Storage Device Power Rail Segmentation for Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data loss occurs during computer system shutdowns because cached data in volatile storage devices is not transferred to non-volatile memory in time, and existing solutions do not effectively manage power distribution to ensure data transfer while shutting down other system components.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple power rails, where power is maintained to storage devices via a secondary rail after primary power is stopped to storage devices, allowing data from cache to be transferred to non-volatile memory, and a power management controller coordinates this process via control pins to ensure data integrity during shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is stopped to storage devices during system shutdown, then system shutdown is completed, but cached data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power rails. The first power rail supplies power to most system components and is shut down during system shutdown. The second power rail specifically supplies power to storage devices and remains active longer to enable cached data transfer to non-volatile memory before being shut down.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining power to the second power rail before the first power rail is completely shut down. This allows the storage device to complete the data transfer from cache to non-volatile memory in advance, ensuring data integrity before the storage device loses power.
2Reliability
If power is maintained to storage devices during shutdown, then data transfer is enabled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into separate rails with different shutdown timing. The second power rail is segmented to remain active only long enough to complete data transfer, then shuts down independently, minimizing unnecessary power consumption after data transfer is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameters by controlling the timing and duration of power delivery on different rails. The second power rail maintains power only for the necessary duration to complete data transfer, then transitions to an off state, optimizing the balance between data integrity and power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single power rail is used, then system is simple, but cannot selectively power components during shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple rails, each controllable independently. This segmentation enables selective power control to different system components during shutdown, allowing the processor and most components to be powered down while storage devices remain powered for data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple power rail system provides multi-functionality by enabling different power management scenarios: normal operation with all components powered, shutdown with selective power maintenance for data transfer, and complete power down. This universal approach handles various system states efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a power source and two power rails coupled to the power source. A storage device, comprising a non-volatile memory, a cache coupled to the non-volatile memory, and a control pin, is coupled to the second power rail. A power management controller is coupled to the first power rail and to a control pin of the storage device. The power management controller stops the provision of power via the first power rail and provides a signal to the storage device via the control pin when the provision of power via the first power rail is stopped. The storage device continues to receive power from the second power rail when the provision of power via the first power rail is stopped. The storage device stores data from the cache to the non-volatile memory in response to the receipt of the signal via the control pin.