Memory Controller Error Correction for Low-Power Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Volatile memory, such as DRAM, experiences errors due to insufficient refresh rates, leading to data loss and increased power consumption in low power modes, where errors accumulate and correction is resource-intensive upon mode transitions.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller with a control block and error correction block that selectively enables or disables error correction based on the memory's operation mode, using 'just in time' correction and validating error correction codes to avoid unnecessary recalculations, thereby optimizing resource usage and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error correction is continuously performed on memory data, then data accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error correction mechanism transitions from a static continuous operation to a dynamic selective operation. The system actively monitors memory operation modes and error rates, enabling error correction only when necessary (high error rate conditions or critical operation modes), thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining data accuracy when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of error correction based on memory error rates and operation modes. By adjusting the error correction activation threshold and frequency according to real-time memory conditions, the system optimizes the balance between data accuracy and power consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If memory refresh rate is reduced to save power, then power consumption is improved, but data error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors memory error rates and adjusts the error correction strategy accordingly. When error rates increase due to reduced refresh rates, the system activates error correction procedures to compensate, ensuring data reliability is maintained despite lower power consumption from reduced refreshing
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and corrects only the specific erroneous data portions that are detected, rather than continuously refreshing or correcting entire memory blocks. This targeted approach allows reduced refresh rates while maintaining data integrity through selective error correction
3Use of energy by moving object
If error correction is disabled in low power mode, then power consumption is reduced, but data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The error correction system dynamically adapts to low power modes by monitoring error rates and selectively activating correction only when errors are detected or predicted to occur, rather than maintaining continuous correction or completely disabling it. This ensures data protection during low power operation without the constant overhead of continuous error correction
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of apparatus, methods, systems, and devices are described herein for selective error correction in memory with multiple operation modes. In various embodiments, an error correction block (e.g., of a memory controller) may be configured to perform error correction on data read from a first portion of a memory based on a corresponding error correction code read from a second portion of the memory, and to calculate and store the error correction code. A control block coupled to the error correction block may be configured to selectively enable/disable the error correction block to perform the error correction, and to calculate and store the error correction code, based at least in part on a current operation mode of the memory.