Memory Device Control Error Reporting via Signal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices face challenges in effectively reporting and diagnosing control information errors, as they can detect errors but fail to provide detailed information on the cause or nature of the error, hindering the host device's ability to correct or avoid similar issues in subsequent communications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system where the memory device stores and transmits additional information, such as a portion of the corrupted control signal and memory state information, to the host device, allowing it to diagnose the error and take corrective measures, and enters a locked state to preserve data until the error is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory device detects control information errors, then error detection capability is improved, but the ability to diagnose and correct errors deteriorates due to lack of detailed error information
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device transmits feedback information (error indication, memory state information, and portion of control signal) back to the host device when an error is detected. This feedback mechanism enables the host to diagnose the error cause and implement corrective actions, resolving the contradiction between detecting errors and providing diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication protocol that carries detailed error information (memory state information and control signal portions) between the memory device and host device. This intermediary mechanism allows comprehensive error diagnostics without requiring complex changes to the existing memory interface architecture.
2Ease of operation
If the memory device transmits additional error information to the host, then error diagnostic capability is improved, but communication overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The error information transmission is segmented into distinct components: error indication signal, memory state information, and portion of control signal. This segmentation allows the host to process different types of information separately and efficiently, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting the entire control signal, the patent transmits only the relevant portion of the control signal that contains the error information. This partial action approach provides sufficient diagnostic data to the host while minimizing communication overhead and protocol complexity.
3Reliability
If the memory device enters a locked state to preserve data, then data integrity is improved, but system productivity decreases due to operation suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device enters a locked state as a preliminary protective action immediately upon detecting an error in control information. This preliminary locking prevents any potential data corruption from occurring, ensuring data integrity. The system then resumes normal operations after the error is diagnosed and corrected by the host, minimizing overall productivity impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The locked state acts as a cushioning mechanism that prevents error propagation to the memory array before corruption can occur. By implementing this protective measure beforehand, the system ensures data integrity while allowing for quick recovery and resumption of normal operations once the error source is addressed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for reporting control information errors are described. A state of a memory array may be monitored during operation. After detecting an error (e.g., in received control information), the memory device may enter a first state (e.g., a locked state) and may indicate to a host device that an error was detected, the state of the memory array before the error was detected, and/or at least a portion of a control signal carrying the received control information. The host device may diagnose a cause of the error based on receiving the indication of the error and/or the copy of the control signal. After identifying and/or resolving the cause of the error, the host device may transmit one or more commands (e.g., unlocking the memory device and returning the memory array to the original state) based on receiving the original state from the memory device.