Memory Controller Command Mirroring for Error Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices face inefficiencies in error correction operations, leading to reduced operating speed and increased time for data transfer and correction, particularly when error correction fails, as existing systems do not effectively handle failed operations without interrupting ongoing commands.
Innovation Solution
A controller for semiconductor memory devices is introduced, featuring a command mirroring unit that generates a second read command when initial error correction fails, allowing for error correction retries on specific code words while maintaining other operations, thus reducing the impact of failed corrections on overall system speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error correction operation is performed on code words stored in selected pages, then data reliability is improved, but operating speed deteriorates when error correction fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates a mirrored read command in advance before the error correction operation is completed. This mirrored command is stored in a mirroring storage unit and can be immediately executed if the initial error correction fails, eliminating the need to wait for the failed correction to fully complete before initiating a retry, thus maintaining operating speed while ensuring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing the mirrored read command to be executed concurrently with other commands in the command queue. When error correction fails, the system continuously retries using the mirrored command without interrupting the overall command processing flow, maintaining continuous useful action rather than halting for correction retries
2Measurement precision
If error correction retry is performed on failed code words, then data accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error correction process by identifying and isolating only the specific code words that failed correction. The mirrored read command is generated to target only these failed code words rather than re-reading entire pages, reducing the time consumption of retry operations while maintaining data accuracy for the problematic segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing error correction retry only on the specific code words that failed the initial correction, rather than re-correcting all code words in the page. This partial retry approach reduces time consumption while achieving the necessary data accuracy for the failed portions
3Device complexity
If traditional command queueing is used, then command processing is simplified, but overall system productivity decreases when error correction fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy (mirrored command) of the original read command and stores it in a separate mirroring storage unit. This copying mechanism allows the system to maintain the simple traditional command queue structure while having a ready-made backup command that can be immediately deployed if error correction fails, thus preserving simplicity while boosting productivity through failover capability
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes a command generation unit suitable for generating a first read command for at least one page selected from said plurality of pages, an error correction block suitable for performing a first error correction operation to one or more code words stored in said at least one selected page in response to the first read command, and a command mirroring unit suitable for generating a mirrored command by mirroring the first read command.