US Patent 8959307 Reduced latency memory read transactions in storage devices

A solution for performing reduced latency memory read transactions is disclosed. In one example, a storage apparatus has a memory array that includes: a flash device having a data register, a memory interface coupled to the memory array and a buffer set that includes at least one buffer suitable for use as a prefetch buffer. The memory interface, in response to a memory read transaction request, performs a read operation and, if stored data exists within the memory array that meets a prefetch selection criterion, also performs an internal read operation. The internal read operation includes allocating a prefetch buffer in the buffer set and storing the data as prefetch data in the prefetch buffer. If the memory interface receives a second memory read transaction request for data that is currently available as prefetch data, the memory interface responds by performing a forwarding transaction that includes retrieving the prefetch data from the prefetch buffer and forwarding the prefetch data to a host.