ECC H-Matrix Group Circulation for Multi-Bit Memory Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

As memory device capacity increases, producing a memory device with no defective memory cells becomes increasingly difficult, and existing error correction methods struggle to efficiently correct multi-bit errors in memory systems.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an ECC encoder and decoder circuit that operates on an H matrix, dividing the data portion into groups with circulating group matrices that shift positions during each cycle, enabling effective detection and correction of multi-bit errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If memory device capacity is increased, then storage capability is improved, but the probability of defective memory cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory capacityVSAvoiddefect-free probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The H matrix data portion is divided into N groups, with each group containing multiple column vectors. This segmentation allows the ECC circuit to process and verify errors in manageable segments, improving the ability to detect and correct multi-bit errors in high-capacity memory devices while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a specific H matrix structure with N groups and k circulating group matrices where k≥2. By changing the structural parameters of the error correction code (using circulating group matrices with position shifts), the system achieves enhanced error correction capability for high-density memory without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If existing error correction methods are used, then simple errors can be corrected, but multi-bit errors cannot be efficiently corrected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror correction capabilityVSAvoidmulti-bit error correction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces k group matrices that circulate through N groups with dynamic position shifts. This dynamic structure allows the ECC circuit to adaptively handle different error patterns, providing efficient correction for multi-bit errors while maintaining ease of operation through systematic matrix circulation and position tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the traditional error correction approach by organizing the H matrix into N groups with k circulating matrices operating across multiple dimensions. This multi-dimensional structure enables the system to efficiently correct multi-bit errors by distributing error detection and correction across different matrix positions and circulation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If group matrices circulate through N groups with position shifts, then multi-bit error correction is improved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-bit error correctionVSAvoidECC circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The k group matrices serve multiple functions: they detect errors, locate error positions, and correct multi-bit errors across N groups. By making these matrices universal and reusable through circulation, the circuit achieves high reliability for multi-bit error correction without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same matrices perform multiple error correction tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The group matrices circulate periodically through N groups with regular position shifts. This periodic action creates a predictable, rhythmic operation pattern that simplifies control logic and timing, reducing the actual circuit complexity despite the enhanced multi-bit error correction capability. The regular circulation pattern makes the complex operation manageable through systematic repetition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4611266A1Integrated circuit and memory system including ECC circuit
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SK HYNIX INC
  • EP4611266A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4611266A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611266A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An integrated circuit includes an ECC encoder circuit configured to operate an H matrix on transmission data, to generate a transmission parity to be transmitted together with the transmission data, the transmission parity corresponding to the transmission data; and an ECC decoder circuit configured to operate the H matrix on reception data and a reception parity to detect and correct an error in the reception data. A data portion of the H matrix is divided into N groups, and each of the N groups includes a group matrix portion for distinguishing groups and a non-group matrix portion for distinguishing bits within a corresponding group. The group matrix portion is used by k group matrices that circulate in the N groups, and each time the k group matrices circulate one round, positions of the k group matrices inserted in groups are shifted.