Dynamic Power Control for NAND Flash Memory Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

NAND flash memory devices face inefficiencies in power management due to the need for voltage boosting, particularly in mobile types that lack continuous external power, leading to suboptimal electric current efficiency and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic power control system that includes an external power input terminal, a variable charge pump, and a feedback controller to selectively choose between a power management circuit and a variable charge pump based on efficiency comparisons, optimizing power supply by adjusting the number of charge pumps operated in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a voltage boosting circuit (charge pump) is used to generate high voltage without external power source, then the memory device can operate in mobile environments, but electric current efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation in mobile environmentsVSAvoidelectric current efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control by switching between two power supply modes (external power management circuit and internal charge pump) based on real-time efficiency comparisons. The feedback controller continuously monitors and adjusts the power source selection, making the system adaptable to different operating conditions while optimizing energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The memory device is designed to support multiple power supply methods: it can operate with external power management circuits in SSD environments, and switch to internal charge pump operation in mobile environments. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve both mobile and non-mobile applications efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If voltage boosting is performed using charge pump, then high voltage is generated for word line drive, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveword line drive voltageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback controller compares the efficiency of external power management circuits with that of internal charge pumps, and dynamically selects the more efficient power source. This feedback mechanism ensures that voltage boosting is performed through the most energy-efficient path, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining required drive voltages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power supply configurations based on efficiency metrics. When external power is available and efficient, it is used; when internal charge pump operation becomes more efficient, the system transitions to that mode, thereby optimizing power consumption across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If external power management circuit is used, then continuous power supply is available, but efficiency is suboptimal compared to charge pump in certain conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidelectric current efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between external power management circuit and internal charge pump based on real-time efficiency comparisons. The feedback controller continuously monitors operational conditions and adjusts the power source selection, allowing the system to transition from static external power dependence to adaptive hybrid power management that optimizes efficiency while maintaining continuous 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

This system enhances electric current efficiency and reduces power consumption by dynamically selecting the most efficient power source for NAND flash memory devices, maximizing power supply efficiency during charging processes.

Implementation Method 1

a variable charge pump receiving a second input voltage and a second input electric current, boosting the second input voltage to a second output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge pump voltage boosting: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS10839864B2Dynamic power control system for memory device and memory device using the same
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10839864B2 patent drawing
  • US10839864B2 patent drawing
  • US10839864B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dynamic power control system includes an external power input terminal receiving a first output electric current from a power management circuit outside of the memory device; a variable charge pump receiving a second input voltage and a second input electric current, boosting the second input voltage to a second output voltage, and outputting the second output voltage and a second output electric current to the memory device; and a feedback controller to compare a ratio of the first output electric current to the first input electric current and a ratio of the second output electric current to the second input electric current, and to select one of the power management circuit and the variable charge pump to supply power to the memory device, according to the comparison result.