Off-chip data relocation

A memory system, comprising:

• a plurality of semi-autonomous memory arrays each having an associated read/write buffer;
• a controller for managing data stored in the memory system and controlling the transfer of data within the memory system;
• and
• a bus connectable to the controller and the memory arrays for the transfer of data therebetween, wherein the controller can select a plurality of the arrays to be concurrently active for a data transfer operation.

A method of operating a memory system, the memory system comprising a plurality of semi-autonomous memory arrays, each of said arrays having a corresponding of read/write buffer, and a memory controller, the method comprising:

• selecting a first of the arrays as a source by the controller;
• selecting a second of the arrays as a destination by the controller, wherein the first array is distinct from the second array and wherein the first and second arrays can be any of said plurality of arrays;
• and
• transferring a data set from the buffer corresponding to the source array to the buffer corresponding to the destination array without temporarily storing said data set in the controller.