WOM ECC Coding Scheme for Low-Latency Data Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of error correction codes (ECC) in write-once memory (WOM) applications is problematic due to increased cost and decreased performance characteristics, particularly in systems requiring efficient writing and reading of data from non-volatile memory.
Innovation Solution
A system for ECC management in WOM devices that includes a host processor sending data words to a WOM controller and an ECC controller, which generates WOM-encoded words and ECC bits, respectively, with a memory device interface writing these to the WOM device, utilizing two-stage concatenated coding schemes like Reed-Solomon and WOM coding to ensure efficient data storage and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error correction codes (ECC) are used in write-once memory (WOM) applications, then data reliability is improved, but cost increases and performance characteristics decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error correction process by implementing separate WOM encoder and ECC encoder modules that operate independently but cooperatively. The WOM encoder handles the write-once constraints while the ECC encoder provides error correction, allowing each module to be optimized for its specific function rather than using a single complex unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nested coding by embedding ECC-encoded data within WOM-encoded structures. The outer WOM code handles the write-once memory constraints while the inner ECC code provides error correction capability, creating a hierarchical coding scheme where simpler codes work together to solve the complex reliability problem.
2Reliability
If traditional ECC management is used in WOM devices, then data protection is provided, but processing latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding by pre-calculating and storing ECC check values alongside the WOM-encoded data during the write operation. This preliminary preparation of error correction information eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during read operations, significantly reducing processing latency while maintaining data protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the error correction functionality into a separate ECC management module that operates independently from the main WOM encoding process. This modular extraction allows the ECC operations to be performed in parallel or pre-computed, reducing the critical path delay and overall processing latency.
3Reliability
If ECC is implemented in WOM devices, then data integrity is improved, but layout requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ECC data and WOM data into a unified code structure where the ECC check values are integrated within the WOM code words. This merging eliminates the need for separate storage regions for error correction data, reducing the overall layout requirements while maintaining data integrity through the combined coding scheme.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for error correction code (ECC) management of write-once memory (WOM) codes includes, for example, a host processor is arranged to send a data word that is to be stored in a WOM (Write-Once Memory) device. A host interface is arranged to receive the first data word for processing by a WOM controller and an ECC controller. The WOM controller is for generating a first WOM-encoded word in response to an original symbol of the first data word, while the ECC controller is for generating a first set of ECC bits in response to the original symbol of the first data word. A memory device interface is for writing the first WOM-encoded word and the first set of ECC bits to the WOM device in accordance with the memory address associated with the first data word.