Patent · US Expired

Storage subsystem with embedded circuit for protecting against anomalies in power signal from host

US7126857B2 · kind B2 · utility

175Cited by
13References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 18, 2005
Grant dateOct 24, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 18, 2025

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 voltage detection circuit that monitors the power signal from a host system to detect anomalies. The voltage detection circuit responds to a power signal anomaly by asserting a signal, such as a busy signal on a standard ready/busy signal line, to block the host system from performing write operations to the storage subsystem during presence of the anomaly. The storage system may also include a backup power source, such as a charge pump circuit, a capacitive array, and/or a rechargeable battery, that provides power to a controller of the storage subsystem during the presence of the anomaly, such that the storage system can complete outstanding operations.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.