External Voltage Regulation for Storage Package Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing external voltages due to varying voltage levels required for optimal operation, leading to inefficiencies in power supply.
Innovation Solution
A voltage level regulator, located outside the memory and controller, adjusts external voltages to provide driving voltages at appropriate levels for the memory and controller using switching elements and circuit elements, enhancing power supply efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a voltage level regulator is integrated inside the memory and controller, then device integration is improved, but power supply efficiency deteriorates due to inadequate voltage adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage level regulator is separated from the memory and controller and placed on the circuit board outside the semiconductor device. This segmentation allows the regulator to be optimized for power efficiency independently while the memory and controller maintain their integrated structure, resolving the contradiction between integration and power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage level regulator acts as an intermediary component between the external voltage source and the memory/controller. By positioning it outside the semiconductor device, it serves as a dedicated mediator that efficiently adjusts voltage levels without compromising the internal integration of the memory and controller.
2Ease of operation
If external voltage is directly supplied to memory and controller, then power supply simplicity is improved, but operational reliability deteriorates due to mismatched voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage level regulator serves as an intermediary that sits between the external voltage source and the memory/controller, maintaining the simple external power supply interface while ensuring reliable voltage level matching for optimal operation of the memory and controller components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage level regulator dynamically adjusts voltage parameters to match the specific requirements of the memory and controller. This parameter transformation ensures operational reliability while maintaining ease of power supply connection from external sources.
3Extent of automation
If voltage adjustment is performed inside the semiconductor device, then internal voltage control is improved, but power usage efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient voltage optimization
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the voltage control function and placing it outside the semiconductor device, the system achieves both automated voltage control (through the regulator's control circuit) and improved power efficiency (by using a dedicated regulator optimized for energy conversion rather than integrated control logic).
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage level regulator with its control circuit provides self-service voltage optimization, automatically adjusting voltage levels based on the requirements of the memory and controller without requiring complex internal control mechanisms within the semiconductor device itself.
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
The solution allows for efficient utilization of external voltages at varying levels, improving power usage efficiency within the storage device by ensuring optimal operation of both memory and controller components.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage level regulator coupled to the circuit board and including at least one switching element and located outside the at least one memory and the controller in the semiconductor device, the voltage level regulator configured to output, to at least one of the at least one memory or the controller, a driving voltage obtained by adjusting a level of at least one external voltage received from a device outside the semiconductor device
Data Source
AI summary
Data storage systems and semiconductor devices are disclosed. In an embodiment, a storage system includes a circuit board, a semiconductor device coupled to the circuit board and including at least one memory and a controller, wherein the controller is in communication with the at least one memory and configured to control the at least one memory, and a voltage level regulator coupled to the circuit board and including at least one switching element and located outside the at least one memory and the controller in the semiconductor device, the voltage level regulator configured to output, to at least one of the at least one memory or the controller, a driving voltage obtained by adjusting a level of at least one external voltage received from a device outside the semiconductor device.