Memory Power Control Circuit for Stable Wake-Up Initialization

Solution Overview

Problem

Memory systems experience failures in initialization due to large variations in supply voltage when transitioning from a low power consumption mode to a normal operation mode, particularly affecting components sensitive to voltage fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power control circuit that transitions DC/DC converters to a forced pulse width modulation mode upon exiting the low power consumption mode, ensuring stable voltage during initialization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the memory system transitions from low power consumption mode to normal operation mode, then the power consumption increases to enable normal operation, but large variations in supply voltage occur causing initialization failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinitialization reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter dynamically switches between different operation modes (low power mode and forced PWM mode) based on the operational state of the memory system. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain stable voltage during mode transitions while optimizing power consumption during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operation mode parameter of the DC/DC converter from automatic mode to forced PWM mode during the transition from low power consumption mode to normal operation mode. This parameter change stabilizes the output voltage and prevents initialization failures caused by voltage variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the DC/DC converter operates in automatic mode, then the power consumption is optimized, but the output voltage varies significantly during mode transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption efficiencyVSAvoidoutput voltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter dynamically switches between different operation modes (low power mode and forced PWM mode) based on the operational state of the memory system. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain stable voltage during mode transitions while optimizing power consumption during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively switches the DC/DC converter to forced PWM mode before or during the transition from low power consumption mode to normal operation mode. This preliminary action prevents voltage variations before they can cause initialization failures, ensuring stable power supply during critical transition periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the memory system remains in low power consumption mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the system cannot perform normal operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperational capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter dynamically switches between different operation modes (low power mode and forced PWM mode) based on the operational state of the memory system. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain stable voltage during mode transitions while optimizing power consumption during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Prevents initialization failures by maintaining stable voltage levels, enabling smooth transitions and reducing the risk of component malfunctions.

Implementation Method 1

A first DC/DC converter of the one or more DC/DC converters transitions to a forced pulse width modulation mode in response to the memory system that has transitioned from a low power consumption mode to a normal operation mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260074621A1Memory system and power control circuit

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a memory system connectable to a host includes a nonvolatile memory, a controller, and a power control circuit. The controller controls the nonvolatile memory. The power control circuit controls power to be supplied to the controller and the nonvolatile memory and includes one or more DC/DC converters. The nonvolatile memory and the controller include one or more circuit blocks. Each of the one or more DC/DC converters supplies an internal power supply voltage to one of the one or more circuit blocks. A first DC/DC converter of the one or more DC/DC converters transitions to a forced pulse width modulation mode in response to the memory system that has transitioned from a low power consumption mode to a normal operation mode.