Memory Power Control Circuit for Selective Backup During Outage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing storage capacity of memory systems necessitates larger backup power storage devices to handle increased data, which contradicts the desire for reduced cost and miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a power control circuit that manages power distribution using both external and backup power sources, selectively applying and removing voltage to components during power interruptions to ensure nonvolatile data storage, thereby reducing power consumption and the size of backup power storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the size of the power storage device is increased to provide more backup power for larger storage capacity, then the backup power capacity is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage device is divided into multiple independent power storage units (capacitors) that can be selectively connected to different memory devices. This segmentation allows the system to provide sufficient backup power to multiple smaller units rather than requiring one large power storage device, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining backup power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the connection between power storage units and memory devices through switching circuits. During normal operation, power is supplied from the external power supply. During power failure, the system dynamically switches to backup power from the power storage device, and can further dynamically select which specific memory devices receive backup power based on write operation status, optimizing power distribution and reducing required backup power capacity.
2Reliability
If voltage is continuously applied to all memory devices during power interruption, then data storage reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly applying backup power to all memory devices, the system applies voltage selectively to only those memory devices that are actively performing write operations when power is interrupted. This local quality approach ensures that critical data operations complete reliably while avoiding unnecessary power consumption from idle memory devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing power management circuitry and control logic to automatically detect which memory devices require backup power and connects them appropriately without external intervention. The switching circuits and control unit work together to self-manage power distribution during power failure events.
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 allows for efficient nonvolatile data storage during power interruptions, minimizing power consumption and reducing the size of backup power storage devices, thus maintaining system compactness and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage device configured to be able to supply second power to the power control circuit while the first power from the external power supply is interrupted
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes: a first nonvolatile memory; a second volatile memory; a controller; a power control circuit configured to perform control such that a first voltage is applied to the first memory, the second memory, and the controller based on first power supplied from an external power supply; and a power storage device configured to supply second power to the power control circuit while the first power from the external power supply is interrupted. While the first power supplied from outside is interrupted, the power control circuit applies a second voltage based on the second power supplied from the power storage device to the first memory, the second memory, and the controller. The power control circuit stops the application of the second voltage to the second memory after the data is read from the second memory and before the data is written into the first memory.