Staircase Code Decoding for Small-Sector Storage Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional staircase codes require large code words arranged in multiple large blocks for effective error correction, which is inefficient for applications like storage systems that handle smaller data sectors, wasting processing and power resources.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a staircase code error correction scheme with efficient decoding mechanisms for smaller data requests, using a combination of small block staircase codes and outer BCH codes to maintain error correction capabilities while reducing block sizes, and employing a decoder circuit that calculates syndromes in parallel for horizontal and vertical component codewords.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional staircase codes are used with large code words arranged in multiple large blocks, then error correction capabilities are improved, but processing time and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror correction capabilitiesVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large code word into multiple smaller code words arranged in a staircase pattern. Each small code word can be decoded independently or in combination with adjacent ones, allowing the system to process smaller data sectors without requiring full large-block decoding. This segmentation enables flexible decoding where only necessary portions need to be processed, reducing overall processing time while maintaining error correction capabilities through the staircase structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional staircase codes are used with large code words arranged in multiple large blocks, then error correction capabilities are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror correction capabilitiesVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the code into smaller blocks arranged in a staircase pattern, the system can activate only the necessary decoding circuits for the specific data sector being accessed. This avoids powering up entire large-block decoding infrastructure, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate error correction through the distributed staircase structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The staircase code structure enables local quality by allowing different regions of the code to have different decoding resources allocated. Hot spots or frequently accessed data sectors can have enhanced local error correction capability, while less critical areas use minimal resources, optimizing overall power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If traditional staircase codes are used with large code words, then error correction capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror correction capabilitiesVSAvoiddecoder circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decoder is divided into multiple independent or semi-independent decoding units that process small code words. Each unit has simplified logic compared to a full large-block decoder, but the collective staircase structure provides comprehensive error correction. This modular approach reduces individual component complexity while maintaining system-level reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If traditional staircase codes are used with large code words, then error correction capabilities are improved, but processing efficiency for smaller data sectors decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror correction capabilitiesVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The staircase code structure segments the data into small code words that can be processed independently. When a small data sector needs to be accessed, only the corresponding small code words need decoding rather than processing entire large blocks. This segmentation dramatically improves processing efficiency for small data operations while the staircase arrangement ensures adequate error correction coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables partial action by allowing decoding of only the necessary portion of the code corresponding to the requested data sector. Instead of always processing full large blocks, the staircase structure permits selective decoding of minimal required code words, improving productivity for small data accesses while maintaining error correction through the distributed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10693504B2Apparatuses and methods for staircase code encoding and decoding for storage devices

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a first syndrome computation circuit configured to receive a codeword having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns and further configured to compute a first syndrome for at least a portion of a first component codeword of the codeword. The apparatus further comprises a second syndrome computation circuit configured to receive the codeword and to compute a second syndrome for at least a portion of a second component codeword of the codeword. The apparatus further comprises a bit correction circuit configured to correct one or more erroneous bits in the codeword based, at least in part, on at least one of the first and second syndrome, wherein the first and second component codewords span two or more rows and two or more columns of the codeword.