System and method for enabling non-volatile memory to execute code while operating as a data storage/processing device

A method for executing code while processing data on a non-volatile memory device, comprising the steps of:

• i. adding at least one logic circuit to the non-volatile memory device;
• ii. monitoring status of current operations in said memory device, by said at least one logic circuit;
• iii. signaling if the device is available for code execution, by said at least one logic circuit;
• and
• iv. commanding the device to suspend and/or resume device operations in response to a read request, by said at least one logic circuit.

A method for executing code while processing data on a non-volatile memory device, comprising the following steps:

• i. adding at least one logic circuit to the non-volatile memory device;
• ii. sensing a read request while the device is in program/erase mode/operation, by said at least one logic circuit;
• iii. in response to said sensing, entering of program and/or erase operations into suspended mode, by said at least one logic circuit;
• iv. signaling to CPU/Bus to delay executing said read request, by said at least one logic circuit;
• v. turning off signal to allow CPU/Bus to execute said read request, by said at least one logic circuit;
• and
• vi. exiting of said device from said suspended mode to continue program/erase operation, by said at least one logic circuit.

A memory device comprising:

• (a) a non-volatile memory;
• (b) circuitry for reading, programming and erasing said non-volatile memory;
• and
• (c) a hardware mechanism for suspending an activity of said circuitry in response to at least one read request received by the memory device from a host.

A method for managing a memory device that includes a non-volatile memory and that is accessed by a host, comprising the steps of:

• (a) commencing an operation selected from the group consisting of erasing the non-volatile memory and programming the non-volatile memory, by the memory device;
• (b) during said operation, requesting a read operation, by the host;
• and
• (c) in response to said request, suspending said operation, by the memory device.