Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Systems and methods for encoding metadata

Abstract:

Systems and methods related to encoding metadata or other status information into error correcting code (ECC) for a data block. In one embodiment, an encoder of a memory controller generates ECC check bits based on a data block and virtual bits representing metadata, then stores the ECC check bits and the data block as a code word. Subsequently, multiple decoders of the memory controller process candidate code words that include the code word and candidate virtual bit values to detect errors in the candidate code words. The decoders output signals identifying each candidate code word as having no error, a correctable error, or an uncorrectable error and outputs a calculated error location in the case of a correctable error. The system determines the actual value of the virtual bits based on the outputs of the decoders and corrects any identified correctable error in the recovered code word.