SSD Voltage Regulator and Discrete Capacitor Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state drives (SSDs) face reduced power efficiency during power outages due to increased voltage conversion losses when using supercapacitors as backup power sources, leading to a shorter hold-up time and increased costs for larger capacitors.
Innovation Solution
The SSD incorporates a voltage regulator and an energy management device that charges a discrete capacitor, allowing non-volatile memory devices to operate on a programming voltage during normal operation and power failures, reducing the need for internal voltage conversion and enhancing power efficiency by using the supercapacitor's voltage to extend the hold-up time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a supercapacitor is used as backup power source during power outage, then data loss prevention is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates due to increased voltage conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two separate capacitors: a supercapacitor for backup power during outages and a discrete capacitor for normal operation voltage regulation. This segmentation allows each capacitor to serve its specific function without the efficiency penalties of the other, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator acts as an intermediary component that converts the supercapacitor's voltage to the required programming voltage for non-volatile memory devices during power outages. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient voltage conversion only when needed, minimizing energy losses while maintaining data protection capability.
2Loss of energy
If voltage conversion is performed during power outage, then power efficiency deteriorates, but hold-up time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete capacitor is pre-charged during normal operation before a power outage occurs. When power failure happens, this pre-charged capacitor immediately provides the required voltage without needing voltage conversion, eliminating conversion losses and maximizing hold-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter by using the discrete capacitor's stored voltage directly during power outages, avoiding the need for voltage conversion. This parameter change from converted voltage to stored voltage eliminates conversion losses and extends the hold-up time.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If larger capacity supercapacitor is used to extend hold-up time, then power outage protection is improved, but cost and physical size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power storage function into two components: a small discrete capacitor for normal operation and a supercapacitor for power outage protection. This segmentation allows the supercapacitor to be smaller and less expensive since it only needs to provide backup power for a limited duration, not continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using one large capacitor to provide both normal operation and backup power, the patent uses a smaller discrete capacitor for normal operation and a smaller supercapacitor for backup power. The combined effect of these two smaller capacitors is equivalent to, but less costly than, a single large capacitor.
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 configuration improves power efficiency during power failures, extends the time non-volatile memory devices remain powered, and reduces the need for larger, more costly capacitors, ensuring successful command completion and data saving.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulator, external of one or more non-volatile memory devices having an output connected to the one or more non-volatile memory devices to supply the programming voltage and an input connect to receive a first voltage, the voltage regulator configured to convert the first voltage to the programming voltage
Implementation Method 2
A discrete capacitor is connected to supply the first voltage to the voltage regulator, and an energy management device is coupled to charge the discrete capacitor during a normal operation of the SSD
Implementation Method 3
there is a correlated increase in importance and reliance on the use of backup power sources, such as capacitors in the form of supercapacitors, to help prevent data loss in the SSD from occurring due to a power outage or power loss
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state drive (SSD) with improved power efficiency includes one or more non-volatile memory devices configured to operate according to a programming voltage for a program function or an erase function and to a supply voltage for a read function. The SSD also includes a voltage regulator, external of the one or more non-volatile memory devices, having an output connected to the one or more non-volatile memory devices to supply the programming voltage and an input connected to receive a first voltage, the voltage regulator configured to convert the first voltage to the programming voltage. A discrete capacitor is connected to supply the first voltage to the voltage regulator. The one or more non-volatile memory devices operate according to the programming voltage supplied by the voltage regulator during both the normal operation of the SSD and in the event of a power loss or failure of the SSD.