PMIC Powering SSDs Periodically to Prevent Data Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle power management integrated circuit (PMIC) systems cannot perform necessary refresh operations on storage devices when the vehicle is not in operation, leading to potential data loss due to the requirement of a power supply routed through the CPU.
Innovation Solution
A modified PMIC system that allows periodic power supply to storage devices without powering on the entire vehicle, using a power switch with logic to wake up and provide power directly to SSDs, enabling refresh operations without involving power-hungry CPUs, and maintaining power to SSDs even in case of unexpected power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is supplied to storage devices through the CPU when the vehicle is not in operation, then refresh operations can be performed, but the entire vehicle system must be powered on causing excessive battery drain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system by introducing a dedicated power management integrated circuit (PMIC) that independently controls power delivery to storage devices. This separates the storage device power supply from the CPU-powered vehicle system, allowing selective powering of only the storage device without activating the entire vehicle system, thereby reducing battery drain while maintaining data integrity through refresh operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The PMIC acts as an intermediary component between the power source and the storage device. It receives power from the vehicle's power source and directly supplies it to the storage device without requiring CPU involvement. This intermediary enables refresh operations during vehicle off-states by mediating the power delivery path independently from the main vehicle power management system.
2Reliability
If the vehicle system is powered on to perform refresh operations on storage devices, then data loss is prevented, but system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent power domains: the vehicle system and the storage device system. The PMIC creates a separate power control pathway for the storage device, allowing it to be managed independently from the vehicle's main system. This segmentation enables refresh operations without requiring full system activation, reducing overall system complexity while preserving data.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is enabled to perform self-service refresh operations through the dedicated PMIC power supply path. The storage device can maintain its data integrity through periodic refreshes without requiring the vehicle's CPU or main system to be active. This self-service capability reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for centralized power management during off-states.
3Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to storage devices, then data integrity is maintained, but energy consumption increases during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The PMIC implements periodic action by supplying power to the storage device at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. During vehicle off-states, the PMIC activates the storage device periodically to perform refresh operations, then powers it down. This periodic power supply maintains data integrity through necessary refreshes while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the storage device powered off during intervals when refreshes are not required.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices and methods for periodically powering up a storage device(s) (SSDs) associated with a vehicle to avoid and prevent data loss. The disclosed embodiments provide mechanisms for preserving stored data collected during the running of a vehicle without requiring the main power supply to be routed through the CPU. Through the improved configuration and application of the disclosed power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), storage devices of a vehicle are enabled to be provided direct power and refreshed without powering on the vehicle (e.g., starting the car). The PMIC also ensures that the necessary power can be provided to and maintained to the storage device(s) in the event of an unexpected power loss.