Flexible Memory Array Regions for Data and Metadata Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in efficiently storing and managing metadata, such as error correction codes, which can lead to increased errors and wasted storage space, and existing high-density on-chip SRAM solutions are costly and prone to soft errors.
Innovation Solution
A memory array configuration that allows flexible allocation of sections for data and metadata storage, using partial array meta mode registers to optimize storage and transmit metadata through non-data channels, reducing the need for separate connections and high-density SRAM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-density on-chip SRAM is used to store metadata, then metadata storage capability is improved, but system cost increases and susceptibility to soft errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metadata storage from high-density SRAM and places it in regular memory arrays. By using the same memory cells for both data and metadata through time-multiplexed operations, the system eliminates the need for separate high-density SRAM resources while maintaining metadata storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes regular memory cells serve dual purposes: storing data during write operations and storing metadata during read operations. This multi-functionality allows the same physical memory resources to handle both data and metadata, eliminating the need for dedicated high-density SRAM for metadata storage.
2Productivity
If separate connections are provided for metadata transmission, then metadata transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing data I/O connections perform dual functions by transmitting both data and metadata at different times. During write operations, connections transmit data to memory; during read operations, the same connections transmit metadata from memory. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated metadata transmission connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses time-multiplexed operations where connections alternately handle data transmission and metadata transmission. Write operations occur at specific time periods for data storage, while read operations occur at other time periods for metadata retrieval, allowing single connections to serve multiple purposes through periodic switching.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated metadata storage sections are allocated, then metadata management is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates due to wasted space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where memory sections can be flexibly assigned for data or metadata storage based on operational mode. The same memory cells are dynamically repurposed between data storage and metadata storage depending on whether the system is performing write or read operations, maximizing utilization of available storage resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses only the necessary portion of memory resources for metadata storage at any given time by time-multiplexing operations. Instead of permanently allocating fixed metadata sections that may remain unused, the system activates metadata storage functionality only when needed during read operations, thereby avoiding wasted storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for memory systems that support metadata. In a first aspect, a method includes receiving, from a host, a message comprising instructions to configure a first portion of a memory array for storage of data and metadata and to configure a second portion of the memory array for storage of only data and configuring the memory array in accordance with the received message. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.