Dynamic data density ECC

摘要

A method for operating a memory includes receiving an input data set, saving a first level error correcting code ECC for the data in the input data set, saving second level ECCs for a plurality of second level groups of the data in the data set, storing the data set in the memory, and testing the data set to determine whether to use the first level ECC or the second level ECCs. The method includes, if the first level ECC is used, storing a flag enabling use of the first level ECC, else if the second level ECCs are used, storing a flag enabling use of the second level ECCs. The method includes storing the second level ECCs in a replacement ECC memory, and storing a pointer indicating locations of the second level ECCs in the replacement ECC memory.

主权项

1. A method of operating a memory, comprising:
receiving an input data set; saving a first error correcting code (ECC) for the input data set, and saving a plurality of second ECCs for the input data set, each of the second ECCs configured for use with a corresponding group of data in the input data set; storing the input data set in the memory; testing the input data set to determine whether to use the first ECC or the second ECCs; if it is determined to use the plurality of second ECCs, then storing the plurality of second ECCs and a pointer logically associated with an address for the input data set in the memory indicating locations of second ECCs in the plurality of second ECCs; and executing ECC logic using the second ECCs, wherein the ECC logic applies a sequence of actions to groups of data in the input data set, including applying a first action in the sequence to a group of data in the groups of data in the input data set to generate a first result; andapplying a subsequent second action in the sequence to generate a second result from the first result, while at a same time executing the ECC logic to apply the first action to another group of data in the groups of data in the input data set.