Power-Loss Detection Circuit for Volatile Storage Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic cards with volatile storage face data loss when power is interrupted from a client device, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to promptly transfer data to non-volatile storage during power loss.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power-loss detection circuit and a temporary power source to detect impending power loss and activate a data protection process, which transfers data from volatile storage to non-volatile storage using a connection circuit that selectively connects the temporary power source to the electronic card, ensuring data persistence even after main power is depleted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a storage device uses volatile storage to store data, then writing speed and performance are improved, but data loss occurs when power is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by detecting power loss conditions before complete power failure occurs. The power loss detection circuit monitors voltage levels and triggers a data transfer operation from volatile storage to non-volatile storage while residual power is still available, thereby preserving data before the power interruption becomes fatal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary non-volatile storage component that acts as a buffer between the volatile storage and the ultimate data destination. When power loss is detected, data is temporarily written to this intermediary storage, which maintains data integrity during the power transition, and then subsequently transferred to the final storage location once power is restored
2Reliability
If a power loss detection circuit and temporary power source are added to protect against data loss, then data persistence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into distinct functional components: volatile storage for active operations, non-volatile storage for data protection, a power loss detection circuit for monitoring, and a temporary power source for bridging power gaps. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by clearly defining responsibilities
Solution Approach 2:
The power loss detection circuit automatically monitors power conditions and triggers data protection operations without requiring external intervention or complex control logic. The system serves itself by having the detection circuit directly interface with the storage controller to initiate protective actions, reducing the need for additional control mechanisms
3Reliability
If data is transferred from volatile storage to non-volatile storage during power loss, then data loss is prevented, but transfer time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rushed transfer mechanism where the data transfer operation is prioritized and executed with maximum speed when power loss is detected. The system skips normal protocol handshakes and error checking routines that would delay the transfer, focusing solely on moving data quickly from volatile to non-volatile storage before power is completely lost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transferring only the most critical data that is currently in the volatile storage buffer, rather than attempting to transfer all data in the system. This selective approach ensures that essential data is protected without requiring a complete system-wide data migration, thereby reducing the overall transfer time
Data Source
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AI summary
Power loss in a client device is detected. In response to the detecting of the power loss, an electronic card is alerted that the power loss is about to occur, where the electronic card includes a volatile storage and a non-volatile storage. A transfer of data from the volatile storage to the non-volatile storage is triggered in response to the alert.