Forwarded Code Word Address for Memory Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing systems face challenges in maintaining reliable data storage due to memory cells wearing out, leading to unreliable code words, which can result in faulty bits and reduced system reliability, especially when error recovery capabilities are exceeded.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a forwarded code word format and structure that includes duplicates of a forwarding address and error control bits to facilitate low-latency operations and proactive management of code word reliability, allowing for efficient identification and replacement of unreliable code words without the need for separate tables or indexing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error correction codes are used to protect against faulty bits, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error correction function from complex external algorithms and embeds it directly into the memory address structure itself. The forward code word address contains built-in redundancy that enables error detection and correction without requiring separate error correction code blocks, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the address identification function with the error correction function into a single integrated structure. The forward code word address simultaneously serves as both the location identifier and the error protection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate error correction tables and reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If proactive code word forwarding is implemented to replace unreliable code words, then reliability is improved, but latency may increase due to additional operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively identifying and replacing unreliable code words before they cause errors. The system monitors code word health and performs forwarding operations in advance, preventing potential failures rather than reacting to them, thus maintaining reliability without significant latency penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a code word manager as an intermediary component that handles the forwarding logic. This mediator efficiently manages the replacement process by maintaining mappings between old and new code word addresses, enabling fast substitution without requiring complex search operations or interrupting the main data access path.
3Reliability
If separate tables and indexing functions are used to track code word status, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the code word status tracking function directly into the code word address structure itself. The forward code word address contains embedded indicators that show whether a code word is reliable and needs forwarding, eliminating the need for separate tracking tables and reducing both device complexity and memory usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the code word address structure multi-functional by embedding both identification and status information within the same structure. The address serves as both the location pointer and the reliability indicator, allowing a single data structure to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate tables.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for forwarding a code word address are described. A memory subsystem, for example, may configure a code word including user data as a forwarded code word when the code word becomes unreliable or invalid close to or beyond an error recovery capability of the memory subsystem. The memory subsystem may configure the forwarded code word using a forwarded code word format and structure, which may include a bit field in the forwarded code word to indicate a code word condition and to store a quantity of duplicates of a forwarding address. When the memory subsystem receives a code word, the memory system may determine the code word as a forwarded code word such that the memory system may determine a forwarding address (e.g., from the code word). The memory subsystem may then use the forwarding address to access user data.