Compressed Memory Repair Codes for Non-Volatile Storage Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implementations of non-volatile memory systems for memory repair do not scale well with increasing device densities and decreasing device sizes, leading to inefficient use of memory space due to fixed-sized repair codes and unused bits.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for compressing and decompressing memory repair codes using a non-volatile memory controller and logic that assigns compression parameters based on memory instance configurations, storing only usable bits and adding compression control data to reduce storage requirements, allowing for lossless compression and incremental memory repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed-sized repair codes are used in non-volatile memory, then memory repair functionality is provided, but storage space efficiency deteriorates due to unused bits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of repair code size from fixed to variable by implementing compression algorithms that adapt to the actual number of defective elements. The repair code size is dynamically adjusted based on the configuration of the memory instance and the number of defects found, allowing efficient use of storage space while maintaining repair functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary repair signature bits corresponding to actual defective elements from the full repair code. By identifying and storing only the relevant bits needed to address actual defects rather than maintaining a complete fixed-size code, the system achieves space efficiency without compromising repair capability.
2Reliability
If non-volatile memory size increases to accommodate all repair codes, then all memory instances can be repaired, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage capacity parameter of non-volatile memory from sufficient to store all possible fixed-sized repair codes to sufficient to store only compressed variable-sized repair codes. By implementing lossless compression, the system reduces the memory size parameter while maintaining the ability to store repair codes for all memory instances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the repair code storage by creating separate compressed repair code storage areas for different memory instances or groups. Each segment contains only the necessary repair information for specific memory blocks, allowing efficient space utilization across the entire device while ensuring all instances can be repaired.
3Loss of substance
If compression is applied to repair codes, then storage space is reduced, but system complexity increases due to compression and decompression operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service compression where the system automatically performs compression during repair code generation and decompression during repair operations without requiring external intervention. The compression and decompression logic is integrated into the existing memory control architecture, allowing the system to manage its own space optimization without adding operational complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the compression and decompression functions with the existing memory control logic and repair operations. By integrating these functions into the existing architecture rather than adding separate dedicated systems, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving space reduction through compression.
Data Source
AI summary
One example includes an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes non-volatile memory and logic. The logic is configured to receive repair code associated with a memory instance and assign a compression parameter to the repair code based on a configuration of the memory instance. The logic is also configured to compress the repair code based on the compression parameter to produce compressed repair code and to provide compressed repair data that includes the compressed repair code and compression control data that identifies the compression parameter. A non-volatile memory controller is coupled between the non-volatile memory and the logic. The non-volatile memory controller is configured to transfer the compressed repair data to and/or from the non-volatile memory.