Voltage Output Circuit Periodic Disable for Power Savings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional voltage generation circuits for memory systems consume substantial power when converting high output voltages into operational voltage levels, particularly problematic for power-conscious devices like battery-powered electronics.

Innovation Solution

A unified voltage generation circuit that includes a charge pump and voltage output circuits, where the voltage output circuits are disabled when operational voltages reach their desired levels, reducing power consumption by operating in low power states until reactivated as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage output circuits continuously operate to maintain operational voltages, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage output circuits are enabled and disabled periodically based on whether voltage refresh is needed. The circuit monitors voltage levels and activates the output circuits only when voltages drop below threshold levels, rather than operating continuously. This periodic operation maintains voltage stability while significantly reducing average power consumption in battery-powered devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage output circuit includes a feedback mechanism that automatically detects when operational voltages drop and re-enables the circuit without external intervention. The system self-monitors its own voltage outputs and self-activates when needed, eliminating the need for continuous external control while maintaining stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If voltage output circuits are disabled to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but voltage regulation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage regulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage output circuit incorporates a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the operational voltage levels. When voltages drop below predetermined thresholds, the feedback signal automatically re-enables the output circuit to restore and maintain voltages. This feedback control ensures voltage regulation capability is preserved exactly when needed while allowing power savings during stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage output circuit transitions between dynamic states (enabled and disabled) based on real-time voltage conditions. Rather than operating statically or continuously, the circuit adaptively changes its operational state to match system needs, maintaining regulation capability dynamically while optimizing power efficiency.

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 approach enhances power efficiency by minimizing power consumption in voltage output circuits, making it suitable for use in memory products like portable data storage devices.

Implementation Method 1

The charge pump circuit receives an input voltage and outputs a regulated output voltage at an output terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge pump:

Data Source

PatentUS7477092B2Unified voltage generation apparatus with improved power efficiency
Publication Date: 2009.01.13 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US7477092B2 patent drawing
  • US7477092B2 patent drawing
  • US7477092B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Unified voltage generation techniques for efficiently generating a plurality of operational voltages for use within an electronic device, such as a memory system (e.g., memory product) providing data storage, are disclosed. A voltage generation circuit can generate a regulated base output voltage. The voltage generation circuit can include one or more voltage output circuits that produce different operational voltages from the regulated base output voltage. According to one aspect of the invention, the voltage output circuits can be disabled when the different operational voltages are at their appropriate voltage potentials, thereby reducing power consumption by the voltage output circuits. The voltage generation circuit is therefore able to operate with improved power efficiency.