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 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 allows for the determination of whether a write command is an RMW command and generates modulation data by combining read and write data, thereby reducing the need for pre-reading and optimizing the write operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pre-reading data is performed before executing masking operation for RMW commands, then data masking accuracy is improved, but 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 occurs. The write command determination unit analyzes the command type in advance, and only activates the data modulation unit for RMW commands, avoiding unnecessary pre-reading for normal write commands while ensuring proper masking for RMW commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the data modulation unit's operation conditional rather than static. The unit is activated only when the write command determination unit identifies an RMW command, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its operation mode based on the specific command type, thereby optimizing both speed and accuracy.
2Reliability
If pre-reading data is performed before executing masking operation, then data masking functionality is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the command type using the write command determination unit before activating the data modulation unit. This early identification ensures that pre-reading and modulation operations are only performed when necessary for RMW commands, maintaining data masking functionality while avoiding unnecessary power consumption for normal write commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing data modulation only for the specific case of RMW commands rather than for all write commands. The data modulation unit is selectively activated based on command type determination, performing the expensive operation (pre-reading and modulation) only partially and only when required, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliability for RMW operations.
3Productivity
If data modulation unit is always activated for write commands, then RMW command processing is improved, but normal write command efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the write command processing into two distinct paths: normal write commands and RMW commands. The write command determination unit divides the incoming write commands based on their type, routing RMW commands through the data modulation unit while allowing normal write commands to proceed directly to the memory cell array, thereby optimizing both pathways for their respective purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the processing path based on the command type. The data modulation unit is conditionally activated only for RMW commands identified by the write command determination unit, allowing the system to adapt its operation in real-time. This dynamic approach ensures high efficiency for RMW commands while maintaining fast response times for normal write commands.
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.