Oxide Semiconductor Storage Element for Low-Power Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal processing circuits require complex manufacturing processes and high power consumption, especially when power is stopped for short periods, as existing nonvolatile storage devices rely on magnetic or ferroelectric elements, and data transfer to external storage takes time, making them unsuitable for quick power shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing circuit using a storage element with a first and second storage circuit, transistors with oxide semiconductor layers, and switches to manage data storage and retrieval efficiently, allowing data to be held even when power is off, using a capacitor to store data and transistors with low leakage current to maintain data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nonvolatile storage device using magnetic or ferroelectric elements is used to retain data during power shutdown, then data retention capability is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a capacitor to create an electrical copy of the data state held in the first storage circuit. This capacitor copy can be maintained during power shutdown without requiring complex magnetic or ferroelectric materials, thereby achieving data retention while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters by using a capacitor with very low leakage current characteristics instead of traditional magnetic or ferroelectric storage elements. This parameter change enables data retention during power shutdown while avoiding the manufacturing complexity associated with magnetic or ferroelectric materials.
2Reliability
If data is transferred to an external storage device during power shutdown, then data retention capability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by maintaining the data state in the capacitor before power shutdown occurs. The capacitor is pre-charged to hold the data state, and this pre-prepared state allows for immediate recovery without requiring time-consuming data transfer operations to external storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary storage element between the first storage circuit and the second storage circuit. This intermediary can rapidly hold the data state during power shutdown without requiring slow data transfer operations to external storage, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining data retention.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply is stopped to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but data loss risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by using the capacitor to protect the data state before power shutdown occurs. The capacitor is charged to hold the data state in advance, creating a protective buffer that prevents data loss during power interruption, thereby enabling safe power stopping for energy efficiency without data loss risk.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a capacitor with low leakage current is used to hold data during power shutdown, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple capacitor structure that can be manufactured with standard processes rather than requiring expensive, highly precise low-leakage specialized components. The capacitor is designed to hold data for the short duration of power shutdown, after which it is refreshed from the first storage circuit, allowing the use of simpler, more manufacturable components.
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 reduces power consumption and simplifies manufacturing while enabling data retention and quick recovery after power restart, allowing for short power shutdowns without data loss.
Implementation Method 1
The second storage circuit includes a capacitor and transistors with oxide semiconductor layers
Implementation Method 2
transistors with oxide semiconductor layers, and switches to manage data storage and retrieval efficiently, allowing data to be held even when power is off, using a capacitor to store data and transistors with low leakage current to maintain data integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing circuit whose power consumption can be suppressed is provided. In a period during which a power supply voltage is not supplied to a storage element, data stored in a first storage circuit corresponding to a nonvolatile memory can be held by a first capacitor provided in a second storage circuit. With the use of a transistor in which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor layer, a signal held in the first capacitor is held for a long time. The storage element can accordingly hold the stored content (data) also in a period during which the supply of the power supply voltage is stopped. A signal held by the first capacitor can be converted into the one corresponding to the state (the on state or off state) of the second transistor and read from the second storage circuit. Consequently, an original signal can be accurately read.