Data coding for multi-bit-per-cell memories having variable numbers of bits per memory cell

A multi-bit-per-cell-memory comprising:

• an array of non-volatile memory cells;
• a read circuit coupled to the array;
• and
• a decoder coupled to control the read circuit and receive a data stream that the read circuit reads from the array, wherein during a playback operation, the decoder decodes the data stream to identify data types for portions of the data stream, and for each of the portions of the data stream, the decoder selects a number of bits extracted from each memory cell storing that portion, the number of bits extracted per memory cell for any portion of the data stream being selected according to the data type of the portion.

A recording device for data streams having a protocol, the device comprising:

• an array of non-volatile memory cells;
• a write circuit coupled to the array;
• and
• a decoder coupled to receive a data stream and control the write circuit to write data from the data stream into the array, wherein during a recording operation, the decoder decodes the data stream according to the protocol to identify data types for portions of the data stream, and for each of the portions of the data stream, the decoder selects a number of bits written per memory cell when writing data from that portion, the number of bits per memory cell for any portion of the data stream being selected according to the data type of the portion.

A playback device for data streams having a protocol, the device comprising:

• an array of non-volatile memory cells;
• a read circuit coupled to the array;
• and
• a decoder coupled to receive a data stream from the read circuit and to control the read circuit when reading from the array, wherein during a playback operation, the decoder decodes the data stream at least a portion of data stream according to the protocol and identifies data types for subsequent portions of the data stream, and for each of the portions of the data stream, the decoder selects a number of bits read per memory cell when reading data from that portion, the number of bits per memory cell for any portion of the data stream being selected according to the data type of the portion.