Parallel Decodable Multi-Level Unequal Burst Error Correcting Codes for Memories of Approximate Systems

Processing at the nanometric scales presents unique challenges that may require new computational paradigms such as approximate computing. In this paper a novel approach to memory protection using an unequal protection code (UEP) is proposed; this approach is in synergy with approximate (or inexact) computing. Multi-level burst error correcting UEP codes are analyzed. These codes improve over previously presented two-level burst error correcting UEP codes, because they utilize different conditions and criteria in the code partitions and decoder construction. An analysis by which multiple partitions can be selected to reduce the expected error magnitude, is provided. The area and power consumption of the parallel decoders closely depend on the desired code function. Simulation shows that the area and power consumption of the parallel error pattern generator are proportional to the partition length; the gate depth however is not strongly related to the partition length. The results of this manuscript confirm that the proposed multi-level burst error correcting UEP codes reduce the hardware overhead with no significant degradation in storage protection as potential storage application for approximate computing systems.