Switched-Capacitor Power Train for Memory Module Voltage Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power converter designs for memory modules like DIMM cards are inefficient due to the need for external power handling and conditioning, leading to power losses and increased costs, as they cannot accommodate power conversion resources within the limited physical dimensions of the module.

Innovation Solution

A switched-capacitor power train is integrated onto the memory module to provide a regulated voltage, replacing traditional resistor-divider networks and linear voltage regulators, allowing for efficient power conversion and reduced power losses by locating the power converter directly on the DIMM card.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If power handling and conditioning is performed externally on the motherboard, then the memory module can maintain its standardized physical dimensions, but power losses increase and power conversion efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossesVSAvoidpower handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion function is segmented from the motherboard and integrated directly onto the memory module. This separates the power handling complexity from the main system while enabling efficient local power conversion, resolving the contradiction between reducing power losses and managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The memory module becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own power conversion resources directly on the module. This eliminates the need for external power handling on the motherboard, reducing power losses during transmission while containing complexity within the module itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of energy

If power conversion resources are integrated on the DIMM card, then power conversion efficiency increases and power losses reduce, but the physical dimension constraints of the module are challenged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossesVSAvoidmodule area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin-film technology and flexible circuit board designs to integrate power conversion resources on the DIMM card. This allows high-density placement of power components within the limited module area, enabling efficient local power conversion without exceeding physical dimension constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The power conversion resources are arranged in a multi-layer configuration on the module, utilizing vertical space and different circuit layers. This dimensional approach allows integration of power handling capabilities while maintaining the standardized external dimensions of the DIMM card.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional resistor-divider networks and linear voltage regulators are used, then the circuit design is simple, but power conversion efficiency is low and power losses are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit design simplicityVSAvoidpower losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional linear voltage regulation mechanisms with switched-capacitor power conversion technology. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture through standardized integrated circuit fabrication while dramatically improving power conversion efficiency and reducing power losses compared to linear regulator approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters of the power conversion system by using high-frequency switching of capacitors instead of continuous linear regulation. This parameter change enables much higher efficiency power conversion while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard digital circuit fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces power losses and costs by enabling efficient power handling and conversion directly on the DIMM card, improving power conversion efficiency to levels approaching 97% and reducing the need for additional power processing on the motherboard.

Implementation Method 1

a power converter employing a switched-capacitor power train, located on the circuit board, configured to provide the second voltage for the memory module from the first voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9627028B2Power converter for a memory module

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

An apparatus including a memory module and power converter and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a memory module, located on a circuit board, configured to operate from a first voltage and a second voltage being a multiple of the first voltage. The apparatus also includes a power converter employing a switched-capacitor power train, located on the circuit board, configured to provide the second voltage for the memory module from the first voltage.