Memory PMIC Architecture for External Regulated Voltage Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating tightly-controlled power supply potentials for memory devices and other devices connected to a motherboard is costly for host device manufacturers, as existing technologies require precise voltage regulation that is not efficiently distributed across multiple components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a voltage regulator (PMIC) within memory devices to convert and regulate supply voltages internally, allowing these devices to provide tightly-controlled power supply potentials to both internal and external components, thereby reducing the need for precise voltage regulation by the host device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voltage regulation is performed inside the memory device, then power management capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both store data and regulate voltage for external devices. The voltage regulation circuit is integrated within the memory device, enabling it to serve as both a storage device and a power management device, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated voltage regulation circuit acts as an intermediary component within the memory device to manage power for external devices. This intermediary structure allows the memory device to provide regulated voltage without requiring complex external power management circuits, thereby improving power management capability while controlling device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If voltage regulation circuit is integrated in the memory device, then power supply flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation circuit is merged with the memory device in a single integrated structure. This combination allows the memory device to provide both storage and voltage regulation functions, improving power supply flexibility. The integration is designed to be compatible with existing manufacturing processes, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If regulated voltage is provided for external devices, then ease of operation is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulation circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the regulated voltage output. This feedback control ensures that the minimum necessary power is delivered to external devices, reducing unnecessary power loss while maintaining ease of operation through stable voltage regulation.
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 reduces manufacturing costs for host devices by decentralizing voltage regulation, enabling efficient power distribution to memory devices and other components, such as CPUs and GPUs, while maintaining tight voltage tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulation circuit to regulate a voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage to power a set of external devices
Data Source
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AI summary
Memory devices, systems including memory devices, and methods of operating memory devices and systems in which a memory device can include a voltage regulator for adjusting a supply voltage to an output voltage and providing the output voltage to other devices external to the memory device (e.g., other memory devices in the same memory system, processors, graphics chipsets, other logic circuits, expansion cards, etc.). A memory device may comprise one or more external inputs configured to receive a supply voltage having a first voltage level; a voltage regulator configured to receive the supply voltage from the one or more external inputs and to output an output voltage having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level; one or more memories configured to receive the output voltage from the voltage regulator; and one or more external outputs configured to supply the output voltage to one or more connected devices.