Storage Device Capacitor Switching for Buzzing Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with multilayer ceramic capacitors connected to power-supply voltage lines experience buzzing noise due to resonance when the fluctuation frequency of the power-supply voltage matches the natural frequency of the device's mounting board, which is a concern in downsized devices requiring reduced noise levels.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a power-supply voltage input terminal connected to both a fixed and a variable capacitor in parallel, where the number of conductive switches controlling the capacitors is adjusted to change the synthesis capacitance and switching frequency, preventing resonance and buzzing noise by ensuring the fluctuation frequency does not match the device's natural frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multilayer ceramic capacitor is connected to a power-supply voltage line to stabilize voltage and filter noises, then power-supply stability is improved, but buzzing noise occurs when fluctuation frequency matches the natural frequency of the board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower-supply stabilityVSAvoidbuzzing noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a switchable capacitor configuration where capacitors can be dynamically connected or disconnected from the power-supply voltage line. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to change the total capacitance value, thereby shifting the fluctuation frequency away from the board's natural frequency and eliminating resonance-induced buzzing noise while maintaining power-supply stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (capacitance) by switching capacitors in and out of the circuit. By adjusting the total capacitance value, the fluctuation frequency of the power-supply voltage is modified to avoid matching the natural frequency of the mounting board, thus preventing resonance and buzzing noise while preserving voltage stabilization functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the fluctuation frequency is adjusted to avoid natural frequency and eliminate buzzing noise, then noise level is improved, but power-supply filtering effectiveness may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuzzing noise levelVSAvoidpower-supply filtering effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different capacitor configurations to achieve optimal performance under different operating conditions. When buzzing noise is detected or anticipated, the switchable capacitors adjust the fluctuation frequency away from natural frequencies. When noise-free operation is maintained, the capacitors can be configured to maximize filtering effectiveness, thus dynamically balancing noise reduction and filtering performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of the capacitor switching state based on detected buzzing noise or power-supply conditions. This periodic action allows the system to adaptively maintain both low noise levels and effective filtering by adjusting capacitor connections in response to changing operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 cancels buzzing noise by adjusting the capacitance and switching frequency of the capacitors, preventing resonance and ensuring quiet operation even when natural frequencies are within the audible range.

Implementation Method 1

When the power-supply voltage fluctuates, the multilayer ceramic capacitor expands and contracts due to the electrostrictive effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostrictive effect: Electrostriction

Implementation Method 2

when the fluctuation frequency of the power-supply voltage matches the frequency (hereinafter referred to as a natural frequency) which is inherent to a vibration of the board, the board resonates and the vibration intensity of the board increases.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11527360B2Storage device and method
Publication Date: 2022.12.13 KIOXIA CORP
  • US11527360B2 patent drawing
  • US11527360B2 patent drawing
  • US11527360B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a power-supply voltage input terminal, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor. The first capacitor has a fixed capacitance. The second capacitor has a variable capacitance. The first capacitor and the second capacitor are connected in parallel to the power-supply voltage input terminal.