US Patent 10002073 Selective data recycling in non-volatile memory

Embodiments are directed to methods of classifying a flash memory block of N-level cells into sub-blocks. The N-level cells can store N bits of data. In some embodiments, the sub-blocks can represent one bit of each of the N-level cells. The sub-blocks can be selectively reclaimed in error-correction processes such as read disturb reclaim and retention refresh. Methods described can offer the advantage of reducing write amplification.