Memory PMIC Loopback Activation for Low-Power Signal Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption during deactivated states, as components may fail to receive signals due to being powered down, disrupting communication and activation of components.
Innovation Solution
The use of loopback signals through conductive paths between memory devices and a PMIC allows for the activation of components by sending signals from memory devices to the PMIC, enabling it to enter an activated state and reactivate necessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the PMIC and components are deactivated to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but the components cannot receive signals to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device performs preliminary actions by generating an activation signal and transmitting it to the PMIC through the loopback pin before the PMIC needs to be activated. This allows the PMIC to receive the activation command even when in a low-power state, resolving the contradiction between power conservation and signal reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The loopback pin serves as an intermediary communication channel between the memory device and the PMIC. It provides a dedicated path for transmitting activation signals that bypasses the need for the PMIC to be in a fully active state to receive commands, thus enabling power-efficient operation while maintaining activation capability.
2Reliability
If the PMIC remains activated to receive signals, then signal reception is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loopback pin acts as an intermediary that enables the PMIC to receive activation signals in a low-power state. This eliminates the need for the PMIC to remain fully activated for signal reception, thus reducing power consumption while ensuring reliable signal reception when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation signal is transmitted through the loopback pin as a preliminary action that prepares the PMIC for activation without requiring it to be in a high-power state. This allows the system to maintain low power consumption while ensuring the PMIC can be reliably activated when required.
3Use of energy by moving object
If components are deactivated for power saving, then energy efficiency improves, but communication between components is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The loopback pin serves as an intermediary communication channel that maintains communication capability between the memory device and PMIC even when the PMIC is in a deactivated state. This prevents information loss regarding activation commands while preserving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary communication through the loopback pin to transmit activation signals before the PMIC becomes active. This ensures communication capability is maintained for essential control signals while allowing the PMIC to remain in a low-power state, thus preventing information loss without sacrificing energy efficiency.
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 method ensures seamless reactivation of components in memory systems, maintaining communication and power management efficiency during sleep states, enhancing power conservation in devices like smartphones and laptops.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive path between a memory device and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The memory device may send a signal to activate the one or more components of the PMIC using one or more loopback pins of the memory device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and devices for managing power consumption of a memory system using loopback are described. When a memory system is in a first state (e.g., a deactivated state), a host device may send a signal to change one or more components of the memory system to a second state (e.g., an activated state). The signal may be received by one or more memory devices, which may activate one or more components based on the signal. The one or more memory devices may send a second signal to a power management component, such as a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), using one or more techniques. The second signal may be received by the PMIC using a conductive path running between the memory devices and the PMIC. Based on receiving the second signal or some third signal that is based on the second signal, the PMIC may enter an activated state.