Voltage Regulation Circuit for Single Voltage Memory Dies

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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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dual voltage memory dies are used to operate with hosts providing power at different voltage levels, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidmemory die complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate functional components: a voltage regulation circuit that handles voltage conversion and a simple single-voltage memory die that handles data storage. This segmentation allows the memory die to remain simple while the regulation circuit handles the complexity of dual voltage operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A voltage regulation circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the host and the memory die. This mediator converts the host's variable voltage output (1.8V or 3.3V) into a stable voltage suitable for the memory die, allowing the memory die to operate independently of the host's voltage level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual voltage memory dies are used to operate with hosts providing power at different voltage levels, then adaptability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the voltage regulation function from the memory die, the patent enables the use of simpler, less expensive single-voltage memory dies. The voltage regulation circuit can be implemented using cost-effective components, reducing the overall manufacturing cost compared to producing complex dual-voltage memory dies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulation circuit is implemented as a separate, replaceable component that can be manufactured at low cost. This approach is more economical than manufacturing expensive dual-voltage memory dies, as the regulation circuit can be produced using standard, low-cost components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual voltage memory dies are used to operate with hosts providing power at different voltage levels, then adaptability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidmemory card size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the voltage regulation function into a distinct circuit module external to the memory die. This segmentation allows the memory die itself to remain compact, while the regulation circuit is implemented as a separate component that can be integrated into the card's overall structure without significantly increasing total volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7656735B2Dual voltage flash memory methods

Publication Date: 2010.02.02 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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.