Voltage Regulation Circuit for Dual Voltage Flash Memory Card
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual voltage memory cards require complex and costly dual voltage memory dies to operate with hosts providing power at different voltage levels, limiting design flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A separate voltage regulation circuit provides a fixed output voltage to the memory die, allowing it to operate independently of the host's voltage level, enabling the use of single voltage memory dies and reducing costs and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual voltage memory dies are used to operate with hosts providing power at different voltage levels, then compatibility with multiple hosts is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage regulation function into a separate circuit module independent of the memory die. The memory die itself remains simple and single-voltage, while a dedicated voltage regulation circuit handles the complexity of interfacing with dual-voltage hosts. This segmentation allows the memory die to be optimized for its core function without bearing the complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage regulation circuit as an intermediary between the single-voltage memory die and the dual-voltage host interface. This intermediary converts the host's variable voltage input into a stable voltage suitable for the memory die, allowing the memory die to remain simple while still achieving compatibility with multiple host voltage levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual voltage memory dies are used to operate with hosts providing power at different voltage levels, then compatibility with multiple hosts is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the voltage regulation function into a distinct circuit module, allowing the memory die to be manufactured as a simple, single-voltage component. This segmentation enables standardization of the memory die design, which can be mass-produced more efficiently and at lower cost, while the voltage regulation circuit handles the complexity of dual-voltage compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a voltage regulation circuit that can be implemented using cost-effective components rather than requiring expensive dual-voltage memory dies. This approach uses simpler, cheaper circuitry to achieve the same functional goal of compatibility with multiple voltage levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual voltage memory dies are used to operate with hosts providing power at different voltage levels, then compatibility with multiple hosts is improved, but size of memory card increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segregates the voltage regulation function into a separate, compact circuit module rather than integrating it into the memory die itself. This allows for more efficient space utilization, where the voltage regulation circuit can be implemented using minimal components dedicated solely to that function, reducing the overall card size compared to a monolithic dual-voltage memory die approach.
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 allows memory cards to function with hosts providing different voltage levels without needing dual voltage memory dies, providing cost savings, design flexibility, and reduced size, while maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage regulation circuit provides an output voltage to a memory die
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulation circuit in a nonvolatile memory card accepts an input voltage from a host at two or more different voltage levels and provides an output voltage at a single level to components including a memory die. The voltage regulation circuit can provide an output voltage that is higher or lower than the input voltage.