Flash Memory Ultra-Deep Power-Down via Integrated Voltage Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices in portable applications face challenges in minimizing power consumption during idle periods, often requiring complex and costly external power management devices to completely power down flash memory, which increases application complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A memory device capable of entering an ultra-deep power-down mode by disabling the voltage regulator using a software command, allowing only a minimal current draw, and exiting this mode using a chip select signal, thereby eliminating the need for external power management devices and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is completely removed from the flash memory device to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but application complexity increases due to requiring external power management devices
Solution Approach 1:
The flash memory device includes an integrated voltage regulator that can be controlled via software commands to enter ultra-deep power-down mode autonomously. The device monitors its own power state and manages its voltage regulation without requiring external power management circuitry, thereby reducing application complexity while achieving complete power removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator functionality is merged directly into the flash memory device rather than being implemented as a separate external component. This integration eliminates the need for external power management devices while maintaining the ability to achieve complete power removal for minimal power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external power management devices such as LDO regulators are used to cut power to the flash memory device, then power consumption is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is integrated into the flash memory device, combining two separate components (flash memory and LDO regulator) into one. This eliminates the need for external power management devices, reducing component count, bill of materials cost, and overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash memory device autonomously manages its own power regulation through integrated voltage regulator control via software commands, eliminating the need for external power management components and associated costs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the voltage regulator output is disabled to achieve ultra-deep power-down mode, then current consumption is reduced to below one micro-amp, but the device cannot respond to commands until power is restored
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator operates in periodic cycles, switching between active and disabled states based on operational needs. During ultra-deep power-down mode, the regulator remains disabled to minimize current consumption, and is reactivated periodically when power restoration is required, achieving minimal average current draw while maintaining operational capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A memory device includes a voltage regulator, whose output provides a voltage supply for various other components of the memory device, including a command user interface. The memory device is placed into an ultra-deep power-down mode by providing to the memory device a software command, which causes the output of the voltage regulator to be disabled. To bring the memory device out of the ultra-deep power-down mode, a chip select signal is provided to the memory device, which includes a wake-up circuit that remains powered on even when the memory device is in the ultra-deep power-down mode. Receipt of the chip select signal while the memory device is in the ultra-deep power-down mode causes the output of the voltage regulator to be enabled, thereby providing power to the components that were completely powered down.