ECC Decoder Pipeline for Variable-Latency Frame Reordering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Newer error correction code (ECC) decoder designs, such as iterative low density parity check (LDPC) and Reed Solomon decoders, exhibit variable processing latency, leading to potential delays and increased memory requirements due to unpredictable processing times, which can result in data loss or errors if not adequately managed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an ECC decoder that allows for out-of-order processing, where data can be processed through different stages simultaneously, reducing the overall processing time and memory requirements by enabling data to be processed in stages without waiting for previous data to complete all iterations, and using management processes to reorder corrected data frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If iterative ECC decoders (LDPC, Reed Solomon) are used to improve error correction capability, then reliability is improved, but processing latency increases and becomes variable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the decoding process into multiple independent stages (syndrome computation, error location, error magnitude calculation, etc.) that can be executed in parallel. Different data units can progress through different stages simultaneously, allowing the system to maintain high reliability through complete iterative decoding while reducing overall latency through parallel processing of decoding sub-tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic pipeline processing where the decoder adapts its processing flow based on data readiness and stage completion status. Multiple data units are processed through the pipeline dynamically, with each unit advancing to the next stage as soon as prerequisites are met, rather than waiting for complete decoding of previous units. This dynamic approach reduces variable latency while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If out-of-order processing is implemented to reduce processing time, then productivity is improved, but data ordering and integrity become more complex to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffer memory and sequencing logic as intermediary components between the parallel processing stages and the output. These intermediaries temporarily store processed data units and reorder them according to their original sequence before final output. This allows out-of-order processing to proceed in parallel stages while maintaining data integrity and proper ordering at the output, managing the complexity through dedicated buffer management rather than complex coordination across all stages.
3Productivity
If variable latency processing is allowed to improve throughput, then productivity is improved, but memory requirements increase to handle out-of-order completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested buffer structure where smaller buffers are embedded within larger buffering hierarchies. Stage buffers hold data temporarily during transitions between processing stages, while deeper memory buffers handle out-of-order completion scenarios. This nested approach allows the system to manage variable latency and out-of-order processing with minimized memory requirements at each level, rather than requiring large uniform memory allocations.
Data Source
AI summary
Processing a sequence of data frames in an error correction code (ECC) decoder is disclosed. Processing includes receiving a first data frame in the sequence of data frames, storing the first data frame, initiating processing of the first data frame through the ECC decoder, receiving a second data frame from the input sequence of data frames, storing the second data frame, and initiating processing of the second data frame through the ECC decoder before the first data frame is finished being processed through the ECC decoder.