SET-detection low complexity burst error correction codes for SRAM protection

Abstract

As the feature size of transistors decreases, multiple bit upsets and single event transient effects become severe in circuits working in radiation environment. In static random-access memories (SRAM), both single event upsets and single event transients need caring about. Fault-tolerant ECCs are optional for SRAM protection, which own the ability to deal with SEU and SET at the same time. We designed a series of low complexity burst error correcting codes with fault detection feature. This can deal with burst errors in memories and transient errors in the decoder. Low complexity ECC simplifies the decoding circuits and reduces hardware overhead. Compared with schemes to deal with SET in decoders, the proposed scheme has obvious advantage on area’s overhead and can be an effective choice for SRAM protection in radiation environment.