Each memory block in the flash memory is added with corresponding information bit(s) that store(s) information indicating whether erasure of the memory block has been completed before power-off. This allows easily finding out which memory block in the flash memory is undergoing an erase operation at the time of power-off. When the flash memory is powered on again, the information in the corresponding information bit(s) of the memory blocks may be read out and checked to determine whether there is any memory block of which the erasure had not been completed before the last power-off. If so, the memory blocks in the flash memory will be reprogrammed during the re-powering. This can avoid possible failure in reading data from some memory cells in the flash memory.

A semiconductor memory device capable of satisfying multiple reliability conditions and multiple performance requirements is provided. A variable resistance memory of the disclosure makes it possible to write data in a memory array by changing a write condition according to the type of a write command from the outside. If the write command is an endurance-related command, an endurance algorithm is selected and data is written in an endurance storage area. If the write command is a retention-related command, a retention algorithm is selected and data is written in a retention storage area.

A data storage device includes a write data buffer configured to store write data; a hold flag bit map including hold flag bits corresponding to the write data, the hold flag bits being set to values indicating whether to hold the write data; and a processor configured to determine, when a first write command and first write data are received from a host device, whether to hold the first write data in the write data buffer, based on a setting value of a data hold bit included in the first write command, set a hold flag bit corresponding to the first write data to a first value when the first write data is to be held in the write data buffer, and set the hold flag bit to a second value when the first write data is not to be held in the write data buffer.

A memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of word lines, at least one select line provided above the plurality of word lines, and a channel region passing through the plurality of word lines and the at least one select line, the plurality of word lines and the channel region providing a plurality of memory cells, and a controller. The controller is to store data in a program memory cell among the plurality of memory cells by sequentially performing a first programming operation and a second programming operation, and to determine a program voltage input to a program word line connected to the program memory cell, in the first programming operation, based on information regarding the program memory cell.

According to one embodiment, three bits stored in one memory cell of a nonvolatile memory correspond to three pages. In first page writing, a threshold voltage becomes within a first or second region base on a bit value. In second page writing, if being within the first region, it becomes within the first or fourth region; and if being within the second region, it becomes within the second or third region. In the third page writing, if being within the first region, it becomes within the first or sixth region; if being within the second region, it becomes within the second or seventh region; if being within the third region, it becomes within the third or eighth region; and if being within the fourth region, it becomes within the fourth or fifth region.

A memory controller controls an operation of a semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory cells at a request of a host. The memory controller includes a data conversion unit. The data conversion unit converts first data from the host by comparing the first data with second data programmed previously.

A NOR flash memory apparatus and a recover and read method for the NOR flash memory apparatus are described. The recover and read method includes: operating a power-up process on the NOR flash memory apparatus during a power-up time period; operating a power-up reading operation and reading a mark bit of a memory block of the flash memory apparatus during a reading time period after the power-up time period; and, applying a negative voltage to a plurality of un-selected word lines for the power-up reading operation to operate without leakage current from bit lines of the memory block being caused and therefore to operate normally without causing mistakes.

Systems, methods, and apparatus including computer-readable mediums for managing block arrangement of super blocks in a memory such as NAND flash memory are provided. In one aspect, a memory controller for managing block arrangement of super blocks in a memory includes control circuitry coupled to the memory having at least two planes of physical blocks and configured to maintain block information of each individual physical block in the planes and combine one or more physical blocks from the planes to a super block based on the block information of the physical blocks in the planes.

Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products for programming an unprogrammed upper page based on lower page programming are disclosed. An apparatus includes a non-volatile storage device and a controller. A controller includes a data component that is configured to receive a write request for a first page of a set of multi-level storage cells of a non-volatile storage device. A set of multi-level storage cells includes a first page and a second page. A controller includes a page component that is configured to determine that a write request does not comprise data for at least a portion of a second page of a set of multi-level storage cells. A controller includes a write component that is configured to program at least a portion of a second page of a set of multi-level storage cells with data of a first page of a set of multi-level storage cells.

Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products for programming an unprogrammed upper page based on lower page programming are disclosed. An apparatus includes a non-volatile storage device and a controller. A controller includes a data component that is configured to receive a write request for a first page of a set of multi-level storage cells of a non-volatile storage device. A set of multi-level storage cells includes a first page and a second page. A controller includes a page component that is configured to determine that a write request does not comprise data for at least a portion of a second page of a set of multi-level storage cells. A controller includes a write component that is configured to program at least a portion of a second page of a set of multi-level storage cells with data of a first page of a set of multi-level storage cells.