CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING READ STATUS AND SPARE BLOCK MANAGEMENT INFORMATION IN A FLASH MEMORY SYSTEM

摘要

The embodiments described herein provide a controller and method for providing status and spare block management information in a flash memory system, as well for managing spare block allocation in cooperation with a host. In one embodiment, a controller receives a command from a host, retrieves data from flash memory, analyzes the retrieved data for errors, and transmits status information to the host, wherein the status information comprises information based on a result of the error analysis, such as a read error. Alternatively, the controller stores the status information and transmits an error indicator to the host identifying that the status information regarding the error is available in memory. In another embodiment, the controller may be reselectably initialized to one of a plurality of spare block management modes, wherein in a split management mode, the controller may ask the host to return extra blocks available to the host.