MRAM Patrol Read Interval Adjustment via Environmental Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems using magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) face errors due to data retention influenced by external environmental temperature and magnetic fields, lacking effective methods for error detection and prevention.
Innovation Solution
A memory system incorporating an MRAM, temperature sensor, magnetic sensor, and memory controller that stores write/erase count, patrol read execution time information, and patrol read intervals based on temperature, magnetic field intensity, and write/erase count, dynamically determining patrol read execution frequency to minimize data loss and system delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patrol read operation is performed frequently to detect data retention errors, then data reliability is improved, but system processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the patrol read execution time interval adjustable rather than fixed. The memory controller dynamically determines the patrol read execution time interval based on environmental temperature, magnetic field intensity, and write/erase count. When environmental conditions are favorable (lower temperature, weaker magnetic field), the interval is extended to reduce processing delays. When conditions are unfavorable (higher temperature, stronger magnetic field), the interval is shortened to maintain data reliability, thus dynamically optimizing the balance between reliability and processing delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of patrol read execution time interval based on multiple factors including environmental temperature, magnetic field intensity, and write/erase count. By monitoring these parameters and adjusting the patrol read interval accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between detecting data retention errors and minimizing system processing delays. This parameter-based adjustment allows the system to perform patrol reads more frequently when needed and less frequently when conditions permit, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
2Productivity
If patrol read execution time interval is extended to reduce processing delays, then system performance is improved, but data loss risk increases under harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring environmental temperature, magnetic field intensity, and write/erase count, then using this information to adjust the patrol read execution time interval. The memory controller receives feedback from environmental sensors and operational status, processes this information, and dynamically modifies the patrol read interval to maintain appropriate data protection levels while optimizing system performance. This feedback loop ensures that system performance is improved when conditions allow, while data retention reliability is maintained when environmental conditions become harsh.
3Ease of operation
If patrol read is performed at fixed intervals regardless of environmental conditions, then system operation is simplified, but error detection capability deteriorates under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the memory system to automatically adjust its own patrol read execution time interval based on monitored environmental conditions and operational parameters. The memory controller autonomously determines the optimal patrol read interval by processing information from temperature sensors, magnetic field sensors, and write/erase count data, without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration. This self-adjusting mechanism maintains error detection capability under varying environmental conditions while keeping system operation relatively simple, as the adjustment occurs automatically based on predefined criteria.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces data loss from errors caused by data retention by optimizing patrol read frequency according to environmental conditions, maintaining system performance by adjusting patrol read intervals based on temperature, magnetic field strength, and write/erase count, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing processing delays.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the memory system
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor for measuring an intensity of a magnetic field of the memory system
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system including an MRAM; a memory controller; a temperature sensor; and a magnetic sensor. In the MRAM, write/erase count information, patrol read execution time information, and patrol read information defining a patrol read execution time interval for combinations of a temperature, an intensity of a magnetic field, and a write/erase count are stored. The memory controller acquires the temperature from the temperature sensor, acquires the intensity of the magnetic field from the magnetic sensor, acquires from the patrol read information the patrol read execution time interval corresponding to the combination of the temperature, the intensity of the magnetic field, and the write/erase count, and determines whether or not a patrol read shall be executed by comparing the elapsed time from the previous patrol read execution time with the acquired patrol read execution time interval.