQUENCY - Techniques for writing data to different portions of storage devices based on write frequencies are disclosed. Frequencies of data writes to various portions of a memory are monitored. The memory includes various storage technologies. Each portion includes one of the storage technologies and has a respective lifetime. An order that the portions are written into and recycled is dynamically managed to equalize respective life expectancies of the portions in view of differences in endurance values of the portions, the monitored frequencies of data writes, and the lifetimes. In some embodiments, the storage technologies include Single-Level Cell (SLC) flash memory storage technology and Multi-Level Cell (MLC) flash memory storage technology. The SLC and MLC flash memory storage technologies are optionally integrated in one device. In some embodiments, the storage technologies include two or more different types of SLC flash memory storage technologies, optionally integrated in one device. | 11-10-2011 |
20110167199 | TECHNIQUES FOR PROLONGING A LIFETIME OF MEMORY BY CONTROLLING OPERATIONS THAT AFFECT THE LIFETIME OF THE MEMORY - Techniques are provided for prolonging a lifetime of memory by controlling operations that affect the lifetime of the memory. At least one aspect associated with the memory lifetime is identified and at least one of the operations is delayed, based on the at least one aspect. The operations include a write operation, an erase operation, a program operation, and/or any other operation that is capable of reducing the memory lifetime. | 07-07-2011 |
20110125956 | TECHNIQUES FOR MULTI-MEMORY DEVICE LIFETIME MANAGEMENT - Techniques are provided for identifying at least one aspect associated with a lifetime of each of a plurality of memory devices. Further, data is moved between the plurality of memory devices, based on the at least one aspect. | 05-26-2011 |