Exploring the vulnerability of CMPs to soft errors with 3D stacked non-volatile memory

Guangyu Sun*, Eren Kursun, Jude A. Rivers, Yuan Xie

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference Proceeding/ReportConference Paper published in a bookpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Spin-transfer Torque Random Access Memory (STT-RAM) emerges for on-chip memory in microprocessor architectures. Thanks to the magnetic field based storage STT-RAM cells have immunity to radiation induced soft errors that affect electrical charge based data storage, which is a major challenge in SRAM based caches in current microprocessors. In this study we explore the soft error resilience benefits and design trade offs of 3D-stacked STT-RAM for multi-core architectures. We use 3D stacking as an enabler for modular integration of STT-RAM caches with minimum disruption in the baseline processor design flow, while providing further interconnectivity and capacity advantages. We take an in-depth look at alternative replacement schemes in terms of performance, power, temperature, and reliability trade-offs to capture the multi-variable optimization challenges microprocessor architectures face. We analyze and compare the characteristics of STT-RAM, SRAM, and DRAM alternatives for various levels of the cache hierarchy in terms of reliability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2011 IEEE 29th International Conference on Computer Design, ICCD 2011
Pages366-372
Number of pages7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event29th IEEE International Conference on Computer Design 2011, ICCD 2011 - Amherst, MA, United States
Duration: 9 Nov 201112 Nov 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Computer Design: VLSI in Computers and Processors
ISSN (Print)1063-6404

Conference

Conference29th IEEE International Conference on Computer Design 2011, ICCD 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAmherst, MA
Period9/11/1112/11/11

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