Efficient sub-block erasing

A device comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory array comprising:
• a plurality of memory devices wherein the memory devices are configured into one or more blocks;
• and
• a sub-block management logic configured to:
• configure at least one original block of the one or more blocks into sub-blocks dynamically in response to a need for additional space, just prior to data being written to the blocks, or when usage patterns indicate that sub-bocks would provide more optimal operation performance, wherein the sub-blocks generated from each block are related sub-blocks within the at least one original block;
• operate the sub-blocks as individual blocks;
• determine that a particular sub-block should be released;
• check the release status of all related sub-blocks of the particular sub-block;
• determine status of all related sub-blocks of the particular sub-block, wherein the determination evaluates the related sub-blocks for an erase-ready state;
• and
• in response to the status determination, executing an erase operation on a subset of sub-blocks including both the particular sub-block, and any related sub-blocks that are in an erase-ready state while retaining valid host data in at least one untouched related sub-block within the at least one original block, wherein the particular sub-block and any related sub-blocks are within the at least one original block;
• and
• updating a state of the erased particular sub-block and the erased related sub-blocks to an erased status, and skipping an erase step for the erased particular sub-block and the erased related sub-blocks when a subsequent command is received.

A method erasing sub-blocks, the method comprising:

• configuring at least one original block of one or more blocks dynamically in response to a need for additional space, just prior to data being written to the blocks, or when usage patterns indicate that sub-blocks would provide more optimal operation performance, within a memory array of a storage device into sub-blocks wherein the sub-blocks generated from each block are related sub-blocks within the at least one original block;
• operating the sub-blocks as individual blocks within the storage device;
• receiving a command to erase a particular sub-block;
• determining a status of all related sub-blocks of the particular sub-block, wherein the determination evaluates the related sub-blocks for an erase-ready state;
• in response to the status determination, executing an erase operation on a subset of sub-blocks including both the particular sub-block, and any related sub-blocks that are in an erase-ready state in a single erasing action while retaining valid host data in at least one untouched related sub-block within the at least one original bock, wherein the particular sub-block and any related sub-blocks are within the at least one original block;
• and
• updating a state of the erased particular sub-block and the erased related sub-blocks to an erased status, and skipping an erase step for the erased particular sub-block and the erased related sub-blocks when a subsequent command is received.