Approximate Memory for Low-Power Video Applications

In this paper, an error-correction code (ECC)-enabled memory design with selective bit hardening is proposed for approximate data storage. Approximate memory is suitable for error-tolerant applications, and can achieve low-power design goals within targeted quality. Our design offers approximately 90% power savings compared to traditional memory, without compromising perceived quality. To the best of our knowledge, combining selective bit hardening with ECC is a novel approach to ensure the protection of MSBs and protect other faulty bits, respectively. Our proposed method requires no area overhead for MSB hardening, other than one additional input pin; and area overhead for implementing ECC is minimal.