Detecting a faulty memory block

Abstract

Detecting a faulty memory block. Various methods include: performing a read operation on a memory block of the memory array, the read operation generates a failed bit count; determining the failed bit count in above a value associated with an overall failed bit count; determining the failed bit count is above a threshold value; in response, performing a confirmation process on the memory block, the confirmation process defining a number of consecutive erase cycles and a level of an erase cycle, the confirmation process results in erase pass or erase fail; and marking the memory block for garbage collection in response to determining the confirmation process results in erase fail. Methods additionally include setting the level of the erase cycle by modifying at least one selected form the group comprising: an erase voltage parameter; an erase verify parameter; and a number of bits ignored during the erase cycle.