A memory system self-initiates hibernation mode and responds to host
commands issued during hibernation within a host protocol timeout period.
Hibernation mode is entered after controller state data has been stored
and while no host command to the memory system is pending. Power to
volatile data storage is diminished during hibernation mode. Upon
receiving a host command during hibernation mode, power is restored and a
reduced portion of the controller state data is read from non-volatile
memory. A removable data storage device or a portable electronic device
with embedded data storage may be constructed with such a
self-hibernating memory system.
