Method for utilizing a memory interface to control partitioning of a memory module

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for implementing partitioning in memory cards and modules where conventional memory cards or modules have only a single partition. A representative memory card/module in accordance with the invention includes a memory device(s), and a memory interface which includes a data bus, a command line and a clock line. The memory card/module further includes a memory controller coupled to the memory device(s) and to the memory interface. The memory card/module includes means for controlling the partitioning of the memory device(s), and the memory controller is configured to operate the memory device(s) in accordance with the partition information.

1 . A memory card or module comprising: 
 at least one memory device;    a memory interface comprising a data bus, a command line and a clock line;    a memory controller, connected to said at least one memory device and to said memory interface;    means for controlling the partitioning of said at least one memory device; and    wherein said memory controller is configured to operate said at least one memory device in accordance with said partition information.    
   
   
       2 . A memory module according to  claim 1 , wherein said memory interface is a MMC/SD-card interface.  
   
   
       3 . A memory module according to  claim 1 , wherein said partitioning information comprises information selected from but not limited to the group of: 
 size of each partition,    start address/stop address of each partition,    read only access/read-write access,    wear leveling information,    number of spare blocks, and    fixed partition or reconfigurable partition.    
   
   
       4 . A memory module according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one memory device is a flash memory.  
   
   
       5 . A memory module according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one memory device, said memory controller and said means for controlling the partitioning of said at least one memory device are implemented on a single chip.  
   
   
       6 . A memory module according to  claim 1 , wherein said memory controller is configured to check the correctness of said partition information.  
   
   
       7 . A method for utilizing of memory interface for memory module, said method comprising: 
 receiving at a memory controller of a memory module, a signal indicative of partitioning information,    storing said partitioning information in a memory module, and    operating said at least one memory device by said memory controller in accordance with said partition information.    
   
   
       8 . A method for utilizing of memory module according to  claim 7 , wherein said signal indicative of partitioning information comprises information selected from but not limited to the group of: 
 size of each partition,    start address/stop address of each partition,    read only access/read-write access,    wear leveling information for each partition,    number of spare blocks for each partition, and    fixed partition or reconfigurable partition;    wherein said storing said partitioning information further comprises extracting said information from said received signal and defining partitions of said at least one memory device, and    wherein operating said memory module in accordance with said partition information comprises accessing said at least one memory device in accordance with said defined partitions, and controlling read/write access and wear leveling for each partition separately.    
   
   
       9 . A computer program capable of utilizing a memory module, comprising program code sections for carrying out the steps of  claim 7 , when said program is run on a memory module.  
   
   
       10 . A computer program product for executing a method capable to utilize a memory module, comprising program code sections stored on a machine-readable medium for carrying out the steps of  claim 7 , when said program product is run on a controller or a memory module.  
   
   
       11 . A computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave and representing instructions, which when executed by a processor cause the steps of  claim 7  to be carried out.  
   
   
       12 . A method for utilizing of memory interface for memory module, said method comprising: 
 sending from a host device, a signal indicative of partitioning information, at a memory controller of a memory module, and    operating said at least one memory device by said memory controller in accordance with said partition information.    
   
   
       13 . A method for utilizing of memory module according to  claim 12 , wherein said signal indicative of partitioning information comprises information selected from but not limited to the group of: 
 size of each partition,    start address/stop address of each partition,    read only access/read-write access,    wear leveling information for each partition,    number of spare blocks for each partition, and    fixed partition or reconfigurable partition,    wherein said sending of said partitioning information further comprises including said information into a signal to be sent, and    wherein operating said memory module in accordance with said partition information comprises accessing said at least one memory device in accordance with said defined partitions, and controlling read/write access and wear leveling for each partition separately.    
   
   
       14 . A computer program capable of utilizing a memory module, comprising program code sections for carrying out the steps of  claim 12 , when said program is run on a memory module.  
   
   
       15 . A computer program product for executing a method capable to utilize a memory module, comprising program code sections stored on a machine-readable medium for carrying out the steps of  claim 12 , when said program product is run on a controller or a memory module.  
   
   
       16 . A computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave and representing instructions, which when executed by a processor cause the steps of  claim 12  to be carried out.