Hierarchical Memory Detectors for Accurate Row Hammer Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing row hammer detection algorithms are probabilistic and resource-intensive, leading to potential data corruption and inefficiencies in memory systems, while existing detectors are constrained by the computational power and size of memory devices, making them vulnerable to attacks and unable to accurately detect various types of row hammer events.
Innovation Solution
Implementing hierarchical detectors within a memory controller, comprising multiple row hammer detectors located in different portions of the controller, such as the central and back-end portions, to enhance detection accuracy and reduce false positives/negatives, utilizing smaller memory and power resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing row hammer detection algorithms are used, then detection capability is provided, but resource consumption increases and false positives/negatives occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory controller into multiple portions (central portion and back-end portion) and distributes row hammer detectors across these portions. This segmentation allows the detection function to be performed with reduced resource consumption in each portion while maintaining overall detection accuracy through coordinated operation of multiple detectors.
2Reliability
If existing row hammer detection algorithms are used, then detection capability is provided, but memory resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory resources by placing different row hammer detectors in different portions of the memory controller. Each detector uses a portion of the available memory resources, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive detection coverage while distributing and reducing the memory burden on any single detector.
3Reliability
If existing row hammer detection algorithms are used, then detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex detection task into multiple simpler detectors distributed across different portions of the memory controller. Each detector handles a specific portion of the detection workload, reducing the complexity of individual detectors while achieving comprehensive detection through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed detectors in different portions of the memory controller autonomously perform detection functions on their respective portions. Each detector operates independently to monitor row hammer attacks, reducing the need for complex centralized control logic and simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Reliability
If detectors are constrained by computational power of memory devices, then detection is performed, but detection accuracy decreases and vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function across multiple detectors in different portions of the memory controller, allowing each detector to operate within its local computational constraints while collectively providing comprehensive detection coverage that overcomes individual resource limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a number of memory devices and a controller coupled to one or more of the number of memory devices. The controller can include row hammer detection circuitry configured to receive signaling indicative of a row activation command having a row address, increment a row counter corresponding to the row address stored in a stored in a data structure in a register or storage device, determine whether the incremented row counter is greater than a row hammer threshold, and issue a row hammer mitigation command to mitigate row hammer.