Storage subsystem with embedded circuit for protecting against anomalies in power signal from host
US6856556B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/30
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A storage subsystem, such as a flash memory card, includes a charge pump that receives a power signal from a host system, and generates a regulated power signal that is provided to the storage subsystem's controller. When the power signal from the host is interrupted, the charge pump additionally acts as a backup power supply such that the storage subsystem can continue to operate temporarily. The storage subsystem also includes a voltage detection circuit that monitors the power signal from the host system to detect anomalies therein. The voltage detection circuit responds to detection of an anomaly by asserting a busy signal to block the host system from performing write operations to the storage subsystem. By asserting the busy signal, the voltage detection circuit substantially ensures that the backup, regulated power provided by the charge pump will be sufficient for the controller to complete all outstanding operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.