Method for Utilizing a Memory Interface to Control Partitioning of a Memory Module

Abstract

Described herein are at least one apparatus and methods for implementing partitioning in memory cards and modules. A representative memory card/module in accordance with the invention may include a memory device(s), and a memory interface which includes a data bus, a command line and a clock line. The memory card/module may further include a memory controller coupled to the memory device(s) and to the memory interface. The memory card/module may include means for controlling the partitioning of the memory device(s). The memory controller may be configured to operate the memory device(s) in accordance with the partition information.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A memory module comprising:
 at least one memory device;   a memory interface;   a memory controller coupled to the at least one memory device and to the memory interface, the memory controller configured to perform acts comprising:
 receiving partition information associated with the at least one memory device; 
 based at least in part on the partition information, logically partitioning the at least one memory device to enable one or more partitions of the at least one memory device; and 
 operating the at least one memory device in accordance with the partition information, the partition information comprising size information indicating a size of the one or more partitions and protection information indicating whether at least one of the one or more partitions is write protected. 
   
     
     
         3 . The memory module according to  claim 2 , wherein the partition information is included in a single command. 
     
     
         4 . The memory module according to  claim 2 , wherein the memory interface comprises a MultiMediaCard or Secure Digital (MMC/SD) card interface. 
     
     
         5 . The memory module according to  claim 2 , wherein the partitioning information further comprises at least one of:
 a start address and a stop address of each partition,   wear-leveling information associated with each partition,   a number of spare blocks associated with each partition, or   an indicator identifying whether each partition is a fixed partition or a reconfigurable partition.   
     
     
         6 . The memory module according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one memory device comprises a flash memory. 
     
     
         7 . The memory module according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one memory device and the memory controller are implemented on a single chip. 
     
     
         8 . The memory module according to  claim 2 , wherein the memory controller is configured to check a correctness of the partition information. 
     
     
         9 . A method comprising:
 receiving, by a memory controller that is coupled to at least one memory device and to a memory interface, partition information associated with the at least one memory device;   based at least in part on the partition information, logically partitioning the at least one memory device to enable one or more partitions of the at least one memory device; and   operating the at least one memory device in accordance with the partition information, the partition information comprising size information indicating a size of the one or more partitions and protection information indicating whether at least one of the one or more partitions is write protected.   
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the partition information is included in a single command. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the memory interface comprises a MultiMediaCard or Secure Digital (MMC/SD) card interface. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the partitioning information further comprises at least one of:
 a start address and a stop address of each partition,   wear-leveling information associated with each partition,   a number of spare blocks associated with each partition, or   an indicator identifying whether each partition is a fixed partition or a reconfigurable partition.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the at least one memory device comprises a flash memory. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the at least one memory device and the memory controller are implemented on a single chip. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the memory controller is configured to check a correctness of the partition information. 
     
     
         16 . A host device comprising:
 at least one memory device;   a memory interface;   a memory controller coupled to the at least one memory device and to the memory interface, the memory controller configured to perform acts comprising:
 receiving partition information associated with the at least one memory device; 
 based at least in part on the partition information, logically partitioning the at least one memory device to enable one or more partitions of the at least one memory device; and 
 operating the at least one memory device in accordance with the partition information, the partition information comprising size information indicating a size of the one or more partitions and protection information indicating whether at least one of the one or more partitions is write protected. 
   
     
     
         17 . The host device according to  claim 16 , wherein the partition information is included in a single command. 
     
     
         18 . The host device according to  claim 16 , wherein the memory interface comprises a MultiMediaCard or Secure Digital (MMC/SD) card interface. 
     
     
         19 . The host device according to  claim 16 , wherein the partitioning information further comprises at least one of:
 a start address and a stop address of each partition,   wear-leveling information associated with each partition,   a number of spare blocks associated with each partition, or   an indicator identifying whether each partition is a fixed partition or a reconfigurable partition.   
     
     
         20 . The host device according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one memory device comprises a flash memory. 
     
     
         21 . The host device according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one memory device and the memory controller are implemented on a single chip. 
     
     
         22 . The host device according to  claim 16 , wherein the memory controller is configured to check a correctness of the partition information.