Spindle Phase Switching for Backup Power Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems face challenges in providing reliable back-up power during interruptions, as existing solutions often require significant current to charge storage elements and may not efficiently manage power transitions.
Innovation Solution
The use of two spindle phase switching elements to generate a boost output voltage for charging a charge storage element, coupled with control circuitry to manage the charging process and enable the data storage device controller, ensures back-up power is provided when the input voltage falls below a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional charging methods are used to charge the back-up power storage element, then the storage element can be charged, but significant current is consumed during the charging process
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into two distinct phases: a boost charging phase using spindle phase switching elements for rapid charging when input voltage is available, and a trickle charging phase using a boost switching regulator for maintaining charge with minimal current. This segmentation allows the system to optimize between charging speed and current consumption at different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different charging methodologies based on operational conditions. The controller activates the boost charging circuit during normal operation for efficient rapid charging, then transitions to trickle charging mode when the storage element approaches full charge or when input voltage is limited, thereby adapting the charging strategy to minimize current consumption while ensuring reliable back-up power.
2Reliability
If the charge storage element is charged to provide back-up power, then power protection is ensured, but the charging process takes time and may delay controller activation
Solution Approach 1:
The boost charging circuit charges the storage element in advance during normal operation when input voltage is available, so that when a power interruption occurs, the storage element is already charged and ready to provide back-up power immediately. This preliminary action eliminates delays that would occur if charging had to wait until power failure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the charge status of the storage element and the input voltage conditions, using this feedback to intelligently control the charging process. When input voltage is present, the controller activates boost charging; when the storage element reaches sufficient charge level or power failure is detected, the controller transitions to trickle charging or activates back-up mode, thereby optimizing both protection reliability and activation timing.
3Productivity
If spindle phase switching elements are used to generate boost output voltage, then charging efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle phase switching elements, which are already part of the power device for their primary function, are made multi-functional by also using them to generate boost output voltage for charging the storage element. This eliminates the need for a completely separate charging circuit, thereby improving charging efficiency while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power device's existing spindle phase switching elements serve their own charging needs by generating the necessary boost output voltage. The system uses its own internal components to perform the charging function rather than relying on external dedicated charging circuitry, thereby maintaining high charging efficiency while keeping the system architecture compact and relatively simple.
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 solution effectively provides reliable back-up power with reduced current consumption during charging and efficient power management, enabling the data storage device to maintain operation during power interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
two spindle phase switching elements to generate a boost output voltage for charging a charge storage element
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system is disclosed including a data storage device having a controller coupled to non-volatile semiconductor memory and a power device having a common power rail and first, second, and third spindle phase switching elements, the common power rail receiving an input voltage and providing power to the data storage device and the power device. The data storage system further includes an inductor coupled between outputs of the first and second spindle phase switching elements, and a charge storage element coupled between the second spindle phase switching element output and ground. The power device further includes control circuitry that controls the first and second spindle phase switching elements to generate boost output voltage for charging the charge storage element during a boost mode, the boost output voltage enabling the controller to perform a data operation in an event of an interruption of power to the data storage system.