On-Die Capacitor Bank Sequencing for Memory Power Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face limitations with on-board capacitors due to limited electrical charge storage capacity and space occupancy, as well as voltage decline over time, which can lead to data loss during power outages.
Innovation Solution
Employing on-die capacitor banks, specifically deep trench capacitors (DTCs), which are divided into multiple capacitor banks that can be sequentially charged and discharged to meet initialization specifications and provide power to memory devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If on-board capacitors are used for power storage, then power backup capability is provided, but electrical charge storage capacity is limited and space occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is divided into multiple capacitor banks (first capacitor bank, second capacitor bank, etc.) that can be charged and discharged sequentially. This segmentation allows the total charge storage capacity to be distributed across multiple smaller units, reducing the space required for each individual capacitor while maintaining the overall backup power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using a single large on-board capacitor to multiple smaller capacitors arranged in a bank configuration. This dimensional reorganization allows for more efficient space utilization on the substrate, fitting multiple capacitors in a compact arrangement that reduces total space occupancy while increasing aggregate storage capacity.
2Reliability
If voltage threshold is set high for power failure detection, then data loss is prevented, but false power failure detection occurs during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage threshold for power failure detection based on the charging state of the capacitor banks. During normal operation when capacitors are charged, a higher threshold prevents false detection. During discharge or initialization when capacitors are not fully charged, a lower threshold is used, allowing the detection mechanism to adapt to different operational states and eliminate false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage threshold parameter is changed based on the operational context - specifically whether the capacitor banks are charged or discharged. The controller adjusts this parameter dynamically: using a first threshold when capacitors are charged and a second (lower) threshold when they are not, thereby preventing false power failure detection while maintaining reliable detection capability.
3Quantity of substance
If capacitor banks are charged during initialization, then power backup is ensured, but voltage decline over time occurs leading to data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor banks are charged periodically during initialization phases rather than continuously. The controller charges the capacitor banks at specific intervals (during initialization) and then monitors their discharge state. This periodic charging approach ensures power backup capability is restored over time while avoiding the continuous charge maintenance that leads to voltage decline and data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor banks are charged in advance during initialization before normal operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that power backup capability is established before the system enters standby or operation modes, allowing the system to detect and respond to power failures reliably without suffering from voltage decline during critical operations.
4Device complexity
If single capacitor is used, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but initialization specifications and protocol compliance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single capacitor is segmented into multiple capacitor banks with individual control. Each capacitor bank can be independently charged and discharged, allowing the system to meet initialization specifications that require specific voltage levels and timing sequences. This segmentation provides the versatility needed for protocol compliance while maintaining relatively simple control logic through sequential operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the charging and discharging of individual capacitor banks based on initialization requirements and operational needs. During initialization, capacitors are charged in a specific sequence to meet protocol specifications. During normal operation, the system dynamically manages which capacitors are active, providing adaptability for different protocols while keeping the overall circuit design manageable through systematic control.
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 allows for efficient power management, compliance with ONFI protocol standards, and reduced footprint on the substrate, minimizing data loss during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of memory devices can include one or more deep trench capacitors (DTCs) embedded within a substrate of the memory device
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes dividing an on-die capacitor of a memory device into a plurality of capacitor banks, charging the plurality of capacitor banks sequentially during an initialization of the memory device, determining a supply voltage for the memory device is below a threshold voltage, and discharging the plurality of capacitor banks sequentially to provide power to the memory device in response to determining the supply voltage is below the threshold voltage.