Capacitor-Based Power Supply for Volatile Data Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of batteries for backup power in volatile memory devices is inefficient due to their short lifespan, high replacement costs, complex monitoring requirements, and environmental concerns, as well as increased system design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor-based power supply, specifically using super-capacitors, is implemented to provide temporary power for backup copying of data from volatile storage to persistent storage, offering a longer lifespan, reduced maintenance needs, and easier energy capacity monitoring compared to batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used to provide backup power to volatile memory devices, then data can be maintained during power loss, but the system requires frequent battery replacement, complex monitoring circuitry, and has increased design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from chemical (batteries) to electrical (capacitors). Super-capacitors provide the necessary energy storage duration for data backup without requiring the complex monitoring and replacement infrastructure of battery systems, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs super-capacitors that have significantly longer operational lifespans than traditional batteries and do not require replacement during the system's operational life. This eliminates the recurring costs and complexity associated with battery replacement cycles while maintaining continuous data protection capability
2Reliability
If batteries are used for backup power, then data can be preserved during power interruption, but replacement and disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from chemical energy storage (batteries with limited cycle life) to electrical energy storage (super-capacitors with near-indefinite life). This parameter change eliminates the need for periodic replacement and disposal, reducing operational costs while maintaining data preservation reliability during power interruptions
3Reliability
If batteries are used to maintain data in volatile memory, then data can be retained during power loss, but environmental concerns arise from battery disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical-based energy storage (batteries requiring disposal) with electrical-based energy storage (super-capacitors). This eliminates the environmental hazards associated with battery disposal while maintaining the critical function of data retention during power loss events
4Reliability
If batteries are used for backup power, then data can be maintained during power failure, but monitoring circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from chemical energy storage requiring complex voltage and state-of-charge monitoring to electrical energy storage in super-capacitors. The simpler electrical characteristics of capacitors require minimal monitoring infrastructure, reducing circuitry complexity while maintaining data maintenance reliability during power failures
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
The capacitor-based power supply enables quick resumption of system operation by facilitating efficient data backup without the need for lengthy recovery procedures, reducing replacement costs and environmental impact, and ensuring data integrity during power interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor-based power supply, specifically using super-capacitors, is implemented to provide temporary power for backup copying of data from volatile storage to persistent storage
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a volatile storage, a persistent storage, a capacitor-based power supply, and a controller coupled to the capacitor-based power supply. The controller detects interruption of main power, and in response to detecting the interruption of main power, begins backup copying of data from the volatile storage to the persistent storage. After beginning the backup copying of data, the controller checks whether the main power has resumed prior to depletion of the capacitor-based power supply. In response to detecting that main power has resumed prior to depletion of the capacitor-based power supply, the controller resumes operation using content of the volatile storage without restoring data from the persistent storage.