Memory Error Control Mode Switching for Correction and Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in configuring error control engines to perform both error correction and detection operations, leading to spatial, manufacturing, and cost challenges without additional circuitry, and often require customization for specific applications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an error control engine that can switch between error correction and detection modes based on configuration, enabling both single-bit error correction and high diagnostic coverage, while minimizing additional circuitry by incorporating a syndrome check for error detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an error control engine is configured to perform both error correction and detection operations, then diagnostic coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic coverageVSAvoiderror control engine configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The error control engine implements dynamic mode switching between error correction and error detection operations through a mode selection mechanism. The engine can be configured to perform different functions based on operational requirements, allowing a single engine to adaptively change its behavior rather than requiring separate dedicated engines for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The error control engine is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can perform both error correction and error detection operations. By integrating multiple functions into a single engine with configurable modes, the system avoids the need for separate dedicated engines, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive error handling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional circuitry is added to support both error correction and detection, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and spatial requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror control functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The error control engine is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can perform both error correction and error detection operations. By integrating multiple functions into a single engine with configurable modes, the system avoids the need for separate dedicated engines, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive error handling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines error correction and error detection functionalities into a single integrated error control engine. The engine merges the operational capabilities of what would traditionally require separate circuits, using a unified structure that can be configured to perform different functions, thus reducing spatial requirements and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If error control engine is customized for specific applications, then application performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidcustomization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The error control engine implements dynamic mode switching between error correction and error detection operations through a mode selection mechanism. The engine can be configured to perform different functions based on operational requirements, allowing a single engine to adaptively change its behavior rather than requiring separate dedicated engines for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves application-specific optimization by changing the operational parameters and mode of the error control engine rather than physically customizing the hardware. Through parameter configuration and mode selection, the same engine can be optimized for different applications, avoiding the need for separate customized hardware designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12567873B2Selective mode error control

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for selective modes for error control are described. A memory system may implement an error control engine supporting error correction operations and error detection operations. The error control engine may switch between an error correction mode and an error detection mode. The error control engine may receive data and error control information, generate additional error control information, and compare the received and generated error control information to detect one or more errors in the data. In some examples, the error control engine may be configured to operate in the error correction mode, and the error control engine may correct single-bit errors in the data. In other examples, the error control engine may be configured to operate in the error detection mode, and the error control engine may detect errors in the data and transmit an indication of the errors.