Memory Storage Power Supply Segmentation for Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory storage devices experience overheating issues due to voltage conversion, which can lead to reduced performance and efficiency, particularly in portable devices where space and power management are critical.

Innovation Solution

A memory storage device with a power supply module that provides distinct power voltages to different components, including a host interface circuit, memory management circuit, and memory interface circuit, with the reference voltage of the memory interface circuit being coupled to the power input terminal of the memory management circuit, allowing the output current of the memory interface circuit to be directed into the memory management circuit, thereby reducing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If voltage lowering and/or rectifying circuit is used to process power from city power or batteries, then power can be provided to electronic components, but a large amount of heat is generated causing the memory storage device to overheat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower processing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent voltage regulation modules, each responsible for specific voltage levels (e.g., 3.3V, 1.8V, 1.2V). This segmentation distributes the power processing load across multiple stages, reducing heat concentration in a single circuit and improving thermal management while maintaining efficient power conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different voltage regulation techniques are applied to different parts of the system based on local requirements. High-current paths use low-dropout regulators for efficiency, while low-current paths use switching regulators for better voltage conversion ratios. This localized optimization reduces overall heat generation while meeting specific power needs of different components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If larger voltage adjustment is made by voltage lowering circuit, then power voltage can be adapted to different components, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage adaptabilityVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic voltage scaling capabilities where voltage levels are adjusted in real-time based on operational requirements. Multiple voltage rails (3.3V, 1.8V, 1.2V) can be dynamically enabled or disabled, and voltage levels can be adjusted according to workload demands, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining adaptability to different component requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters of the power supply system by introducing multiple discrete voltage levels instead of a single adjustable voltage. This allows each voltage level to be optimized for specific functions (e.g., 3.3V for I/O, 1.8V for logic, 1.2V for high-performance cores), reducing energy loss while maintaining versatility through parameter diversification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional voltage conversion method is used, then power can be supplied to components, but heat radiation increases reducing performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidheat radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces intermediate voltage buffering stages between the power input and final component supply. Power is converted to intermediate voltage levels first, then distributed to various components through regulated pathways. This intermediary approach stabilizes power delivery while distributing thermal load, preventing excessive heat radiation and maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional linear voltage regulation (which generates significant heat) with switching regulation technology. This substitution uses electromagnetic field-based energy transfer instead of resistive voltage dropping, dramatically reducing heat radiation while maintaining stable power supply and improving overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9310869B2Memory storage device, memory control circuit unit and power supply method
Publication Date: 2016.04.12 PHISON ELECTRONICS
  • US9310869B2 patent drawing
  • US9310869B2 patent drawing
  • US9310869B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory storage device, a memory control circuit unit and a power supply method are provided. The power supply method includes: providing a first power voltage to a host interface circuit of the memory storage device; providing a second power voltage to a memory management circuit of the memory storage device; providing a third power voltage to a memory interface circuit of the memory storage device, wherein a reference voltage terminal of the memory interface circuit is coupled to a power input terminal of the memory management circuit. Thus, the overheat problem of the memory storage device due to the voltage conversion may be improved.