Non-Volatile Memory Power Control via Switching Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory subsystems, it is challenging to power down non-volatile memory independently of volatile memory and a controller, as they share the same power supply rails, leading to increased power consumption in devices like mobile devices with limited battery life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating switching components along the power supply rails allows the memory subsystem to selectively uncouple non-volatile memory from the power supply, enabling its independent power-down, controlled by a controller based on operational modes and data access criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-volatile memory shares the same power supply rails as volatile memory and controller, then power distribution is simplified, but non-volatile memory cannot be powered down independently leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces separate power supply rails specifically for non-volatile memory, dividing the power distribution system into independent segments. This allows the non-volatile memory to be powered down independently from volatile memory and controller, resolving the contradiction by maintaining simple power distribution architecture while enabling selective power management to reduce overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs switching components as intermediaries between power supply rails and non-volatile memory. These switches act as mediators that can selectively connect or disconnect power to the non-volatile memory based on operational needs, enabling independent power control without complicating the overall power distribution structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If switching components are added to enable independent power control of non-volatile memory, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Switching components serve as intermediaries that simplify the control architecture by providing a straightforward on/off mechanism for power delivery. Rather than requiring complex power management circuits, the switches provide a simple binary control interface that reduces power consumption without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical state parameter of the power supply connection by introducing controllable switches. These switches can change the connection state between connected and disconnected, enabling dynamic power management. This parameter change approach allows simple binary control (on/off) that reduces power consumption while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Duration of action of moving object
If non-volatile memory is powered down to save energy, then battery life is extended, but latency is introduced when power is needed for data access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by maintaining power to non-volatile memory when data is frequently accessed, avoiding the need to power up from a powered-down state. The controller monitors access patterns and keeps the memory in a powered state in advance, preventing latency when data access is required while still enabling power-down mode during extended periods of non-use to extend battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic power management where the power state of non-volatile memory changes based on real-time operational needs. The system dynamically transitions between powered-up and powered-down states, and between different power rail configurations, to optimize the balance between battery life extension and data access latency based on actual usage patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for power supply control for non-volatile memory are described. A package containing a memory subsystem may include a controller, a volatile memory, and a non-volatile memory. The package may include one or more pins for receiving a supply voltage that may be distributed to the controller, the volatile memory, and the non-volatile memory using one or more power supply rails. The memory subsystem may include one or more switching components along one or more power supply rails to selectively decouple the non-volatile memory from the one or more power supply rails, thereby enabling the non-volatile memory to be powered down separately from the controller and volatile memory. The controller may determine whether to couple or uncouple the non-volatile memory from a power supply rail based on various criteria associated with accessing the non-volatile memory.