Power Control Device Always-On Domain Low Power Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage devices require external FET switches to transition into low power modes, which increases cost and power consumption, and lacks an efficient method to manage transitions without external load switches.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an always-on domain (AOD) within the power control device that includes internal voltage regulators, bias current generators, and load switches, allowing for controlled power routing and management of low power states without external FET switches, enabling transitions into and out of low power modes efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external FET switches are used to transition into low power modes, then power management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power management functionality into the existing power control device by adding an always-on domain with internal load switches. This integration eliminates the need for external FET switches while maintaining the capability to transition between power modes, thereby reducing device complexity and cost without sacrificing power management adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The always-on domain acts as an intermediary component within the power control device that manages power transitions internally. This intermediary structure with internal load switches provides the necessary power management capability without requiring external FET switches, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external FET switches are used for low power mode transitions, then power state control is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower state controlVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the load switches into the always-on domain within the power control device, the patent eliminates the need for external FET switches that consume additional power. This integration maintains effective power state control while reducing overall power consumption by removing redundant external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power control device with its always-on domain and internal load switches becomes self-sufficient in managing power transitions. It no longer requires external FET switches to enable or disable power states, as the internal load switches provide this functionality independently, thereby reducing power consumption associated with external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If external load switches are eliminated, then device complexity is reduced, but power transition efficiency may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpower transition efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the load switch functionality into the always-on domain of the power control device, creating an integrated solution that maintains efficient power transitions. The internal load switches are strategically positioned within the power control device to ensure rapid and efficient power state changes without the complexity of external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The always-on domain is designed to be continuously active and ready to manage power transitions at any time. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a power state change is required, the internal load switches can immediately execute the transition without delay, maintaining high power transition efficiency while eliminating external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9058834B1Power architecture for low power modes in storage devices

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A power control device comprising an always-on-domain (AOD) which includes control logic circuitry for controlling power from a power source, load switches, bias current generators. The power control device also includes, outside of the AOD, functional blocks. The control logic circuitry is configured to receive a signal to go into a lower power state, initiate a shut-down sequence of the load switches and the bias current generators of the AOD, to disable circuitry outside of the AOD, including the functional blocks of the power control device and loads controlled by the power control device, and operate in a low power state to detect a wake-up signal. The shut-down sequence may additionally include sequencing off voltage regulators outside of the AOD and a clock control inside the AOD.