Adaptive-Current Auxiliary Power Supply for Memory Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Volatile memory devices lose data when power is interrupted, and nonvolatile memory devices risk data damage during sudden power loss, necessitating an auxiliary power supply to maintain stability.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power supply with a control circuit that adjusts the peak current level based on charging state, using a first current source for initial charging and a second, higher current source when slow charging is detected, ensuring rapid completion of the charging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant current source is used to charge the auxiliary power supply, then the charging process is simple to control, but the charging time is extended when the voltage level is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant current source to a dynamic current source that adjusts its output based on real-time voltage monitoring. The control circuit continuously monitors the voltage level of the auxiliary power supply and dynamically adjusts the charging current: using a first current level when voltage is below a threshold, and switching to a second current level when the threshold is reached, thereby optimizing charging speed at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the charging current parameter based on voltage conditions. The control circuit changes the current parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that adapts to the charging state. Specifically, the current parameter is adjusted between two levels depending on whether the voltage parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold, resolving the contradiction between simple control and charging time.
2Loss of time
If the peak current level is increased to speed up charging, then the charging time is reduced, but the risk of overcharging and data loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating a control circuit that continuously monitors the voltage level of the auxiliary power supply during charging. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the charging current based on the actual state: when the voltage reaches a predetermined threshold, the control circuit automatically reduces the current from the first level to the second level, preventing overcharging while maintaining fast charging speed. This resolves the contradiction between charging speed and data integrity.
3Device complexity
If a single current source is used for charging, then the device structure is simple, but the charging efficiency is low when voltage level drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the charging process into two distinct stages based on voltage levels. Instead of using a single current source, the system employs a first current source for the initial charging phase (when voltage is below threshold) and a second current source for the final charging phase (when voltage reaches threshold). This segmentation allows each current source to be optimized for its specific charging stage, improving overall charging efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures stable operation of memory devices by quickly supplying auxiliary power during sudden power loss, preventing data loss in volatile memory and maintaining data integrity in nonvolatile memory.
Implementation Method 1
charging, for a reference time amount after the power is applied to the auxiliary power supply, the auxiliary power storage by a first current source having a preset peak current level
Implementation Method 2
increase, in response to the slow charging state, the peak current level to charge the auxiliary power storage by a second current source having the increased peak current level that is greater than the preset peak current level
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary power supply includes an auxiliary power storage configured to store power that is input to the auxiliary power supply and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to charge, for a reference time amount after the power is input to the auxiliary power supply, the auxiliary power storage by a first current source having a preset peak current level, determine, after the reference tune amount, that the auxiliary power supply is in a slow charging state when a voltage level that is charged to the auxiliary power storage by the first current source for the reference time amount is lower than a reference voltage level, and increase, in response to the slow charging state, the peak current level to charge the auxiliary power storage by a second current source having the increased peak current level that is greater than the preset peak current level.