Mark Table Entry Merging for Memory Error Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems face limitations in managing entries in mark tables of computer memory errors, as hardware mark tables are restricted to storing a single type of error and cannot indicate errors across broader or narrower sets of memory elements, leading to inefficient error tracking and correction.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying candidate mark table entries for merger, merging them into a single entry by removing one entry from the table, and using firmware mark tables to store more precise error information, allowing for efficient management and correction of memory errors across different regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hardware mark tables store a single type of error, then the hardware implementation is simple, but the error tracking capability is limited and cannot indicate errors across broader or narrower sets of memory elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mark table functionality into two separate components: a hardware mark table for storing general error types and a firmware mark table for storing specific error types. This segmentation allows each table to have optimized functionality while collectively providing comprehensive error tracking capability across different granularities of memory elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hybrid mark table system where hardware and firmware tables work together to provide multiple error tracking functions. The hardware mark table handles broad error categories while the firmware mark table handles specific error details, creating a universal error tracking system that operates at multiple levels of abstraction.
2Measurement precision
If multiple mark table entries track different error locations, then error tracking precision is improved, but the mark table size and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a merging mechanism that combines multiple mark table entries into a single consolidated entry when they represent the same error type or related error locations. This merging process maintains precise error location tracking by preserving essential error information while reducing the total number of entries and simplifying mark table management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a policy where redundant or duplicate mark table entries are identified and removed (discarded), while the essential error information is preserved and consolidated into remaining entries (recovered). This process eliminates unnecessary duplication and reduces mark table complexity while maintaining complete error tracking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Managing entries in a mark table of computer memory errors including identifying at least two mark table entries as candidates for merger, wherein each mark table entry indicates an error at a location in a computer memory; and merging the identified mark table entries into a single mark table entry, including removing one of the identified mark table entries from the mark table.