Multi-Path ECC Decoder Architecture for Low Read Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current error correction technologies in memory systems face challenges in achieving low latency for error detection and correction, particularly in handling single and multi-errors in data transmission through memory channels.
Innovation Solution
The proposed ECC decoder architecture includes a syndrome calculation block, single-error decoding logic circuit, and multi-error decoding logic circuit, along with a path controller and uncorrectable error detector, which enables non-sequential output of corrected data by utilizing multiple paths for error detection and correction, including a fast path for no errors, a second path for single errors, and a third path for multi-errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single sequential decoding path is used for all error types, then the device complexity is reduced, but the latency increases due to processing all cases through the same path
Solution Approach 1:
The decoder is divided into multiple independent decoding paths: a fast path for no-error cases, a single-error path for single-bit errors, and a multi-error path for multiple errors. Each path is optimized for its specific error type, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall latency while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which decoding path to activate based on the syndrome calculation results. The path controller adjusts the decoding flow in real-time by detecting error types and routing to the appropriate path, enabling adaptive latency reduction without requiring all paths to be simultaneously active, thus balancing complexity and performance.
2Productivity
If multiple decoding paths are implemented for different error types, then the latency is reduced through parallel processing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoder architecture is segmented into distinct functional paths (fast path, single-error path, multi-error path) that can operate independently. This segmentation enables parallel processing capabilities where multiple paths can handle different codewords simultaneously, increasing productivity while keeping each individual path relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The syndrome calculation is performed in advance and used to pre-determine which decoding path should be taken before actual decoding begins. This preliminary error detection allows the system to prepare and activate the appropriate decoding path proactively, maximizing processing speed by avoiding runtime path switching and reducing overall decoder complexity through predetermined routing.
3Reliability
If error correction is performed sequentially for all errors before output, then the reliability is improved, but the latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the correction process based on detected error types and counts. For no-error cases, the fast path outputs data immediately without correction overhead. For single and multi-error cases, correction is performed only on affected bits using optimized algorithms appropriate to the error severity, reducing unnecessary processing time while maintaining correction reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The syndrome calculation performs preliminary error detection and classification before the actual correction process. By identifying error types and locations in advance through syndrome analysis, the system can prepare correction values proactively and apply them efficiently, ensuring reliable correction while minimizing the time spent on the correction process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An error correction code (ECC) decoder includes a syndrome calculation block and a path controller. The syndrome calculation block is configured to perform a syndrome calculation for generating a syndrome from a codeword. The path controller is configured to output data transmitted through first to third paths. The first path is a path for transmitting the codeword to the path controller when no error is detected. The second path includes a single-error decoding logic circuit, and the single-error decoding logic circuit corrects a single error of the codeword to transmit the corrected codeword to the path controller through the second path. The third path includes a multi-error decoding logic circuit, and the multi-error decoding logic circuit corrects at least two errors of the codeword to transmit the corrected codeword to the path controller.