Memory Device Low Power Mode Component Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices with limited power resources waste energy by maintaining active modes even when not storing data, leading to increased power consumption and potential data loss in shared power supplies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low power mode that disables unnecessary components, such as voltage-generating circuits and external interfaces, while keeping circuits for operating information powered on, allowing the memory device to quickly respond to data requests without re-initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the memory device maintains active mode to quickly respond to data requests, then responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device dynamically transitions between active mode and low power mode based on operational needs. The device can quickly switch from low power mode to active mode when data requests are received, optimizing the balance between power consumption and responsiveness by adapting its operational state rather than remaining static in high-power mode continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device performs preliminary actions by maintaining certain circuits in a ready state even during low power mode, such as keeping the command interface circuitry active to detect wake-up commands. This allows the device to transition quickly to active mode without full re-initialization, preserving responsiveness while in low power state
2Use of energy by moving object
If the memory device disables voltage-generating components to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot operate memory arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device segments its components into different operational groups: voltage-generating components (charge pumps, voltage regulators) can be deactivated to save power, while essential operational circuits (command interface, mode registers) remain active. This segmentation allows selective power management where non-essential components are powered down without affecting the device's ability to receive commands and transition to operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically controls the power state of voltage-generating components based on operational mode. During low power mode, voltage-generating components are disabled to reduce power consumption. When the device needs to operate, it reactivates these components as part of the mode transition, ensuring operational capability is restored on-demand
3Reliability
If the memory device performs refresh operations to maintain data, then data integrity is preserved, but power resources are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the refresh operation requirement from the low power mode operation. By transitioning to low power mode, the device takes out (removes) the need for continuous refresh operations, as the memory arrays are placed in a state where data retention is maintained without active refresh cycles, thereby eliminating this power-consuming operation while preserving data integrity for the next operational cycle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for memory device operation are described. A memory device may operate in different modes in response to various conditions and user constraints. Such modes may include a power-saving or low power mode. While in the low power mode, the memory device may refrain from operations, such as self-refresh operations, on one or more of the memory array(s) included in the memory device. The memory device may deactivate external interface components and components that may generate operating voltages for the memory array(s), while the memory device may continue to power circuits that store operating information for the memory device. The memory device may employ similar techniques in other operating modes to accommodate or react to different conditions or user constraints.