ECC Syndrome Segmentation for Lower Memory Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices with Error Correction Code (ECC) circuitry consume excessive power due to constant high correction power usage throughout the life cycle of the memory cells, which is not optimized based on the varying physical and electrical characteristics of the cells.
Innovation Solution
The ECC engine is structured to split the ECC syndrome calculation into independently controlled portions, allowing activation on an as-needed basis, dynamically adjusting correction power based on the number of detected errors to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ECC circuitry operates at highest correction power throughout the entire life cycle, then reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The ECC circuitry dynamically adjusts its correction power based on the actual condition of the memory cells. The system transitions from static full-power operation to dynamic adaptive operation, activating only the necessary correction strength required for the current cell state, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining adequate reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the ECC circuitry by adjusting the correction power level according to the memory cell characteristics at different stages of their life cycle. This parameter adaptation allows the ECC system to operate at optimal power levels matching the actual error rates, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing power consumption
2Reliability
If ECC syndrome calculation is performed with full correction power, then all error types are corrected, but circuit activation overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ECC syndrome calculation circuitry is segmented into multiple independently controllable portions or stages. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary calculation stages based on the detected error patterns, reducing the overhead of activating unnecessary circuit portions while maintaining complete correction capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only the minimum necessary ECC correction circuitry required for the actual error conditions present. Instead of always activating the full correction power, the system uses just enough correction strength to handle the detected errors, reducing circuit activation overhead while maintaining correction effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a memory device comprising an array including a plurality of memory cells and an operating unit, the operating unit comprising an encoding unit configured to store user data in a plurality of memory cells of the memory array and to store parity data associated with the user data in a number of parity cells of the memory array, the operating unit further comprising a decoding unit in turn comprising a syndrome generating unit configured to calculate an ECC syndrome from the stored user data and parity data, wherein the syndrome generating unit comprises a plurality of circuit portions, each circuit portion being configured to calculate a respective syndrome portion of the ECC syndrome. The operating unit is configured to activate a first circuit portion of the syndrome generating unit for calculating a first syndrome portion, and, based on the calculated first syndrome portion, decide whether to activate or not to activate a second circuit portion for the calculation of a second syndrome portion. Related methods and systems are also herein disclosed.