NOR Flash Memory ECC Hardware Interrupt Error Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
NOR flash memory devices may be unaware of errors, treating data as error-free, which can adversely affect device operations, highlighting the need for effective error detection mechanisms to ensure data reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an error correction code (ECC) system that detects errors during read operations and flags them via a hardware interrupt, allowing devices to adjust operations and prevent further errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NOR flash memory is used for robust data storage, then data reliability is improved, but error detection capability deteriorates (device remains unaware of errors)
Solution Approach 1:
An interrupt node is introduced as an intermediary between the NOR flash memory and the device. This interrupt node receives signals from the memory component and triggers hardware interrupts when errors are detected, enabling the device to become aware of errors without compromising the existing reliable data storage capability of the NOR flash memory.
2Loss of information
If error detection mechanisms are added to NOR flash memory, then error detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt node serves as a simple intermediary that adds error detection capability without significantly increasing overall system complexity. It provides a minimal interface that enables error notification through hardware interrupts, avoiding the need for complex error management mechanisms within the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory component performs self-monitoring for errors and autonomously generates interrupt signals when errors are detected. This self-service approach allows error detection without requiring complex external monitoring systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Loss of time
If hardware interrupt is implemented for error notification, then error response time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces software-based error checking and polling mechanisms with hardware-based interrupt generation. This substitution of mechanical/software systems with hardware mechanisms enables rapid error notification through dedicated interrupt signals, significantly reducing error response time while adding minimal complexity through the use of standard hardware interrupt infrastructure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for operating a memory cell or cells are described. An error in stored data may be detected by an error correction code (ECC) operation during sensing of the memory cells used to store the data. The error may be indicated in hardware by generating a measurable signal on an output node. For example, the voltage at the output node may be changed from a first value to a second value. A device monitoring the output node may determine an error has occurred for a set of data based at least in part on the change in the signal at the output node.