A new class of array codes for memory storage

Abstract

In this article we describe a class of error control codes called diff-MDS codes that are custom designed for highly resilient computer memory storage. The error scenarios of concern range from simple single bit errors, to memory chip failures and catastrophic memory module failures. Our approach to building codes for this setting relies on the concept of expurgating a parity code that is easy to decode for memory module failures so that a few additional small errors can be handled as well, thus preserving most of the decoding complexity advantages of the original code while extending its original intent. The manner in which we expurgate is carefully crafted so that the strength of the resulting code is comparable to that of a Reed-Solomon code when used for this particular setting. An instance of this class of algorithms has been incorporated in IBM's zEnterprise mainframe offering, setting a new industry standard for memory resiliency. © 2011 IEEE.