Memory Agent Defect Isolation for Information Handling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face costly and time-consuming memory failures, as traditional methods require replacement or complex error correction, leading to system downtime and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system with a memory defect list on a non-volatile medium and a memory agent that identifies defective memory portions, prevents their allocation, and indicates their unusability to other components, eliminating the need for error correction codes or complex logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional memory replacement methods are used, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into functional and non-functional portions. The memory agent identifies defective memory locations and segments them out from the usable memory space, allowing the system to continue operating with the remaining functional portions while isolating defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory agent performs preliminary identification and marking of defective memory portions before they cause system failure. By proactively detecting and isolating defects, the system prevents future failures and avoids emergency replacement operations that would cause downtime.
2Reliability
If error correction code (ECC) memory is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory agent acts as an intermediary layer between the memory hardware and the system software. It intercepts memory access requests, checks them against the defect list, and redirects or blocks access to defective portions, providing error handling without requiring complex ECC logic in the memory hardware itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system performs self-diagnosis and self-repair through the memory agent, which automatically identifies defective portions and manages the defect list without external intervention. This eliminates the need for complex external error correction hardware while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If memory portions are marked as unusable, then reliability is improved, but memory capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of marking entire memory modules as unusable, the system applies local quality management by identifying and isolating only the specific defective portions (bits, words, or blocks) while leaving the rest of the memory capacity fully functional. This minimizes the impact on overall memory capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards only the minimal necessary memory portions that are defective and recovers the maximum possible capacity by keeping all functional portions available for use. The defect list enables precise tracking of what can and cannot be used, optimizing the balance between reliability and capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may comprise identifying one or more portions of the memory having defects. The method may also include storing one or more addresses in the memory defect list, each of the one or more addresses associated with a portion of the one or more identified portions. The method may further include indicating to components of an information handling system that the one or more identified portions are unusable such that the other components are prevented from allocating and using the one or more identified portions.