Memory ECC Syndrome Circuits for Error-Rate-Based Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices with Error Correction Code (ECC) circuitry consume excessive power due to constant high correction power usage throughout the life cycle of the memory cells, despite varying physical and electrical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The ECC operation is optimized by splitting the ECC syndrome calculation into independently controlled portions, allowing activation on an as-needed basis, dynamically adjusting correction power based on the number of detected errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ECC circuitry operates at constant highest correction power throughout the memory cell life cycle, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ECC circuitry dynamically adjusts its correction power based on the actual error rate detected in the memory array. The system transitions from static highest-power operation to dynamic power levels that match the actual correction needs, reducing power consumption when fewer corrections are required while maintaining reliability when errors occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the ECC circuitry by adjusting the correction power level based on detected error conditions. The correction power is modified as a variable parameter rather than remaining fixed at maximum, allowing the system to adapt to varying memory cell characteristics throughout their life cycle
2Measurement precision
If ECC syndrome calculation is performed with full correction power, then error detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ECC syndrome calculation is performed with partial correction power rather than full correction power. The system applies just enough correction capability to detect and correct the actual number of errors present, avoiding the excessive power consumption of always using full correction power while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from error detection to adjust the correction power applied during syndrome calculation. The correction power is modulated based on the actual error rate observed, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a memory device comprising an array including a plurality of memory cells and an operating unit, the operating unit comprising an encoding unit configured to store user data in a plurality of memory cells of the memory array and to store parity data associated with the user data in a number of parity cells of the memory array, the operating unit further comprising a decoding unit in turn comprising a syndrome generating unit configured to calculate an ECC syndrome from the stored user data and parity data, wherein the syndrome generating unit comprises a plurality of circuit portions, each circuit portion being configured to calculate a respective syndrome portion of the ECC syndrome. The operating unit is configured to activate a first circuit portion of the syndrome generating unit for calculating a first syndrome portion, and, based on the calculated first syndrome portion, decide whether to activate or not to activate a second circuit portion for the calculation of a second syndrome portion. Related methods and systems are also herein disclosed.