ECS Operation Resume Controller for Semiconductor Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor systems, error check scrub (ECS) operations are inefficient as they often repeat at specific addresses or omit others, leading to unreliable data storage due to the lack of a method to track and resume ECS operations across power cycles.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor system that includes a controller and memory apparatus capable of counting ECS operations, storing ECS information, and resuming ECS operations from previously completed locations after power-off and boot-up, ensuring consistent data integrity by performing ECS operations from previously addressed locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ECS operations are performed sequentially on all memory regions, then data reliability is improved through error detection and correction, but operation time increases and efficiency decreases due to repeated operations at specific addresses or omission of others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing ECS operation status information (including address information and operation count) in non-volatile memory before power-off. This allows the system to resume ECS operations from the correct address after power restoration, avoiding repeated operations at already-processed addresses and eliminating omission of addresses that need processing, thereby reducing total operation time while maintaining data reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the stored ECS operation status information to control the progression of ECS operations. The address information and operation count serve as feedback mechanisms that guide the ECS controller to proceed systematically through memory regions, ensuring each address is processed exactly once and preventing both repetition and omission, thus optimizing operation time while preserving data integrity
2Reliability
If ECS operations are performed on all memory regions, then data integrity is enhanced through comprehensive error checking, but device complexity increases due to the need to track and manage ECS operation states across power cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting only the essential ECS operation status information (address information and operation count) from the complete ECS operation state and storing it in non-volatile memory. This selective extraction minimizes the complexity of the tracking mechanism while still providing sufficient information to resume operations correctly, avoiding the need to manage the entire ECS operation state across power cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a simplified representation of the ECS operation state in the form of address information and operation count that can be stored in non-volatile memory. This copy contains only the critical data needed to resume operations, reducing the complexity burden compared to maintaining the full operational state, while still enabling comprehensive error checking across all memory regions
3Productivity
If ECS operations are resumed after power-off, then operation efficiency is improved by avoiding repetition, but loss of information occurs without a mechanism to track previously completed addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing address information and operation count in non-volatile memory before power-off occurs. This preliminary storage of critical tracking information ensures that when power is restored, the system can immediately resume ECS operations from the correct address without repetition or omission, thereby improving operation efficiency while preventing loss of address tracking information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the ECS system to automatically retrieve and use the stored address information and operation count to determine where to resume operations. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention or complex restart procedures, improving operation efficiency while ensuring that address tracking information is preserved and utilized correctly
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor system includes a controller configured to count the number of error check scrub (ECS) operations and configured to generate ECS information that includes information with regard to an address at which the ECS operation is to be performed based on the number of ECS operations. The semiconductor system further includes a memory apparatus configured to perform the ECS operation on a region that is selected by the ECS information.