Memory ECC Output Interface for External Error Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory controllers external to integrated circuit memory devices lack access to error correction code (ECC) information, which is necessary for performing memory management functions like bad block management, re-mapping, and wear leveling, due to ECC logic being embedded within the device and not providing this information externally.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the memory device provides ECC information on an output port in response to a command from an external process, allowing the memory controller to receive and use this information for memory management functions, including supporting extended command sets that request ECC statistics and corrected data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ECC logic is embedded within the integrated circuit memory device, then error correction capability is improved, but access to ECC information by external memory controllers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts ECC information from the embedded ECC logic and makes it available through a dedicated output interface. The memory device includes an output interface that provides ECC information in response to commands from external controllers, effectively taking out the information that was previously trapped within the embedded ECC logic and making it accessible externally for memory management functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ECC information is made available externally, then memory management function capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional output interface that can provide both corrected data and ECC information based on command type. The same physical interface and underlying ECC logic serve dual purposes: correcting errors in data and providing statistical information about error correction activities, thereby achieving multiple functions without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of operating a memory device storing error correcting codes ECCs for corresponding data and including ECC logic to correct errors using the ECCs. The method includes correcting data using ECCs for the data on the memory device, and producing information on the memory device about the use of the ECCs. The method provides the ECC information on an output port of the device in response to a command received on an input port from a process external to the memory device. The present invention also provides a method of controlling a memory device. The method includes sending a command to the memory device requesting ECC information corresponding to data in the memory device, and receiving the ECC information from the memory device in response to the command. The method includes performing a memory management function using the ECC information.