Restoring memory data integrity

Abstract

Embodiments herein describe a hardware based scrubbing scheme where correction logic is integrated with memory elements such that scrubbing is performed by hardware. The correction logic reads the data words stored in the memory element during idle cycles. If a correctable error is detected, the correction logic can then use a subsequent idle cycle to perform a write to correct the error (i.e., replace the corrupted data stored in the memory element with corrected data). By using built-in or integrated correction logic, the embodiments herein do not add extra work for the processor, or can work with applications that do not include a processor. Further, because the correction logic scrubs the memory during idle cycles, correcting bit errors does not have a negative impact on the performance of the memory element. Memory scrubbing can delay the degradation of data error, extending the integrity of the data in the memory.