Method and controller for performing a copy-back operation

A method for performing a copy-back command, the method comprising:

• performing in a controller in communication with a host and at least one flash memory device:
• receiving a source address and a copy-back read command from the host;
• sending the source address and the copy-back read command to the at least one flash memory device;
• generating error correction code bits for modified data from the at least one flash memory device;
• receiving a destination address and a copy-back program command from the host;
• and
• sending the destination address, the modified data with the error correction code bits, and a program command to the at least one flash memory device;
• wherein the source address and destination address are for different planes of memory in one of the at least one flash memory device;
• and
• wherein the register in the at least one flash memory device is not shared between the different planes.

A controller comprising:

• a first interface configured to transfer data between a host and the controller;
• a second interface configured to transfer data between the controller and at least one flash memory device;
• and
• circuitry operative to:
• receive a source address and a copy-back read command from the host;
• send the source address and the copy-back read command to the at least one flash memory device, wherein in response to receiving the source address and the copy-back read command, the at least one flash memory device reads data from the source address and writes the data in a register in the at least one flash memory device;
• receive data stored at the source address and an error correction code associated with the data received from the at least one flash memory device;
• determine that the error correction code indicates there is no error in the data;
• modify the received data, wherein the modification changes or adds information rather than corrects errors;
• generate error correction code bits for modified data from the at least one flash memory device;
• receive a destination address and a copy-back program command from the host;
• and
• send the destination address, the modified data with the error correction code bits, and a program command to the at least one flash memory device.

A controller comprising:

• a first interface configured to transfer data between a host and the controller;
• a second interface configured to transfer data between the controller and at least one flash memory device;
• and
• circuitry operative to:
• receive a source address and a copy-back read command from the host;
• send the source address and the copy-back read command to the at least one flash memory device, wherein in response to receiving the source address and the copy-back read command, the at least one flash memory device reads data from the source address and writes the data in a register in the at least one flash memory device;
• generate error correction code bits for modified data from the at least one flash memory device;
• receive a destination address and a copy-back program command from the host;
• and
• send the destination address, the modified data with the error correction code bits, and a program command to the at least one flash memory device;
• wherein the source address and destination address are for different planes of memory in one of the at least one flash memory device;
• and
• wherein the register in the at least one flash memory device is not shared between the different planes.