NAND Flash Memory Voltage Drop Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with non-volatile memory devices face data loss during power supply voltage drops, and conventional solutions like internal batteries increase costs or fail to handle sudden voltage drops effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device configuration that includes a voltage monitor and memory controller to detect power supply voltage drops before issuing commands for data writing or erasing, ceasing these operations to prevent data loss, and utilizing a power supply management device to manage voltage thresholds and a stop instructor for hardware-based measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an internal battery is installed for backup, then data loss during power discontinuity is prevented, but product cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidproduct cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage monitor detects voltage drops in advance before they affect memory operations. The system proactively prevents command issuance during vulnerable voltage conditions, rather than reacting after data loss occurs. This preliminary detection and prevention mechanism eliminates the need for backup batteries while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A voltage monitor acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the memory controller. This intermediary component monitors voltage conditions and communicates status to the controller, enabling intelligent decision-making about when to proceed with or cancel memory operations. This mediator approach provides cost-effective protection compared to direct battery backup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If data writing or erasing is performed during voltage drops, then productivity is maintained, but data loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata operation continuityVSAvoiddata loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage monitor provides continuous feedback about power supply conditions to the memory controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts its operation - proceeding with commands when voltage is stable and canceling them when voltage drops are detected. This feedback loop ensures data safety without significantly impacting overall productivity, as operations are only delayed during actual voltage disturbances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary voltage verification before issuing memory commands. By checking voltage stability in advance and only proceeding when conditions are favorable, the system prevents data loss before it can occur. This preliminary check mechanism maintains high productivity by allowing uninterrupted operations during normal conditions while providing protection during abnormal events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11782827B2Electronic device, vehicle, and control method for controlling a non-volatile memory based on a detected voltage drop

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

An electronic device includes a NAND flash memory device, a memory controller that issues a command for performing either erasing or writing of data to the NAND flash memory device, and a voltage monitor that monitors a power supply and detects a voltage drop. When the voltage drop is detected before an issue of the command, the memory controller ceases the issue of the command to the NAND flash memory device.