Address Decoding Error Detection Using Encoder Recoding

Solution Overview

Problem

Miniaturized memory ICs are susceptible to thermally induced and radiation-induced errors, which can lead to both soft and permanent operational errors, and existing error detection systems require larger footprints due to the use of redundant decoders, increasing the size and cost of semiconductor devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an address-decoding error detection system that uses an encoder to recode the original address instead of redundant decoders, allowing for a smaller footprint and faster operation by comparing the recoded address with the original address to detect errors, thereby reducing the overall size of the IC and material costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant decoders are used for address-decoding error detection, then error detection capability is improved, but device footprint and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the address decoding function using an encoder instead of a full redundant decoder. The encoder recodes the decoded address to form a recoded address that can be compared with the original address, providing error detection without requiring a complete second decoder circuit. This copying approach reduces the footprint while maintaining essential error detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an encoder as an intermediary component between the address decoder and the error detection logic. Instead of directly comparing outputs from two full decoders, the system uses the encoder to transform the decoded address into a recoded form that serves as an intermediate representation for comparison. This intermediary approach reduces the complexity and size of the error detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If redundant decoders are used for address-decoding error detection, then error detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the address decoding function using an encoder instead of a full redundant decoder. The encoder recodes the decoded address to form a recoded address that can be compared with the original address, providing error detection without requiring a complete second decoder circuit. This copying approach reduces the footprint while maintaining essential error detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex redundant decoder circuits with a simpler, cheaper encoder circuit. The encoder requires fewer transistors and less complex logic, making it more cost-effective to manufacture. While the encoder is functionally simpler than a full decoder, it provides sufficient error detection capability when combined with the comparison logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If redundant decoders are used for address-decoding error detection, then error detection capability is improved, but operation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidoperation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the address decoding function using an encoder instead of a full redundant decoder. The encoder recodes the decoded address to form a recoded address that can be compared with the original address, providing error detection without requiring a complete second decoder circuit. This copying approach reduces the footprint while maintaining essential error detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential error detection function from the redundant decoder system. Instead of implementing full decoding logic twice, the system extracts the core functionality needed for error detection by using an encoder to generate a recoded address for comparison. This extraction eliminates unnecessary computational overhead while preserving error detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11139040B2Method of detecting address decoding error

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

A method, of detecting an address decoding error of a semiconductor device, includes: decoding an original address, with an address decoder of the semiconductor device, to form a corresponding decoded address; recoding the decoded address, with an encoder of the semiconductor device, to form a recoded address; making a comparison, with a comparator of the semiconductor device, of the recoded address and the original address; and detecting an address decoding error based on the comparison.