Memory Domain Management for ECC Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of error correction codes in memory devices leads to an increase in memory size, resulting in unused memory space when ECC is not employed, which affects leakage currents and costs, particularly in low-power applications.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a first and second memory domain, where the second domain can store either data or ECC control bits, allowing for flexible management and reuse of memory space based on ECC usage, with processing means to determine addresses for efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error correction code is implemented in memory device, then data reliability is improved, but memory area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second memory domain is designed to serve multiple functions: it can store error correction control bits when ECC is enabled, or store additional data when ECC is disabled. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware resources to adapt to different application requirements, resolving the contradiction between providing ECC functionality and minimizing memory area overhead.
2Reliability
If error correction code is implemented in memory device, then data reliability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system incorporates dynamic configurability through a control signal that enables or disables ECC functionality at runtime. This dynamic approach allows the device to adapt its operational mode based on application requirements, providing reliability when needed while avoiding the cost penalty of permanently allocated ECC resources when not required.
3Reliability
If error correction code is implemented in memory device, then data reliability is improved, but leakage current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second memory domain is dynamically activated only when ECC functionality is required. When ECC is disabled, this memory domain remains inactive or is repurposed for data storage, significantly reducing leakage current. This dynamic power management approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining data reliability through ECC and minimizing energy loss in low-power applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising a memory device (MMD) having a first memory domain (DM1) for storing initial data at first addresses and a second memory domain (DM2) for storing, on command, either second data at second addresses or error-correcting code control bits associated with the initial data at third addresses