Memory Unit Power Buffering for Low-Current DC Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory units struggle to operate efficiently with low-power DC power sources that provide insufficient voltage or current for reading and writing operations, leading to challenges in implementing memory units in environments with limited power supply capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a power conditioning circuit and digital unit to store charge from a low-power DC source in a charge storage device during a first time interval and then uses this stored charge to operate the memory unit in a second time interval, allowing for non-overlapping intervals to enable reading from memory units using a low-power source without requiring excessive current or voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a low-power DC source is used to power the memory unit, then power consumption is reduced and implementation area is minimized, but the voltage and current provided are insufficient for reliable read/write operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of a storage capacitor from the low-power DC source during a first time interval before the actual read operation in a second time interval. This preliminary energy storage enables the memory unit to receive sufficient current during operations without requiring the power source to continuously provide high current.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic intervals with distinct charge and discharge phases. During the first time interval, the capacitor charges from the low-power source. During the second time interval, the capacitor discharges to power the memory unit. This periodic operation allows the low-power source to replenish energy when the memory unit is not actively reading or writing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a low-power DC source with current limiting is used, then power consumption is reduced, but the maximum current available for memory operations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges the capacitor to store sufficient energy before the read operation begins. This preliminary action allows the memory unit to receive the necessary current burst during operations without requiring the power source to continuously provide high current.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage capacitor acts as an intermediary energy buffer between the low-power DC source and the memory unit. It decouples the current requirements, allowing the source to provide low average current while the memory unit receives high current during operations from the capacitor's stored energy.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If charge is continuously supplied to the memory unit, then operation is maintained, but the low-power source cannot replenish charge fast enough
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic intervals with distinct charge and discharge phases. During the first time interval, the capacitor charges from the low-power source. During the second time interval, the capacitor discharges to power the memory unit. This periodic operation allows the low-power source to replenish energy when the memory unit is not actively reading or writing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging of a storage capacitor from the low-power DC source during a first time interval before the actual read operation in a second time interval. This preliminary energy storage enables the memory unit to receive sufficient current during operations without requiring the power source to continuously provide high current.
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
Enables efficient reading of data bits from memory units using a low-power source, reducing the need for large component sizes and minimizing implementation area penalties, while maintaining reliable operation even with limited power supply conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Charge from the low-power source is stored on a charge storage device in a first time interval. The memory unit is operated using the charge storage device as a second power source in a second time interval.
Data Source
AI summary
Operating a memory unit using a low-power DC source. The low-power DC source provides lesser power than that required to operate the memory unit. In an embodiment, charge from the low-power source is stored on a charge storage device in a first time interval. The memory unit is operated using the charge storage device as a second power source in a second time interval. A portion of one of the first time interval and the second time interval does not overlap with the other one of the first time interval and the second time interval.