Auxiliary Power Supply Device for Nonvolatile Memory Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nonvolatile memory systems face challenges in completing operations and backing up data during sudden power-offs due to the need for high peak power, which increases the area required for auxiliary power supplies using capacitors or batteries.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power supply device with first and second power storage units, where the first unit provides high peak power for a short time and the second unit supplies power for a longer duration, reducing the overall area by using a tantalum capacitor and a battery respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary power supply uses a single high-capacity battery or capacitor to meet both peak power and long-term power requirements, then the power supply can complete operations and backup data during sudden power-off, but the area occupied by the power supply increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power supply is segmented into two distinct power storage units: a first power storage unit (capacitor) for providing peak power during sudden power-off, and a second power storage unit (battery) for providing long-term power for data backup. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the total area compared to using a single oversized power storage device that would need to handle both requirements simultaneously.
2Power
If the auxiliary power supply uses a capacitor to provide high peak power immediately after sudden power-off, then the operation completion is enabled, but the power supply duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous power supply by transitioning from the first power storage unit (capacitor) to the second power storage unit (battery). The capacitor provides immediate peak power for operation completion, and upon depletion or voltage drop below a threshold, the battery takes over to continue powering the data backup process, thereby maintaining uninterrupted useful action throughout the power-off event.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the auxiliary power supply uses a high-capacity battery to provide long-term power for data backup, then the power supply duration is extended, but the peak power capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage function is segmented between two specialized units: the battery (second power storage unit) is optimized for long-term energy storage and sustained power delivery, while the capacitor (first power storage unit) is optimized for high peak power delivery. This segmentation allows the battery to be sized appropriately for backup duration without needing to provide peak power, thus reducing overall system area while maintaining both capabilities.
4Reliability
If the auxiliary power supply uses multiple capacitors to meet both peak power and extended duration requirements, then the power supply capability is improved, but the area occupied increases due to capacitor size
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of power storage technology by using two different types of power storage devices with distinct characteristics: a capacitor for peak power and a battery for extended duration. This parameter change (from uniform capacitor array to hybrid capacitor-battery system) achieves the same power supply capability while reducing total area, as batteries have higher energy density than capacitors.
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
Enables efficient completion of sudden power-off operations and data backup with reduced area requirements by switching between high peak power and long-term power supply, ensuring data integrity without excessive space usage.
Implementation Method 1
the first power storage unit can supply a larger power supply amount per unit time than a second power storage unit
Implementation Method 2
the second power storage unit can be configured to supply stored power for a longer time than the first power storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary power supply device can include a first power storage unit, a first charging circuit to receive input power and charge the first power storage unit, a second power storage unit having lower power supply speed than the first power storage unit and longer power supply time than the first power storage unit, a second charge circuit to receive input power and charge the second power storage unit, and a switching unit to supply the stored power of the first power storage unit to external devices for a predetermined time when a sudden power-off occurs and supply stored power of the second power storage unit to the external devices after the predetermined time elapses.