Memory PMIC Loopback Wake-Up for Low-Power State Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face challenges in managing power consumption efficiently when transitioning between activated and deactivated states, particularly due to components being powered down and unable to receive signals during deactivated states.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of loopback techniques, where memory devices send activation signals to a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) using loopback pins through conductive paths, allowing the PMIC to activate components upon receiving these signals, thereby managing power states effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If components are powered down to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to receive signals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: components that can be powered down (memory devices, PMIC) and a always-on communication path (loopback pin circuitry). This segmentation allows power consumption to be reduced in most components while maintaining signal reception capability through the dedicated loopback path.
Solution Approach 2:
The loopback pin acts as an intermediary communication channel between the memory device and external controller. This intermediary path remains active even when other components are powered down, enabling wake-up signals to be received and processed without requiring full system power.
2Reliability
If all components remain powered on, then signal reception is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates power management into different tiers: critical communication functions (loopback pin) remain powered on, while non-critical functions (memory arrays, control logic) can be powered down. This selective power management optimizes the balance between signal reception and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions between power states periodically - entering low-power mode during idle periods and activating full functionality when needed. The loopback pin enables this periodic transition by maintaining minimal power consumption while preserving the ability to receive wake-up signals.
3Loss of energy
If components are deactivated for power saving, then power conservation is optimized, but system responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The loopback pin circuitry is prepared in advance to remain active while other components are deactivated. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a wake-up signal is needed, the communication path is already ready to receive and transmit signals immediately, minimizing wake-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The loopback pin serves as a rapid-response intermediary that can immediately transmit wake-up signals from the memory device to the PMIC, enabling fast system activation without requiring gradual power-up sequences of all components.
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.