ECC Memory Write Masking Without Pre-Read Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory devices experience increased response time and power consumption due to the need for pre-reading data before executing a data masking operation, especially when handling Read Modify Write (RMW) commands, which can lead to unnecessary delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A memory device and system that includes a write command determination unit, a data modulation unit, and an error correction code (ECC) engine, which determines whether a write command is an RMW command and generates modulation data by combining read and write data, allowing for the activation of a column select signal before receiving the data masking signal, thereby reducing the time required for the RMW operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory device performs pre-reading of data before executing data masking operation, then the data masking operation can be completed, but the response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining whether a write command is an RMW command before the actual write operation begins. The write command determination unit identifies RMW commands in advance, allowing the system to prepare for the data masking operation without waiting until data is being written. This early determination enables subsequent optimizations like early column select signal activation, reducing the overall response time while ensuring complete data masking operation.
2Reliability
If the memory device waits for data masking signal before activating column select signal, then data masking can be properly executed, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines the command type (RMW or normal write) in advance before the write operation begins. This preliminary determination allows the column select signal to be activated earlier based on the command type identification, rather than waiting for the data masking signal. The system prepares the column selection in advance, knowing that an RMW command will follow, thus reducing the operation time while maintaining proper data masking execution through subsequent coordination with the actual masking signal.
3Reliability
If the memory device implements ECC circuit with data masking function on chip, then error correction capability is provided, but time loss occurs due to pre-reading requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action at multiple levels: first, the write command determination unit identifies RMW commands in advance; second, based on this early identification, the system can activate the column select signal earlier; and third, the ECC operation can be scheduled and executed more efficiently knowing the command type in advance. This multi-stage preliminary determination eliminates the need for conservative pre-reading delays, allowing the ECC circuit to operate with optimal timing while maintaining full error correction capability for both normal writes and RMW operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device, a memory system, and a method of operating the same. The memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells and a write command determination unit (WCDU) that determines whether a write command input to the memory device is (to be) accompanied a masking signal. The WCDU produces a first control signal if the input write command is (to be) accompanied by a masking signal. A data masking unit combines a portion of read data read from the memory cell array with a corresponding portion of input write data corresponding to the write command and generates modulation data in response to the first control signal. An error correction code (ECC) engine generates parity of the modulation data.