Error Check Function Verifier for Memory Subsystems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory subsystems face difficulties in generating artificial error correction code events for verifying error correction code handling, especially in systems with low bit error rates, leading to complicated and potentially harmful experiments during debugging.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an error check function verifier component that generates calibrated errors to create a controlled and reproducible environment for verifying error correction code handling, using dummy patterns and error instructions to simulate errors within the memory subsystem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional memory subsystems are used with low bit error rates, then data integrity is maintained, but generating artificial error correction code events becomes difficult and requires complicated experiments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a verification component that performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing expected error correction code values and error patterns before actual error detection is needed. This allows the system to proactively prepare verification data, eliminating the need for complex real-time experiments to generate artificial error events while maintaining data integrity through controlled verification processes.
2Ease of operation
If conventional memory subsystems are used, then normal operation is simple, but debugging error correction code handling requires complicated and potentially harmful experiments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a verification component as an intermediary between the memory subsystem and the debugging process. This intermediary component provides a controlled environment for error correction code verification by intercepting and managing error detection processes, allowing developers to test error handling mechanisms without executing complicated and potentially harmful experiments in the normal operational environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the error correction code verification process that can be independently executed without affecting normal memory operations. The verification component replicates error detection and correction functions in a isolated manner, allowing debugging activities to proceed parallel to normal operation without interference, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving debugging capability.
3Reliability
If error correction code verification is implemented, then functionality can be verified, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification component is designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes: it verifies error correction code handling, generates artificial error patterns for testing, and provides controlled verification environments. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate verification mechanisms, while still achieving comprehensive error correction verification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses include receiving, from a host, an error check functionality request for a memory device that stores encoded data. The encoded data is written to a verification portion of memory with at least one intentional error. A read command of the verification portion is initiated in response to the request. An error check functionality indicator is determined based on a result of the read command and a number of intentional errors in the encoded data. The error check functionality indicator corresponding to the number intentional errors in the encoded data is sent to the host.