ECC Bit-Flipping Circuit for Faster Multi-Bit Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ECC-based data storage systems face increased complexity and longer processing times due to aggressive scaling in semiconductor technology, leading to higher bit error rates and power consumption, as well as longer propagation delays.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of simplified ECC-based systems and methods that reduce the complexity of logic circuitry for bit error detection and correction, using techniques like bit flipping to quickly and accurately detect and correct single and multi-bit errors, thereby reducing integrated circuit layout area, power consumption, and processing times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ECC-based systems are used for data storage, then data integrity is maintained, but device complexity and processing time increase due to aggressive scaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error correction process into distinct functional blocks: syndrome calculation unit, error detection unit, and error correction unit. Each unit performs a specific function, allowing the system to maintain reliability while reducing overall complexity through modular design and independent optimization of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the error correction functionality from the main data processing path by implementing dedicated error correction code (ECC) circuits that operate independently. This extraction allows the main system to function with simpler logic while the specialized ECC units handle the complex error correction tasks.
2Reliability
If conventional ECC-based systems are used for data storage, then data integrity is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary error detection and correction by calculating syndromes and identifying errors before the main data processing completes. The syndrome calculation unit continuously monitors data integrity, and when errors are detected, the correction process is initiated immediately, reducing the overall processing time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements optimized error correction paths that can quickly correct common error types (such as single-bit errors) using predetermined correction algorithms. For cases where errors are detected but cannot be corrected within a threshold time, the system skips further correction attempts and proceeds with data processing, preventing time-consuming fallback procedures.
3Reliability
If conventional ECC-based systems are used for data storage, then bit error detection and correction is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic error checking rather than continuous monitoring, where the syndrome calculation unit operates at specific intervals based on data throughput and error probability. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous error correction while maintaining adequate detection and correction capability for the applied parity bits.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of correcting one or more bit errors in a memory device includes retrieving a codeword from a memory device. The codeword includes a data and an error correcting code. The method further includes determining whether the one or more bit errors are present in the retrieved codeword and correcting the retrieved codeword for the one bit error in response to determining one bit error is present in the retrieved codeword. The method also includes flipping a bit of the retrieved codeword in response to determining a plurality of bit errors is present in the retrieved codeword and correcting the retrieved codeword for the plurality of bit errors based on the bit-flipped codeword.