Computing system with volatile lock architecture for individual block locking on flash memory

Abstract

An apparatus and method for protecting memory blocks in a block-based flash erasable programmable read only memory device are disclosed. A non-volatile memory array includes a number of blocks that are capable of being placed in a locked state or an unlocked state. A volatile lock register is coupled to each of the lockable blocks in the memory array. A logic state is coupled to one input of the volatile lock register, and a block set/reset line is coupled to a second input of the volatile lock register. A block latch control line is coupled to one input of the logic gate, and a group latch control line is coupled to a second input of the logic gate. The method includes reading a first command of a multi-cycle command specifying a lock configuration of one or more memory blocks and reading a second command specifying the number of memory blocks to be lock configured. The method and apparatus allow a user to dynamically select which blocks of a flash array to lock or unlock and minimize the possibility of data corruption during block lock and unlock cycles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.