Reporting flash memory operating voltages
US8171318B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/26
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and associated systems, methods and computer program products relate to using information stored in a flash memory to adjust the operating voltage supplied to the flash memory. The voltage information indicates a minimum operating voltage at which to operate the flash memory device. In general, operating a flash memory device near a minimal operating voltage may substantially minimize power consumption. The minimum operating voltage for individual flash memory devices may vary from IC to IC, by manufacturing lot, and by manufacturer. In a product, the minimum operating voltage for a particular flash memory may be determined, for example, by a controller built-in to a flash memory reporting (automatically or in response to a query) the minimum operating voltage (e.g., 2.5 V, 3.15 V) to a memory controller or microprocessor. The stored voltage information may further include information to adjust the operating voltage based on temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.