DRAM GCR Plane Metadata Mapping Without User Array Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
DRAM users face challenges in efficiently storing metadata without sacrificing array space for user data, as existing methods often require additional space or incur time penalties.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the global column redundancy (GCR) plane in DRAM to store metadata by mapping it to data using a portion of the column address, allowing simultaneous access to data and metadata in a single pass or two passes, depending on repair needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If metadata is stored in the memory array, then metadata storage capability is improved, but array space for user data is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metadata storage from the main memory array by utilizing the GCR plane, which is a separate redundancy structure. This allows metadata to be stored outside the primary data storage area, thereby preserving array space for user data while still providing dedicated metadata storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The GCR plane is originally designed for redundancy purposes but is made multi-functional by enabling it to store both redundant data and metadata. This universal utilization of existing infrastructure avoids the need for additional dedicated metadata storage space in the main array.
2Area of stationary object
If metadata is stored in separate storage space, then array space for user data is preserved, but storage access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges metadata storage with the existing GCR redundancy structure, allowing both redundant data and metadata to coexist in the same physical plane. This integration enables simultaneous access to both data and metadata through unified address decoding logic, eliminating the time penalty associated with separate storage access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces address mapping logic that acts as an intermediary between the controller and the GCR plane. This mediator translates logical addresses into physical locations within the GCR plane, enabling efficient direct access to metadata without requiring additional access cycles or complex coordination between separate storage structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A bank of a memory device may be divided into column planes. Each column plane may be associated with column selects. In some examples, a portion of a column plane associated with one column select may be used to store metadata associated with data of the remaining column selects. In some examples, the metadata may be mapped to the data based on a portion of a column address. In some examples, whether the memory device provides metadata responsive to a column address may be based on a value stored in a mode register. In some examples, the portion of the column plane associated with the one column select associated with metadata may also store error correction code data associated with the data of the remaining column selects.