DQ Symbol Map for Memory Error Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in reducing the likelihood of uncorrectable data errors, particularly as memory densities increase and feature sizes decrease, leading to more prevalent memory defects that can result in uncorrectable errors due to limitations in error correction algorithms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a DQ symbol map that isolates data paths using bank activation, column select, and row select-based isolation methods, which are hard programmed into the memory device to avoid non-correction conditions, thereby reducing the occurrence of uncorrectable data errors by structurally routing data to prevent errors from spanning multiple symbols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If memory density is increased and feature size is decreased, then memory capacity is improved, but memory defects become more prevalent leading to uncorrectable errors
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into multiple independently controllable memory banks. By isolating data paths within specific banks and using bank-level activation, the system prevents errors from propagating across the entire memory array. This segmentation allows error containment while maintaining high overall memory capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
A DQ symbol map serves as an intermediary structure that routes data between memory banks and the I/O interface. This map enables selective activation of specific memory banks and data paths, allowing the system to bypass defective regions while maintaining access to functional memory capacity.
2Reliability
If error correction operations are performed to fix data errors, then data integrity is improved, but uncorrectable errors still occur due to algorithm limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary routing assignments through the DQ symbol map before data transmission occurs. By pre-configuring data paths to avoid known defect patterns and isolate error-prone regions, the system prevents uncorrectable error conditions from arising in the first place, reducing the burden on error correction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
Error correction is applied at the memory bank level rather than across the entire memory array. By segmenting the correction scope to individual banks, the system reduces the complexity of error correction operations while maintaining overall data integrity through localized correction capabilities.
3Reliability
If data paths are isolated using bank activation and routing assignments, then uncorrectable errors are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DQ symbol map serves multiple functions simultaneously: it routes data between memory banks and the I/O interface, implements bank activation control, enforces isolation rules to prevent uncorrectable errors, and provides a framework for error correction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing assignments in the DQ symbol map are dynamically configurable based on detected memory defects and operational conditions. The system can adaptively reassign data paths to avoid defective regions while maintaining optimal performance, rather than using fixed static routing.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods described herein relate to a bi-directional data path (DQ) symbol map generated based on error correction operations. A device may include sub-wordline drivers and bi-directional data paths (DQs) that couple between the sub-wordline drivers and input/output (I/O) interface circuitry based on assignments indicated by the DQ symbol map. The assignments may be generated based on error correction operations performed on data of the memory bank. In particular, the DQ symbol map may be generated to avoid some conditions that, if occurring, may render one or more data errors uncorrectable. These systems and methods may reduce a likelihood of a data error associated with a DQ being uncorrectable.