Skip Inconsistency Correction in Non-Volatile Memory Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent column skipping in non-volatile memory devices leads to data errors due to defects in the skipping mechanism, causing memory controllers to write or read from incorrect columns, resulting in superfluous or missing data values.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system with a skip circuit that identifies faulty memory units, detects skip inconsistencies, and corrects them by shifting data to avoid bad columns during read and write operations, using a combination of hardware and software components to maintain a record of faulty units and correct read data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If column skipping is implemented to avoid defective memory units, then data errors from bad columns are prevented, but skip inconsistencies may occur causing superfluous or missing data values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the memory controller monitors read operations to detect skip inconsistencies. When a inconsistency is detected (superfluous or missing data values), the controller generates a correction by adjusting the read data accordingly, feeding back the corrected data to ensure accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism between the raw read data and the final output data. The memory controller acts as a mediator that detects inconsistencies in the read data stream and applies corrections by adding or removing data values to restore proper data alignment and accuracy.
2Reliability
If a memory controller skips columns during write operations based on a bad column register, then defective columns are avoided, but inconsistent skipping during read operations can cause data misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller uses feedback from monitoring read operations to detect when skip inconsistencies occur. When data misalignment is detected, the controller applies corrections by adjusting the read data stream to realign it with the expected data positions, ensuring measurement precision is restored.
3Reliability
If column skipping is used to handle manufacturing defects, then defective memory units are excluded from operation, but the skipping mechanism itself may introduce errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of skip inconsistencies into a detectable condition. By monitoring for superfluous or missing data values caused by inconsistent skipping, the system identifies these errors and applies corrections, thereby transforming the harmful skip mechanism errors into correctable anomalies that improve overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of read operations to detect skip inconsistencies. When errors introduced by the skipping mechanism are detected (such as data misalignment), the feedback loop triggers correction actions to eliminate these harmful effects and restore data integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for skip inconsistency correction. A skip circuit is configured to skip memory units for read operations and write operations of a memory array, based on a record of memory units identified as faulty. A skip inconsistency detection circuit is configured to detect a skip inconsistency in read data from a memory array. A correction circuit is configured to correct a skip inconsistency and output corrected read data.