NV Memory ECC Look-Ahead Encoding to Eliminate Write Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face challenges with encoding delays and data transfer vacancies during error correction code processing in MLC flash memories, leading to complexities in circuit architecture and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A non-volatile memory accessing method using look-ahead processing for data protection, where the memory controller generates parity codes through look-ahead type encoding, allowing for simultaneous encoding and output of partial parity codes, thereby reducing delays and vacancies in data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional encoding methods are used in MLC flash memory, then data protection is achieved, but encoding delays occur and circuit architecture becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing encoding results in a lookup table before they are needed. The encoder queries the lookup table to obtain pre-computed parity bits, eliminating the need for real-time matrix multiplication calculations and thus removing encoding delays while maintaining data protection through ECC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the encoding process into two parts: (1) pre-computation of encoding results stored in lookup table memory, and (2) real-time querying of the lookup table. This segmentation allows the complex matrix multiplication to be performed offline and stored, while online encoding becomes a simple table lookup operation.
2Reliability
If traditional encoding methods are used in MLC flash memory, then data protection is achieved, but circuit architecture becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action to pre-compute and store all possible encoding results in a lookup table during device initialization or manufacturing. This transforms the complex real-time matrix multiplication circuit into a simple memory read operation, dramatically simplifying the circuit architecture while preserving ECC data protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the encoding results in the form of a lookup table, storing pre-computed parity bits for all possible message inputs. This copying approach replaces the need for complex real-time computation circuits with simple memory structures, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining encoding functionality.
3Loss of time
If look-ahead processing is implemented, then encoding delays are eliminated, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-computing encoding results and storing them in a lookup table before they are needed. This eliminates encoding delays by making encoding results immediately available through table lookup, while the additional processing step of table construction is performed offline during initialization rather than during data encoding operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile (NV) memory accessing method using data protection with aid of look-ahead processing, and associated apparatus such as memory device, controller and encoding circuit thereof are provided. The NV memory accessing method may include: receiving a write command and data from a host device; obtaining at least one portion of data to be a plurality of messages, to generate a plurality of parity codes through look-ahead type encoding, wherein regarding a message: starting encoding a first partial message to generate a first encoded result; applying predetermined input response information to a second partial message to generate a second encoded result, and combining the first and the second encoded results to generate a first partial parity code; and starting encoding the message to generate a second partial parity code, and outputting the first and the second partial parity codes to generate a parity code; and writing into the NV memory.