Cascaded Voltage Regulators for Data Storage Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage devices face challenges in ensuring data integrity during power failures, particularly when caching write data in volatile semiconductor memory, as they require costly high-voltage capacitors for backup power to flush write caches effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a backup voltage regulator that converts a higher capacitor voltage to a backup voltage equal to the supply voltage, allowing downstream operating voltage regulators to operate during power failures, thereby reducing overall costs and enabling efficient data flushing without redesigning all regulators to tolerate higher voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a high voltage capacitor is used to generate backup power during power failure, then cost effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of voltage regulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation system is segmented into two distinct regulators: a first voltage regulator that operates during normal power supply conditions, and a second voltage regulator that operates during power failure conditions. This segmentation allows each regulator to be optimized for its specific operating condition, using a high voltage capacitor for cost-effective backup power while managing the complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first voltage regulator during normal operation and the second voltage regulator during power failure. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to changing power conditions, utilizing the high voltage capacitor only when needed, thereby balancing cost effectiveness with manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If all voltage regulators are redesigned to tolerate higher voltages, then data integrity during power failure is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation system is divided into two specialized regulators: the first regulator handles normal operating voltages, while the second regulator is specifically designed to handle the higher capacitor voltage during power failure. This segmentation ensures data integrity by providing appropriate voltage protection for each regulator, while avoiding the need to redesign all regulators for higher voltage tolerance, thus controlling manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The second voltage regulator acts as an intermediary component that interfaces between the high voltage capacitor and the first voltage regulator. It converts the higher capacitor voltage to a level suitable for the first regulator, thereby protecting the first regulator from voltage damage while maintaining data integrity during power failure, without requiring expensive redesign of the primary regulator.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a high voltage capacitor is used for backup power, then power efficiency is improved, but the risk of voltage damage to regulators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second voltage regulator serves as a protective intermediary between the high voltage capacitor and the first voltage regulator. During power failure, it safely handles the higher capacitor voltage and converts it to an appropriate level, thereby enabling efficient use of the high voltage capacitor for backup power while preventing voltage damage to the first regulator through its voltage conversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential voltage damage by having the second voltage regulator pre-configured to handle higher voltages. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when power failure occurs and the capacitor discharges at high voltage, the second regulator is already in place to protect the first regulator, preventing voltage damage before it can occur.
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
This solution ensures data integrity during power failures by enabling efficient conversion of backup voltage for operating voltage regulators, reducing costs and maintaining system functionality with existing voltage levels, thus preventing data loss in data storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor operable to convert the supply voltage into a capacitor voltage higher than the supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
a backup voltage regulator operable to convert the capacitor voltage to a backup voltage substantially equal to the supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory and control circuitry comprising an interface operable to receive a supply voltage, and a capacitor. An operating voltage regulator converts the supply voltage into an operating voltage used to operate the non-volatile memory. The supply voltage is used to charge the capacitor to a capacitor voltage higher than the supply voltage, and during a power failure, a backup voltage regulator converts the capacitor voltage into a backup voltage substantially equal to the supply voltage. The operating voltage regulator converts the backup voltage into the operating voltage used to operate the non-volatile memory.