Memory Metadata Sideband Routing for ECC Storage Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face challenges in efficiently storing error control information and metadata, which can lead to reduced diagnostic coverage and available memory storage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a memory device that receives error control information and metadata via a sideband channel and routes them to corresponding subsets of memory cells, using circuitry to process and identify these data types, thereby increasing storage capacity and diagnostic coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error control information and metadata are stored in the main memory array, then diagnostic coverage is improved, but available memory storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The memory array is divided into two distinct subsets: a first subset of memory cells dedicated to storing error control information and metadata, and a second subset for storing user data. This segmentation allows diagnostic coverage to be improved through dedicated error control storage while preserving main memory capacity for user data.
2Reliability
If error control information is communicated in-line with data, then diagnostic coverage is improved, but access time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates error control information communication from data communication by introducing a dedicated sideband channel for error control information, while data is communicated through main data channels. This allows parallel processing and eliminates the time penalty associated with in-line error control information.
Solution Approach 2:
A sideband channel acts as an intermediary communication path specifically for error control information, allowing it to be transmitted separately from data channels. This intermediary channel enables independent optimization of error control information transmission without impacting data access performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for metadata storage at a memory device are described to support storage of metadata information and error control information at a memory device. The metadata information and error control information may be received at the memory device via a sideband channel and corresponding pin. For example, a set of bits received via the pin may include a subset of error control bits and a subset of metadata bits. Circuitry at the memory device may receive the set of bits via the pin and may identify metadata information and error control information within the set of bits. The circuitry may route the metadata information to a corresponding subset of memory cells and the error control information to an error control circuit, where the error control circuit may route the error control information to a corresponding subset of memory cells.