Memory Command Execution With Parallel EDC and Delayed Writes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory systems face bottlenecks in data throughput due to the sequential execution of commands following error detection and correction (EDC) operations, which can lead to reduced performance and increased latency, especially at high clock speeds.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where commands are decoded and executed in parallel with EDC operations, allowing immediate execution of non-write operations and delaying write operations until EDC verification is complete, thereby reducing command execution latency and maintaining data integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If commands are executed sequentially after EDC operations, then data integrity is ensured, but data throughput is reduced and command execution latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoiddata throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the execution timing of commands based on their type. Non-write commands are executed immediately without waiting for EDC verification, while write commands are delayed until EDC verification completes. This dynamic approach optimizes throughput for read operations while maintaining data integrity for write operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments command handling into two distinct paths: one for non-write commands that bypass EDC verification for immediate execution, and another for write commands that wait for EDC verification. This segmentation allows different handling strategies for different command types, improving overall system throughput while maintaining necessary reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If write operations are delayed until EDC verification is complete, then data integrity is maintained, but command execution latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidcommand execution latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different quality requirements to different command types. Write commands require full EDC verification before execution to ensure data integrity, while non-write commands can be executed immediately without such verification. This localized application of verification requirements minimizes unnecessary delays while maintaining integrity where critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If parallel decoding and execution of commands is implemented, then data throughput is enhanced, but the complexity of command handling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidcommand handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic control logic that determines execution timing based on command type. The system automatically adjusts whether to wait for EDC verification or execute immediately based on whether the command is a write or non-write operation, managing complexity through adaptive control rather than rigid sequential processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a command analysis mechanism that acts as an intermediary between command reception and execution. This intermediary analyzes the command type and routes it to the appropriate execution path, managing the complexity of parallel handling through structured decision logic that simplifies the overall control flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8037390B2Memory system and command handling method
Publication Date: 2011.10.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8037390B2 patent drawing
  • US8037390B2 patent drawing
  • US8037390B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory system including a memory controller and a memory and a related method are disclosed. The method includes communicating a command and error detection/correction (EDC) data associated with the command from the memory controller to the memory, decoding the command and executing an EDC operation related to the EDC data in parallel, and if the command is a write command, delaying execution of a write operation indicated by the write command until completion of the EDC operation, else immediately executing an operation indicated by the command without regard to completion of the EDC operation.