PMIC Redundant Channel Switching for Memory Power Fault Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply devices in memory systems face issues with output abnormality, leading to potential failure and inability to supply power, which can result in data access failures and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) with redundant channels that can detect output abnormalities and switch to alternative channels to maintain power supply, ensuring continuous operation and notification of abnormalities to the memory controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single channel is used for voltage output, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to output abnormality leading to power supply failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple voltage output channels (first channel and second channel) before any abnormality occurs. The PMIC is designed with redundant channel capabilities in advance, so when output abnormality is detected in the first channel, the system can immediately switch to the second channel without requiring complex real-time decision logic or additional switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a redundant second channel that acts as a backup cushion against the harmful effect of output abnormality. This redundant channel is prepared in advance to compensate for potential failures in the first channel, ensuring continuous power supply capability without adding complex error correction or recovery mechanisms.
2Reliability
If redundant channels are added to compensate for output abnormality, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PMIC is designed with multi-functionality to perform both normal voltage output and abnormality detection and handling within a single integrated circuit. The first and second channels are not just simple voltage outputs but are equipped with abnormality detection capabilities and automatic switching logic, allowing the PMIC to universally handle both operational modes without requiring separate control circuits or switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of voltage output, abnormality detection, and channel switching into a single PMIC unit. Instead of having separate components for each function, the first and second channels are integrated with the PMIC's control logic, combining multiple functions into one unified device that can automatically manage channel switching based on detected abnormality conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the PMIC stops output upon detecting abnormality, then the safety is improved by preventing damage, but the productivity deteriorates due to interruption of power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the channel configuration adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically switches from the first channel to the second channel based on the detected abnormality condition. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain power supply continuity (improving productivity) while still preventing damage by stopping output from the abnormal first channel (maintaining safety).
Solution Approach 2:
The second channel acts as an intermediary that mediates between the harmful effect of first channel abnormality and the need for continuous power supply. When the first channel becomes abnormal, the second channel serves as a substitute intermediary to maintain the power supply function, preventing both damage propagation and service interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments, a power supply device includes a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) and a plurality of voltage output terminals. The PMIC includes a plurality of channels for outputting voltages and is capable of notifying an outside of output abnormality of at least one of the plurality of channels. The plurality of voltage output terminals include a first voltage output terminal coupled to a first channel among the plurality of channels. In a case of detecting output abnormality of the first channel, the PMIC is configured to stop output of a first voltage from the first channel to the first voltage output terminal, electrically couple a second channel different from the first channel among the plurality of channels to the first voltage output terminal, and output a second voltage from the second channel to the first voltage output terminal.