Interleaved Charge Pumps for Programmable Memory Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices, particularly flash memory systems, face inefficiencies in power usage due to high peak current draws during charging, which can deplete battery power in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an interleaving policy for charge pumps that allows multiple charge pumps to charge and operate sequentially, reducing peak current draw by overlapping charging and operation cycles, and adjusting charging rates based on conditions such as power supply modes or user profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If charge pumps are charged rapidly to high voltage levels, then memory write operations can be performed quickly, but peak current draw increases significantly depleting battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charge pump operation into multiple segments by using multiple charge pumps (first charge pump and second charge pump) that operate in an interleaved manner. Instead of one charge pump charging rapidly and consuming high peak current, the charging process is segmented across multiple pumps, each charging at a lower current rate while overlapping their operation cycles to maintain continuous functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through interleaved charging cycles where the first charge pump charges during periods when the second charge pump performs operations, and vice versa. This periodic alternation allows each charge pump to charge at a manageable current rate while ensuring that memory operations can always proceed using the other charge pump, thus reducing peak current draw while maintaining operational continuity.
2Productivity
If multiple charge pumps operate simultaneously, then memory operations can proceed without waiting for charging, but peak current draw increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having charge pumps charge in advance during idle periods or when the other pump is performing operations. The first charge pump charges preliminarily while the second pump performs memory operations, and then the second pump charges preliminarily while the first pump performs operations. This preliminary charging strategy ensures that charged pumps are ready for immediate use, maintaining high productivity without requiring multiple pumps to charge simultaneously at high current.
3Ease of operation
If charge pumps use fixed charging rates, then control is simple, but power efficiency cannot be optimized for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the charge pump operation adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the interleaving pattern and charging rates based on detected operating conditions such as power supply mode (battery-powered vs. adapter-powered) and user-selected profiles. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power efficiency for different conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated policy selection, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
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 approach enhances power efficiency by reducing battery drain while maintaining or improving memory performance, particularly in battery-powered devices by allowing slower charging and lower peak current consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The supplied voltage can be used by a charge pump to repeatedly store a relatively high voltage (e.g., 19V) for use in performing read or write operations on a programmable DSD.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods, including computer software for performing operations enable interleaving of charging operations in a charging pump. A first charge pump is charged to a predetermined level, and a first operation is performed using a charge stored in the first charge pump after it reaches the predetermined level. A second charge pump is charged during a time that overlaps with performing the first operation. A second operation is performed using a charge stored in the second charge pump as a result of charging the second charge pump.