Memory Module Auxiliary Power Cable Latch Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory module connectors lack the ability to provide the higher voltage required by advanced memory chips, such as NAND flash memory, which can lead to inefficient power transformation and increased risk of accidental ejection during removal.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power cable connects a higher voltage source on the system board to an auxiliary voltage connector on the memory module, ensuring efficient power supply and incorporating a latch mechanism that prevents accidental ejection by requiring disconnection of the cable before removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an auxiliary power cable is added to provide higher voltage to memory chips, then power supply efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: the standard memory socket providing basic power, and the auxiliary power cable providing additional higher voltage power. This allows the power delivery enhancement to be added without redesigning the entire memory interface, thus improving power supply efficiency while minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power cable acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the system board's power source and the memory module's voltage requirements. It provides the necessary higher voltage (e.g., 3.3V) without requiring modification of the existing socket or memory chip design, thereby improving power supply efficiency while keeping the added complexity isolated to a single cable component.
2Reliability
If the auxiliary power cable is designed to resist latch lever movement, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power cable is designed to physically interfere with the latch lever movement as a preliminary protective measure. This interference prevents accidental ejection of the memory module by requiring the user to consciously disconnect the power cable before removal, thus improving reliability by preventing power-related damage while the trade-off in ease of operation is acceptable for safety-critical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of reduced ease of operation is converted into a benefit by making the ejection process more deliberate and safe. The cable's interference with the latch lever, which initially seems like an operational obstacle, actually serves as a protective mechanism that prevents accidental ejection and ensures proper power disconnection, thereby improving overall system reliability.
3Reliability
If the auxiliary power cable must be disconnected before ejection, then protection from damage is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design requires the preliminary action of disconnecting the auxiliary power cable before ejecting the memory module. This preliminary step ensures that power is properly disconnected before physical removal, protecting the memory chips from potential damage due to power interruption during ejection. The time loss is minimal compared to the protection provided, and the sequence is enforced to prevent damage.
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 solution provides efficient power transformation to higher voltage memory chips and enhances safety by ensuring the memory module is disconnected from power before ejection, protecting it from damage.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary power cable is coupled at one end to an electronic power source on the system board. A connector at the other end plugs in to the auxiliary voltage connector on the memory module to provide power from the electronic power source to the one or more memory chips.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module includes persistent-storage memory chips and an auxiliary voltage connector for powering the persistent-storage memory chips. An auxiliary power cable has a first end coupled to an electronic power source on the system board and has a second end having connector that plugs in to the auxiliary voltage connector on the memory module to provide power to the persistent-storage memory chips. The auxiliary power cable also resists movement of a latch lever to require disconnecting the auxiliary power cable before ejecting the memory module.