Memory Read Error Compensation via Time-Domain State Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory technologies face challenges in accurately differentiating between high-impedance and low-impedance states due to small reading windows, which are further complicated by aging and temperature effects, leading to read errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for compensating read errors by determining states in the time domain, using a k-from-n code to identify valid assignments and processing states through error processing stages, ensuring accurate code word determination even in the presence of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If states are determined in the time domain with a small reading window, then reading speed is improved, but read errors increase due to difficulty in differentiating between high-impedance and low-impedance states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from impedance domain to time domain. By measuring the time at which states reach threshold values rather than measuring impedance directly, the system achieves both fast reading speed and high accuracy. The time domain measurement naturally separates overlapping states that would be indistinguishable in the impedance domain, eliminating the need for large reading windows while maintaining read accuracy.
2Productivity
If multiple states coincide within a temporal reading window, then reading efficiency is improved, but error detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading process into discrete time points corresponding to when each state reaches its threshold value. By assigning unique time stamps to each state transition, the system can process multiple coinciding states simultaneously while maintaining the ability to individually identify and verify each state's validity through error processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements error processing stages that provide feedback on the validity of detected states. When multiple states are detected within a reading window, the error processing verifies whether they form a valid code word, and if not, it identifies which states are likely erroneous and corrects them, thereby maintaining high reading efficiency while ensuring accuracy.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If temperature and aging effects are present, then memory operation continuity is maintained, but differentiation between states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring states in the impedance dimension to measuring them in the time dimension. This dimensional change makes the measurement independent of temperature and aging effects that primarily affect impedance characteristics. The time at which a state reaches its threshold value remains relatively stable despite environmental variations, thereby maintaining measurement precision over the memory's operational lifetime.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for compensating for a read error is disclosed, wherein each of n states are read from memory cells of a memory, the states being determined in a time domain. If the n states do not form a code word of a k-from-n code, a plurality of states from the n states, which were determined within a reading window, are provided with a first valid assignment and fed to an error processing stage. If the error processing does not indicate an error, the n states are further processed with the first valid assignment, and if the error processing indicates an error, the plurality of states that were determined within the reading window are provided with a second valid assignment and the n states are further processed with the second valid assignment. Accordingly, a device, a system and a computer program product are also disclosed.