Ultracapacitor Backup for Memory Data Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic systems face challenges in maintaining reliable backup power due to the limitations of batteries, such as long charge times and limited recharge cycles, necessitating an alternative power source for temporary interruptions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a capacitor-based backup power system using ultracapacitors, which provides high charge cycles and quick charge times, and a memory controller logic that elevates the capacitor potential above a predetermined operating level to enable data backup and restoration, even when primary power is available.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If batteries are used as backup power source, then reliable power protection is provided, but charge time is long and recharge cycles are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower protection reliabilityVSAvoidcharge time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage mechanism from chemical (batteries) to electrostatic (capacitors). This parameter change enables much faster charge times while maintaining reliable power protection, as capacitors can be charged and discharged much more rapidly than batteries without significant degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs capacitors which have shorter operational lifetimes compared to batteries but can be rapidly recharged. The system accepts this shorter lifespan in exchange for dramatically improved charge time performance, making the backup power system more responsive to power failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If batteries are used as backup power source, then power protection is provided, but recharge cycles are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower protection reliabilityVSAvoidrecharge cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the energy storage mechanism from chemical reactions in batteries to electrostatic charge separation in capacitors. This fundamental parameter change enables significantly more recharge cycles, as capacitors can undergo hundreds of thousands of charge-discharge cycles without the degradation that limits battery lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If capacitor potential is elevated above upper predetermined operating potential to enable data backup, then data backup reliability is enhanced, but capacitor operating lifetime is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata backup reliabilityVSAvoidcapacitor operating lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of the capacitor to an elevated potential above the normal operating potential before a power failure occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when power failure happens, the capacitor already has sufficient charge to support the data backup operation, eliminating the need to operate at maximum voltage continuously and thereby extending capacitor lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic voltage management where the capacitor potential is elevated above the predetermined operating potential only when necessary for data backup operations. The system dynamically adjusts the voltage level based on operational needs, maintaining high voltage during critical backup moments while operating at normal voltage levels during regular operation to preserve capacitor lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances data backup reliability during power failures while minimizing the impact on the ultracapacitor's operating lifetime, extending the useful life of the non-volatile memory and ensuring seamless data transfer and restoration.

Implementation Method 1

These capacitors employ electrostatic charge separation instead of the chemical reaction which is the basis for battery operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge separation: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the capacitor potential is elevated above an upper predetermined operating potential of the capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive energy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9013946B2Apparatus and method to manage energy capacity of a backup power supply

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORP

AI summary

A memory module includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The module includes logic to check if a non-volatile memory comprises un-erased areas, and if the non-volatile memory comprises un-erased areas, to elevate a backup capacitor potential above a predetermined operating potential sufficient to power a backup of a volatile memory to the non-volatile memory. The module includes logic to ERASE the un-erased areas and to return the capacitor to the predetermined operating potential after the ERASE is complete.