Power Supply Control Circuit for Data Storage Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power consumption issues in data storage systems, particularly during startup, pose challenges due to high power draw by capacitive circuits and HDD spindles, affecting cost, power supply lifetime, and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a primary memory circuit, solid-state caching memory circuit, backup power-reservoir circuit, and power supply control circuit that limits current load by offset charging and staggering the startup of memory circuits, using a capacitor to supply backup power and control power supply algorithms based on the number and type of memory circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple memory circuits and power reservoir circuits are powered up simultaneously during startup, then all circuits receive power quickly, but the current load on the power supply exceeds threshold levels causing power consumption issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting which circuits are already powered up before initiating power-up sequences for other circuits. The controller checks the powered-up status of memory circuits and power reservoir circuits, and only powers up circuits that are not already powered, thereby avoiding simultaneous power-up of all circuits and preventing current threshold violations.
2Productivity
If all memory circuits are powered up at the same time, then system initialization is faster, but the power supply current load exceeds safe threshold levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the powered-up status of each memory circuit and power reservoir circuit. The controller receives feedback signals indicating which circuits are already powered, and uses this feedback to dynamically control the power-up sequence, ensuring that total current load never exceeds the power supply's safe threshold while still initializing all circuits.
3Speed
If capacitive circuits draw full power upon turn-on, then they reach operational voltage quickly, but this creates excessive current load on the power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking the powered-up status of capacitive circuits before initiating power-up. The controller detects which circuits are already at operational voltage and skips power-up sequences for those circuits, only applying power to circuits that need it. This prevents excessive current draw while ensuring all circuits eventually reach operational voltage.
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
This approach reduces power consumption during startup, maintaining data integrity and extending power supply lifetime by limiting current draw to a threshold, ensuring efficient and reliable power management.
Implementation Method 1
The backup power-reservoir circuit includes a capacitor coupled to receive a charge from a power supply, and that holds a charge to supply backup power
Data Source
AI summary
Power-backup capabilities are provided by implementing a variety of different methods, systems and devices. According to one such implementation, an energy storage device such as a capacitive storage circuit is powered relative to the powering of one or more additional circuits from a common power supply to limit the draw upon the power supply. Certain applications involve delaying or otherwise modifying the powering of the capacitive storage circuit, which may involve an initial startup of the capacitive storage circuit.