Adaptive ECC Engine for Memory Power-Reliability Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems face challenges in optimizing power consumption, speed, and complexity while maintaining effective error correction in memory devices with varying error rates due to different operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive ECC technology that dynamically selects codeword sizes and code rates based on operating conditions, using a memory controller with an ECC engine that generates codewords with varying ECC code rates and algorithms for different memory blocks, allowing for efficient error correction and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger ECC codewords are used for a given payload data segment size, then better protection strength against errors is achieved, but power consumption increases and algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of ECC code rates based on real-time error rate monitoring. The system transitions from static ECC configuration to adaptive modulation where the ECC code rate is adjusted dynamically according to channel conditions, allowing optimal balance between protection strength and power consumption at different operating points
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the ECC code rate parameter adaptively based on measured error rates. When error rates are low, a lower code rate (less redundancy) is used to reduce power consumption. When error rates increase, the code rate is increased to provide stronger protection, thus optimizing the trade-off between reliability and energy usage
2Reliability
If larger ECC codewords are used for a given payload data segment size, then better protection strength against errors is achieved, but algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the ECC code rate parameter based on error rate measurements rather than always using the maximum code rate. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve adequate protection with simpler, smaller codewords when channel conditions permit, reducing algorithm complexity while maintaining reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If smaller codewords are used, then power consumption is reduced and algorithm simplicity is improved, but protection strength against errors is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the ECC code rate parameter based on measured error rates. When error rates are low, a lower code rate with smaller codewords is used to reduce power consumption. When error rates increase, the code rate is increased to provide stronger protection, thus adaptively balancing power consumption and protection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the error rate is continuously monitored and used to adjust the ECC code rate selection. This closed-loop control ensures that the system uses the minimum necessary protection strength to maintain reliability, avoiding unnecessary power consumption associated with over-provisioning ECC
4Use of energy by moving object
If adaptive selection of ECC algorithms is implemented, then power efficiency is enhanced and error protection is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of ECC code rates based on real-time error rate monitoring. The system transitions from static to dynamic ECC configuration, allowing optimal power efficiency through adaptive selection of appropriate code rates for current channel conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The ECC system performs self-adjustment by monitoring its own performance (error rates) and automatically selecting appropriate code rates without external intervention. This self-service capability optimizes power efficiency while managing complexity through autonomous adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a memory array and a memory controller. The memory controller generates read and write commands for the memory array. An error correction code engine for the storage device is operable to use a plurality of different codeword sizes, different code rates, or different ECC algorithms. Logic is included that applies a selected codeword size, code rate or ECC algorithm in dependence on the operating conditions of the memory array.