Memory Module Reconfiguration for Multi-Unit Failure Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face issues with memory unit failures and noise susceptibility, leading to data integrity losses, especially when multiple memory units on a channel malfunction, and existing error correction codes may not be sufficient to maintain robustness.
Innovation Solution
The system configures a control device to utilize alternative memory units with reduced error correction code strength in place of malfunctioning units, allowing data to be stored and provided through multiple memory units, thereby maintaining system operation even when primary units fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error correction codes are used to protect against memory unit failures, then data integrity is improved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts error correction code strength based on the number and distribution of functional memory units. When multiple memory units fail on the same channel, the system reduces ECC strength from 8-bit to 4-bit correction, adapting the protection level to the actual hardware conditions rather than maintaining fixed maximum protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the error correction parameter (ECC strength) based on detected memory unit failures. The controller monitors memory unit status and modifies the ECC configuration from full strength (8-bit correction for 64-bit data) to reduced strength (4-bit correction) when operating in a degraded mode with fewer functional memory units.
2Reliability
If multiple memory units on the same channel malfunction, then data integrity is compromised, but utilizing alternative memory units increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into independent channels, where each channel has its own set of memory units. When memory units fail on one channel, the system can continue operating using memory units on other channels, isolating the failure impact to specific segments rather than affecting the entire memory system.
Solution Approach 2:
Memory units on different channels are made universally interchangeable through the reconfiguration mechanism. When a memory unit fails on channel 0, a functional memory unit from channel 1 can be reassigned to replace it, making the memory subsystem multi-functional where any channel can compensate for failures on other channels.
3Stability of the object's composition
If error correction code strength is reduced to maintain system operation, then system stability is improved, but error protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial error correction action by reducing ECC strength from full 8-bit correction to 4-bit correction when operating in degraded mode. This partial action is sufficient to handle the actual error rates experienced with fewer memory units while avoiding the excessive complexity and performance overhead of full-strength ECC when it is not strictly necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may determine that a first memory unit (MU) and a second MU of a first channel of a memory module are associated with an issue; may configure a control device to utilize a third MU in place of the first MU; and may configure the control device to utilize a fourth MU, of a second channel of the memory module, in place of the second MU. In one or more embodiments, multiple MUs of the first channel, other than the first and second MUs, may store a first portion of data; the fourth MU may store a second portion of the data; the multiple MUs, other than the first and second MUs, may provide the first portion of the data to a processor; and the fourth MU may provide the second portion of the data to the processor.