Refresh and error detection and correction technique for a data processing system
First Claim
1. In a data processing system having a memory in which binary words, each comprising a plurality of bits, are stored:
- refresh means connected to said memory for periodically refreshing the bits of one or more stored words at a selected refresh time interval;
error detection means connected to said memory for detecting an error which may exist in at least one binary bit of one of said one or more stored words the detection thereof being performed at substantially the same time as the refreshing of said one or more stored words;
a single error correcting means connected to said error detection means and responsive to the detection of an error in said one of said one or more stored words for correcting said error when said error has been detected during said refresh operation; and
means connected to said error correcting means and to said memory for writing said corrected word back into said memory.
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Abstract
A data processing system in which the bits of each stored word in a memory thereof are refreshed periodically. At substantially the same time the refresh operation with respect to each word occurs, an error detection operation also occurs and, if an error is detected in a word that is being refreshed, the error is then corrected and the corrected word is written back into the memory. Thus, errors are continuously being checked with no more use of machine time then is required for the refresh operation. Error correction, when necessary, then takes place at a fixed frequency, a limit thereby being placed on the error correction process. If errors in a work are detected when the word is requested for access by a requestor, the error is corrected before the word is supplied to the requestor but the corrected word is not written back into memory at that time, the word in memory being again detected and corrected at its next refresh operation.
64 Citations
6 Claims
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1. In a data processing system having a memory in which binary words, each comprising a plurality of bits, are stored:
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refresh means connected to said memory for periodically refreshing the bits of one or more stored words at a selected refresh time interval; error detection means connected to said memory for detecting an error which may exist in at least one binary bit of one of said one or more stored words the detection thereof being performed at substantially the same time as the refreshing of said one or more stored words; a single error correcting means connected to said error detection means and responsive to the detection of an error in said one of said one or more stored words for correcting said error when said error has been detected during said refresh operation; and means connected to said error correcting means and to said memory for writing said corrected word back into said memory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification