Switching Power Supply Frequency Control for Flash Memory Data Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing apparatuses using flash memory modules face data loss due to incomplete writing to nonvolatile memory during power outages, as existing power supply methods, such as capacitors or batteries, may not accumulate sufficient energy to complete the writing process, especially with increasing flash memory capacity.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a first power supply unit that generates power for both nonvolatile and volatile memories through a switching operation, with a power source controller that lowers the switching frequency and controls power supply during voltage drops to ensure data writing is completed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a capacitor or battery is used to supply power during voltage drops, then data writing to nonvolatile memory can be completed, but the capacitor or battery capacity becomes excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata writing completionVSAvoidcapacitor or battery capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting voltage drops early and proactively lowering the switching frequency before the capacitor is fully discharged. This anticipatory approach extends the usable time of the capacitor, ensuring data writing completes without requiring excessive capacitor capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The switching frequency is made dynamic rather than fixed. The power supply unit automatically adjusts the switching frequency downward when voltage drops are detected, optimizing power delivery efficiency during critical write operations and extending the capacitor's effective duration without increasing its physical capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If the switching frequency is lowered during voltage drops, then power supply efficiency improves, but the response speed of power generation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply efficiencyVSAvoidpower generation response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting voltage drops and preemptively lowering the switching frequency before the capacitor is depleted. This prevents the harmful effect of insufficient power delivery while maintaining efficient energy transfer, ensuring data writing completes successfully.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply unit incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor voltage levels and adjust the switching frequency accordingly. When voltage drops are detected, the system responds by reducing frequency to optimize efficiency, and can restore normal frequency once voltage stabilizes, balancing efficiency and response needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 secures the necessary electric power to write data from volatile to nonvolatile memory, reducing data loss and minimizing the required capacitor or battery capacity, even during power outages.

Implementation Method 1

a first power supply unit that generates electric power supplied to the nonvolatile memory and the volatile memory by a switching operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwitching operation:

Implementation Method 2

a power source controller that lowers a switching frequency of the first power supply unit and that controls the first power supply unit to supply the electric power to the nonvolatile memory and the volatile memory in a case where voltage supplied to the information processing apparatus drops

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11301026B2Information processing apparatus having volatile memory used to cache write data to nonvolatile memory, power supply method therefor, and storage medium storing program therefor

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus that is capable of securing electric power needed to complete data writing to a nonvolatile memory even if supplied voltage drops. The information processing apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory that caches write data to the nonvolatile memory. A first power supply unit generates electric power supplied to the nonvolatile memory and the volatile memory by a switching operation. A power source controller lowers a switching frequency of the first power supply unit and controls the first power supply unit to supply the electric power to the nonvolatile memory and the volatile memory in a case where voltage supplied to the information processing apparatus drops.