ECC Memory Field Writes Without Read-Modify-Write Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems with error correcting code (ECC) circuitry require time-consuming read-modify-write operations when updating a portion of a data value, which is inefficient and undesirable in many applications.
Innovation Solution
A data storage circuit that writes data fields into an ECC protected memory without performing a read-modify-write operation by initializing the ECC value to zero and updating it independently for each field being written, using a control circuit to manage the ECC generation and storage without reading any portion of the existing data value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If read-modify-write operation is performed to update a data field in ECC protected memory, then data integrity and error correction are maintained, but write time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data value into multiple independently writable fields, allowing individual field updates without requiring read-modify-write operations on the entire data value. Each field can be updated independently while maintaining ECC protection, thus improving write speed without sacrificing data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-computing and storing ECC values for each field independently. When a field needs to be updated, the system uses the pre-stored ECC values and the new field value to compute an updated ECC value directly, eliminating the need for read-modify-write operations and improving write efficiency.
2Reliability
If read-modify-write operation is performed to update a data field, then error correction is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the data into independently writable fields with separate ECC values, the patent enables parallel and independent updates of individual fields. This eliminates the sequential read-modify-write process, significantly reducing update time while maintaining error correction capabilities through independent ECC management for each field.
3Reliability
If traditional ECC update method is used, then data protection is ensured, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the data value into multiple fields, each with its own independent ECC value. This allows the ECC circuitry to operate independently on each field during updates, simplifying the overall ECC operation complexity and reducing operational overhead compared to managing a single large ECC value for the entire data value.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves performance by allowing independent writing of data fields without affecting other fields, reducing the complexity of the ECC read-back path and enhancing computation efficiency during data updates.
Implementation Method 1
The ECC generation circuit includes a first layer of exclusive-OR circuitry and a second layer of exclusive-OR circuitry. The first layer of exclusive-OR circuitry includes inputs coupled only to a port that provides a field value to be written into one of the independently writable fields.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage circuit includes memory, an error correcting code (ECC) storage circuit, and control circuitry. The memory is configured to store a data value comprising a plurality of fields. Each of the fields is independently writable. The ECC storage circuit is configured to store an ECC value corresponding to the data value. The control circuitry is configured to receive a field value to be written into one of the fields, and store the field value in the one of the fields by writing only the field value to the memory. The control circuitry is also configured to retrieve the ECC value from the ECC storage circuit, compute an updated ECC value based on the ECC value retrieved from the ECC storage circuit and the field value, and store the updated ECC value in the ECC storage circuit.