Multi-Strength Reed-Solomon Outer Coding for Faster Error Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage and communication systems face challenges in providing effective error correction as technology advances to smaller dimensions and increased data storage needs, with existing error correction methods being complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a two-level data protection system using low density parity check (LDPC) inner codes and multiple-strength Reed-Solomon outer codes, where the strength of the Reed-Solomon codes is varied by adjusting code length, data length, parity length, and symbol size, and iteratively decoding between inner and outer codes to enhance error correction performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional error correction methods are used, then data protection is provided, but the system complexity increases and error correction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the error correction system into two distinct levels: inner codes (LDPC) applied to individual sectors and outer codes (Reed-Solomon) applied to groups of sectors. This segmentation allows each code type to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high error correction performance. The inner code handles basic sector-level errors, while the outer code provides additional protection at the track level, creating a hierarchical structure that is more manageable than a single complex code system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable strength Reed-Solomon outer codes where the code parameters (data length K, parity length R, symbol size S) can be dynamically adjusted based on the required protection level and storage constraints. By changing these parameters, the system can adapt to different error rates and storage capacities without requiring a complete system redesign, thus managing complexity while maintaining reliability across varying operating conditions.
2Reliability
If stronger error correction codes are applied, then data integrity improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an iterative decoding process where the inner and outer codes are decoded alternately in multiple passes. In each iteration, the inner code is decoded first, then the outer code, and this process repeats until convergence or a maximum number of iterations is reached. This partial action approach allows the system to achieve high data integrity through multiple refined correction passes rather than attempting to correct all errors in a single complex operation, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable strength outer codes are used, then adaptability to different storage needs improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic code strength adjustment by allowing the outer Reed-Solomon code parameters to be varied based on storage requirements and error conditions. The system can dynamically select different code strengths (different K, R, S values) to match the actual storage capacity and error rates encountered, making the system adaptable to changing conditions without requiring multiple fixed code configurations, thus managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A coding device, such as a memory device or communication system, comprising encoder circuitry configured to encode data into inner codewords and multiple-strength Reed-Solomon outer codewords, the Reed-Solomon outer codewords including weak strength, mid-strength, and strong strength. The strength of the codewords can be varied by changing at least one of the code length N, data length K, parity length R, symbol size S and code rate K/N.