Post ECC Registers for Cache Metadata Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent access of local arrays and multiple error correction code (ECC) operations in memory systems for cache metadata lead to excessive power consumption and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing post ECC registers that store metadata after performing ECC operations, allowing updates without frequent access to the local array, thereby reducing ECC operations and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent access to local arrays is performed for cache metadata management, then metadata can be updated and maintained, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the metadata storage and update process into two parts: frequently accessed metadata is kept in registers while less frequently accessed metadata remains in the local array. This segmentation allows the system to reduce array accesses (which consume significant power) while maintaining metadata management reliability through the register cache.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-loading metadata into registers before it is needed for processing. This allows subsequent metadata operations to be performed in the register rather than requiring repeated accesses to the power-consuming local array, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple ECC operations are performed on cache metadata, then data integrity is ensured, but performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments ECC operations into two stages: initial ECC operations are performed on metadata before it is loaded into the register, and subsequent ECC operations are minimized or eliminated during register-based metadata updates. This segmentation reduces the total number of ECC operations required while maintaining data integrity through the initial comprehensive ECC check.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of metadata in the register that can be updated without requiring repeated ECC operations on the original array-stored metadata. This copying mechanism allows performance improvement by avoiding multiple ECC operations while maintaining data integrity through the registered copy that can be refreshed less frequently.
3Reliability
If local array is accessed frequently for metadata updates, then metadata remains current, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments metadata into two categories: hot metadata that is frequently accessed and kept in fast registers, and cold metadata that remains in the local array. This segmentation reduces access time for frequently used metadata while maintaining metadata currency through periodic updates from the array to the register cache.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-loading metadata into registers before processing operations require it. This preliminary loading into faster storage reduces the time required for subsequent metadata accesses while maintaining currency through strategic updates from the local array when data changes occur.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for post error correction code (ECC) registers for cache metadata are described. A device may read metadata from a memory array included in the device. The metadata may include information for operating a volatile memory as a cache for a non-volatile memory. The device may perform an ECC operation on the metadata based on reading the metadata from the memory array. After performing the ECC operation on the metadata, the device may write the metadata to a register that is coupled with the memory array. The device may then write the metadata from the register to the memory array.