Memory system having fast and slow data reading mechanisms

A method of reading stored data from a memory, said method comprising the steps of:

• reading a data value with a fast data reading mechanism from said memory to generate a fast read result that is output from said memory for further processing;
• reading said data value with a slow data reading mechanism from said memory to generate a slow read result available after said fast read result has been output for further processing, said slow read result being less prone to error than said fast read result;
• comparing said fast read result and said slow read result to detect if said fast read result differs from said slow read result;
• and
• if said fast read result differs from said slow read result, then suppressing said further processing using said fast read result and using slow read result for said further processing.

A memory for storing data comprising:

• a fast data reading means for reading a data value from said memory to generate a fast read result that is output from said memory for further processing;
• a slow data reading means for reading said data value from said memory to generate a slow read result available after said fast read result has been output for further processing, said slow read result being less prone to error in reading said data value than said fast data reading mechanisms result;
• a comparator means for comparing said fast read result and said slow read result to detect if said fast read result differs from said slow read result;
• and
• error repair logic means for, if said comparator detects that said fast read result differs from said slow read result, suppressing said further processing using said fast read result, outputting said slow read result in place of said fast read result and restarting said further processing based upon said slow read result.

A memory for storing data comprising:

• a fast data reading means for reading a data value from said memory to generate a fast read result that is output from said memory for further processing;
• a slow data reading means for reading said data value from said memory to generate a slow read result available after said fast read result has been output for further processing, said slow read result being less prone to error in reading said data value than said fast read result;
• a comparator means for comparing said fast read result and said slow read result to detect if said fast read result differs from said slow read result;
• and
• error repair logic means for, if said comparator detects that said fast read result differs from said slow read result, suppressing said further processing using said fast read result and using said slow read result for said further processing.