Memory System Dynamic Resistor Control for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In memory systems, especially those using NAND flash memory, unnecessary current flow through pull-up and pull-down resistors can occur when these terminals are used for both input and output, leading to increased operating power and potential malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A memory system is designed with a selection circuit that includes pull-up and pull-down resistors, allowing the controller to dynamically select whether to connect signal terminals to power lines via these resistors, thereby preventing unnecessary current flow and reducing operating power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pull-up resistors or pull-down resistors are connected to signal terminals to prevent operation failure, then system reliability is improved, but unnecessary current flows through the resistors when terminals are used for data input and output, increasing power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation failure preventionVSAvoidoperating power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection state of pull-up and pull-down resistors changeable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically connects or disconnects these resistors based on the operational mode (input or output) of each signal terminal, allowing the system to adapt its electrical configuration to current operational requirements and minimize unnecessary current flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (connection state) of the resistors based on terminal function. By controlling the connection state of pull-up and pull-down resistors according to whether the terminal is used for input or output, the system optimizes power consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If pull-up resistors or pull-down resistors are connected to signal terminals, then signal stability is improved, but current flow through the resistors causes power loss and potential malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal terminal stabilityVSAvoidpower loss through resistors
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the connection state of resistors based on terminal function. When a terminal is configured for output, the corresponding pull-up or pull-down resistor is disconnected to eliminate unnecessary current flow and power loss. When input mode is selected, the resistor connection is established to provide signal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection parameter of resistors is changed according to terminal usage. The controller modifies the connection state (connected or disconnected) of pull-up and pull-down resistors based on whether the terminal functions as input or output, thereby controlling power loss while maintaining signal stability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution effectively reduces operating power consumption and prevents malfunctions by dynamically controlling the connection of signal terminals to power lines, optimizing power usage based on the system's operational mode and configuration.

Implementation Method 1

a resistance element; The resistance element is provided between the signal terminal and the power line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11360676B2Memory system
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 KIOXIA CORP
  • US11360676B2 patent drawing
  • US11360676B2 patent drawing
  • US11360676B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one or more embodiments, a memory system includes a signal terminal, a power line, a resistance element, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and a controller. The resistance element is provided between the signal terminal and the power line. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory is configured to transmit and receive a signal to and from a host device via the signal terminal. The controller is configured to determine whether to connect the signal terminal to the power line via the resistance element.