Patent ID: 7865761

Claim:
A data storage apparatus, comprising: a set of memory modules, each memory module of the set of memory modules having non-volatile semiconductor memory; an interface arranged to communicate with a set of external devices; and a main controller coupled to each memory module and to the interface, the main controller being arranged to (i) store data within and (ii) retrieve data from the non-volatile semiconductor memory of the set of memory modules in an uneven manner on behalf of the set of external devices to unevenly wear out the memory modules over time; wherein the each memory module has, as the non-volatile semiconductor memory, flash memory; wherein the main controller, when storing data within and retrieving data from the non-volatile semiconductor memory, is arranged to carry out data storage operations on a memory space formed by the flash memory; and wherein the main controller is arranged to: implement a data protection scheme which utilizes striping and parity across multiple memory modules of the set of memory modules, the multiple memory modules including a particular memory module, and replace the particular memory module with a previously unused hot standby memory module when the current storage capacity value of the flash memory of the particular memory module transitions from being greater than a predefined capacity threshold to no longer being greater than the predefined capacity threshold.