Seagate Technology Incorporated

Dean Clark Wilson

Darren Edward Johnston

Jon David Trantham

Power-backup capabilities are provided by implementing a variety of different methods, systems and devices. According to one such implementation, a solid-state memory device is implemented with a primary power source that provides primary power. A secondary power source provides secondary power. A power controller provides the primary power to an operating power circuit. The secondary power is provided by enabling a secondary switch located between the secondary power source and the operating power circuit. A solid-state memory uses power from the operating power circuit as a primary source of power when accessing stored data and retains data in the absence of power being provided by the operating power circuit. A memory controller facilitates access to the stored data. In response to problems with the primary power source, pending writes are completed to the solid-state memory circuit. A timing circuit substantially delays full enablement of the secondary switch.

Systems, methods and devices for controlling backup power provided to memory devices and used for storing of sensitive data

Power-backup capabilities are provided by implementing a variety of different methods, systems and devices. According to one such implementation, a data-storage device is implemented having a memory control circuit controlling nonvolatile and volatile memory. An operating power circuit carries primary-operating power from the host-system to the memories and control circuitry. A backup power circuit includes energy-storage circuitry with one or more energy storage devices. An isolation-regulation circuit provides voltage regulation of power from the host-system and also isolates the host-system provided power from the energy storage devices. A regulation power circuit carries the regulated power from the isolation-regulation circuit to the energy storage devices.

Systems, methods and devices for regulation or isolation of backup power in memory devices

Power-backup capabilities are provided by implementing a variety of different methods, systems and devices. According to one such implementation, a capacitive storage circuit is operated at a threshold voltage that is set to provide sufficient power to operate backup functions of a data storage device, and that is further selectively adjusted during a test period to maintain such sufficient power while also providing power to carry out test functions. In other implementations, the threshold voltage is set in response to operating characteristics of one or more of a data storage device to which backup power is to be provided and the capacitive storage circuit itself. The threshold voltage is reduced or otherwise maintained at a low level that is yet sufficient to supply appropriate power (e.g., thus maintaining the capacitive circuit at a voltage level that is about as low as possible, which can enhance operational characteristics of the capacitive circuit).

Systems, methods and devices for backup power control in data storage devices

Power-backup capabilities are provided by implementing a variety of different methods, systems and devices. According to one such implementation, a data storage device stores data in response to data accesses under the control of a memory control circuit. A solid-state memory circuit and a volatile caching memory circuit provide the memory control circuit with access to a set of common data. A power-reservoir circuit includes two or more capacitor cells that respectively hold charge to provide operating power to the data storage device to permit transfer of the data from the volatile memory circuit to the solid-state memory circuit in the event of a power loss. A detection circuit is connected to a center tap between the capacitor cells and uses the tap to detect characteristics of the cells relative to one another, and to provide an output that can be used to characterize the cells' electrical characteristics relative to one another.

Systems, methods and devices for monitoring capacitive elements in devices storing sensitive data

Power-backup capabilities are provided by implementing a variety of different methods, systems and devices. According to one such implementation, an energy storage circuit is powered using a variable voltage controlled to limit the current draw from a power supply, to charge the energy storage circuit for providing backup power to a solid state drive (SSD) type of data storage arrangement. Certain applications involve controlling the power draw from the power supply, in response to feedback and/or power drawn from other circuits, as may be applicable to an initial startup of the energy storage circuit and/or the initial startup of a larger system in which the energy storage circuit is employed.

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Lonsdale, MN, United States of America

Dean Clark Wilson