Apple Files Dynamic Cell Memory Patent

According to Apple, single-level cell (SLC) as well as multi-level cell (MLC) programming operations could be used to be able to allocate a different number of bits to cells.

The purpose of the invention is to enable a system to balance its mass storage for performance, reliability and storage capacity needs. Apple says that the technology would allow for a portion of a flash memory chip to be used as CLC and another as MLC chip. SLC flash memory tends to provide greater reliability and performance, while MLC offers greater capacity.

From the patent: "The host can further determine whether to access the memory location as a single-level cell location or multi-level cell location. For example, the host can make this determination based on the desired storage reliability, storage performance, or storage speed. Thus, the host can use any suitable number of bits per cell when accessing the memory location regardless or independently of the number of bits per cell previously used for the same memory location. In other words, after each erase cycle on the memory location, the host can newly assign the memory location as an SLC or MLC memory location based on current needs or preferences."

The patent was already filed by Apple on February 25, 2010, but only recently released by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The idea is not entirely new and closely resembles a paper presented by Samsung at the 2009 Usenix conference. Back then, Samsung engineers described their FlexFS as a flexible flash file system for MLC NAND flash memory, which would "takes advantage of the dynamic reconfiguration utility of MLC flash memory". As Apple's idea, FlexFS divides MLC flash memory into SLC and MLC regions -- and is able to change the size of those regions to adjust for different requirements over time.

  • huzaifa
    Welcome to the future
    Reply
  • mcd023
    so Samsung does the research and Apple patents? ouch.
    Reply
  • deadlockedworld
    Apple v. Samsung lawsuit round II.
    Reply
  • legacy7955
    Tom's has used the word "patent" so many times the NSA Echelon project is going to start a corporate espionage campaign against them!
    Reply
  • AbdullahG
    So...many...PATENTS!
    Reply
  • nukemaster
    This is nothing. Apple patented the Wiimote as well. Its funny....

    Reply
  • iam2thecrowe
    apple can go to hell
    Reply
  • acadia11
    Steve, Steve, when they open the good book are you going to be straightened out?
    Reply
  • spentshells
    I have patented the word patent as the patent on this word in reference to suing someone over something you have created or own the rights to has expired Apple google and Microsoft will now owe me 10% of all settlements involving the word patent and all further lawsuits filed using said word are now deferred until further notice.
    Reply
  • Blessedman
    This sounds like the realm of rambus, what out apple you may have met your match!
    Reply