FPGA Memory Controller ECC Path Switching for Critical Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in prolonging the lifespan of flash memory devices and ensuring reliable data storage and retrieval, particularly in determining the appropriate error correction paths for write and read operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory system comprising a memory controller with a first data processor and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) with a second data processor, which selects between normal and highly reliable data paths for write and read operations based on ECC encoding, allowing for sequential or bypassed ECC processing to optimize data integrity and storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential ECC processing is performed through both first and second ECC engines, then data reliability is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection between normal and highly reliable write paths based on data importance. The memory controller dynamically configures the write path: for important data, it enables sequential ECC processing through both first and second ECC engines; for general data, it uses a single ECC engine. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system's reliability level variable rather than fixed, allowing optimization between reliability and processing time on a per-data basis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of error correction processing to different data based on their importance. Important data receives enhanced dual ECC processing while general data receives standard single ECC processing. This local differentiation allows the system to concentrate reliability resources where they are most needed, improving overall data reliability for critical information without unnecessarily increasing processing time for all data.
2Reliability
If dual ECC engines are used for all data, then data security is improved, but storage capacity and processing efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial application of dual ECC processing only to important data rather than all data. The memory controller identifies important data and applies the more secure but slower dual ECC engine sequence only to these portions, while general data uses the faster single ECC engine path. This partial action approach improves data security for critical information without sacrificing the processing efficiency needed for overall system productivity.
3Speed
If normal write path is used, then processing speed is improved, but data integrity for important data may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between normal and highly reliable write paths based on data importance classification. The memory controller determines whether incoming data is important or general, then dynamically configures the appropriate write path: fast normal path for general data, slow but reliable highly reliable path for important data. This dynamic path selection resolves the contradiction by making processing speed and reliability variable according to data requirements rather than fixed for all data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of write processing to different data types. Important data receives the high-quality highly reliable write path with dual ECC processing, while general data receives the standard normal write path. This local quality differentiation ensures that data integrity is enhanced where it matters most without unnecessarily reducing processing speed for all data operations.
4Reliability
If highly reliable write path is always used, then data integrity is improved, but storage capacity and processing efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial use of the highly reliable write path, applying it only to important data rather than all data. The memory controller selectively activates the dual-ECC highly reliable path based on data importance, keeping the system configuration simple for general data while providing enhanced integrity where needed. This partial application reduces overall system complexity compared to always using the highly reliable path.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes; a memory device, a memory controller including a first interface, a second interface, and a first data processor having a first error correction code (ECC) engine, and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) including a third interface connected to the first interface, a fourth interface connected to the second interface, a fifth interface connected to an external host, and a second data processor having a second ECC engine. The memory controller may configure a normal write operation path or highly reliable write operation path.