Memory Power Supply Circuit Using Current Feedback for Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory systems, such as SSDs, the low output voltage generated by power supply devices like PMICs results in a narrow allowable voltage variation range, leading to potential undervoltage issues at components located far from the PMIC, which can disrupt normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit that includes a control unit, switching unit, current detection unit, and LC circuit, which monitors and adjusts the output voltage based on detected output current thresholds to ensure desired voltage delivery to components, mitigating voltage drops along the supply line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the output voltage is set to a low value to reduce power consumption and heat generation, then energy efficiency is improved, but the allowable voltage variation range becomes narrow causing undervoltage issues at distant components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of output current to predict voltage drops before they occur. By detecting the output current and comparing it with threshold values, the system proactively adjusts the output voltage in advance to compensate for expected voltage drops along the supply line, ensuring stable voltage delivery to distant components while maintaining low operating voltage for energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the output current is continuously detected and fed back to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the output voltage dynamically. When the detected output current exceeds a threshold, the system increases the output voltage to compensate for voltage drops, thereby maintaining stable voltage at the load while keeping the base operating voltage low for energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If the output voltage is increased to ensure sufficient voltage at distant components, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously maintaining an excessively high output voltage, the system applies partial action by only increasing the voltage when necessary. The control unit detects the output current and compares it with threshold values, increasing the output voltage only when the detected current exceeds the threshold, indicating a potential voltage drop issue. This selective voltage adjustment ensures voltage stability at distant components while avoiding continuous excessive power consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If a DC/DC converter is used to control output voltage within allowable variation range, then voltage precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of the power supply circuit dynamically based on detected conditions. Instead of using a complex DC/DC converter, the control unit adjusts the output voltage by changing operational parameters such as switching duty cycle or reference voltage levels. This parameter-based control achieves precise voltage adjustment within the allowable variation range while maintaining simpler circuit architecture compared to traditional DC/DC converters.
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 stabilizes the output voltage at components, ensuring they receive the desired voltage value, even with long supply lines, and enhances component arrangement flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply device generates a voltage of a value different from that of the power supply voltage, based on the supplied power supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
A power supply circuit that includes a control unit, switching unit, current detection unit, and LC circuit
Implementation Method 3
A power supply circuit that includes a control unit, switching unit, current detection unit, and LC circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system in an embodiment includes: a nonvolatile memory; a memory controller configured to control the memory; and a power supply circuit configured to supply a voltage of power of at least one of the memory and the memory controller, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to: store first information having a value of the voltage to be supplied; output an output voltage based on the value of the voltage specified by the stored first information; detect an output current at an output end of the output voltage; compare a value of the detected output current with a threshold value; and update the stored first information to second information based on a result of the comparison, the second information having an updated value of the voltage to be supplied.