Patent ID: 6138254
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: G06F,G11C

Abstract:
A method for accessing a memory array, the method comprising steps of:receiving an address for access to one or more cells of a first memory array;analyzing the address to determine whether the address matches an uncompressed address in a temporary memory array, and, when the address does not match any uncompressed address stored in the temporary memory array, the method includes steps of:analyzing the address to determine which portion of compressed data stored in a third memory array containing compressed addresses of defective cells in the first memory array to decompress;decompressing the portion of compressed data to provide expanded data;writing the expanded data to the temporary memory array;comparing the expanded data to the address to determine when the address corresponds to an expanded datum of the expanded data;routing the address to a second memory array when the address and a datum from the decompressed data match; andaccessing the second memory array via the address.