Thermoelectric Backup Power for Chip Data Backup Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup power solutions for electronic devices, such as multiple aluminum capacitors in parallel with MOS transistors, are costly, bulky, and have a short mean time between failures due to thermal sensitivity, making them impractical for small devices and inefficient in managing data backup operations.
Innovation Solution
A backup power supply system incorporating a DC/DC converter, a boost converter, and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) associated with a chip, where the microcontroller determines the electrical energy required for data backup, computes a temperature deviation, and commands the TEG to regulate the chip's temperature to convert heat flux into electrical energy for essential components during a data backup operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional aluminum capacitors are used for backup power, then data backup operation can be performed, but the device becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical capacitor-based backup power system with a thermoelectric generator system that converts thermal energy from the processor into electrical energy. This substitution of energy conversion mechanism allows for significantly reduced device volume while maintaining backup power functionality for data protection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric generator utilizes the processor's own waste heat as the energy source for backup operations, eliminating the need for external battery packs or large capacitor arrays. The system serves itself by converting the thermal energy already present in the device into useful electrical power for data backup.
2Reliability
If traditional aluminum capacitors are used for backup power, then data backup operation can be performed, but the system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive traditional capacitor-based backup power systems with a thermoelectric generator system that leverages existing processor heat. This substitution dramatically reduces component costs and simplifies the bill of materials, making the solution more economically viable while maintaining data backup reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the processor's inherent thermal energy as a free resource, eliminating the need to purchase and install expensive backup power components. This self-service approach to power generation significantly reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring continuous operation during power failures.
3Reliability
If traditional aluminum capacitors are used for backup power, then data backup operation can be performed, but the system has short lifetime due to thermal sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temperature-sensitive aluminum capacitor technology with solid-state thermoelectric generators that are inherently more stable and reliable. The TEG system converts thermal gradients directly into electrical energy without the thermal degradation issues that plague traditional capacitor-based systems, extending operational lifetime significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric generator system uses the processor's thermal environment as its operating condition rather than being damaged by it. By converting the thermal energy that would otherwise degrade traditional capacitors into useful electrical power, the system turns a harmful factor into a beneficial resource, ensuring long-term reliability.
4Volume of moving object
If thermoelectric generator is used to convert heat flux to electrical energy, then device size is reduced, but temperature regulation becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the processor's temperature and dynamically adjusts the thermoelectric generator's operation accordingly. When temperature exceeds safe thresholds, the system modulates the TEG's heat extraction to prevent thermal runaway, ensuring stable operation while maximizing energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its thermal management strategy based on real-time operating conditions. The thermoelectric generator's heat pumping capability is adjusted in response to varying processor loads and temperature conditions, allowing the system to optimize between power generation and thermal control as needed.
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 optimizes electrical energy management for data backup, preventing damage or loss by keeping only essential components powered and extending the lifetime of the chip through thermal management, while being more compact and cost-effective than traditional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
supplying electrical energy, by the microcontroller, to the set of components when data backup operation is triggered, the electrical energy being converted from the heat flux of the temperature deviation from the chip
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric generator associated with a chip and electrically connected to the power input of the Boost DC/DC converter, wherein the thermoelectric generator is able to heat or cool the chip
Data Source
AI summary
A backup power supply system for managing data backup operation of an electronic device, comprising:a DC/DC converter having a main power input and a power output;a boost converter having a power input and a power output;a thermoelectric generator associated with a chip and electrically connected to the power input of the boost converter, wherein the thermoelectric generator is able to heat or cool the chip;a microcontroller electrically connected to the power outputs of the first and the second power converter, and electrically connected to a set of components able to perform data backup operation of the electronic device,wherein the microcontroller is configured to determine an electrical energy required to perform data backup operation by the set of components,wherein the microcontroller is configured to compute from the determined electrical energy a temperature deviation to reach by the thermoelectric generator, wherein the temperature deviation is the difference between the temperature inside the chip and the ambient temperature of the chip,wherein the microcontroller is configured to command the regulation of the temperature inside the chip by means of the thermoelectric generator to reach the temperature deviation,wherein the microcontroller is configured to supply electrical energy to the set of components when data backup operation is triggered, the electrical energy being converted from the heat flux of the temperature deviation from the chip.