Memory controller for nonvolatile RAM operation, systems and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A memory controller, comprising:
- (a) at least one address input node, said address input node(s) capable of inputting an address, said address having a set of write protected addresses and a set of stored data;
(b) a memory write input node;
(c) a memory write output node;
(d) at least one programmable element with first and second states, said programmable element(s) corresponding to said set of write protected addresses; and
(e) switch circuitry connected to said address input node(s), said memory write input node, said memory write output node, and said programmable element(s), said switch circuitry isolating said memory write output node from said memory write input node when said programmable element is in said first state and said address at said address input node(s) is in said set of write protected addresses, but said switch circuitry coupling said memory write output node to said memory write input node when said programmable element is in said second state and said address at said address input node(s) is in said set of write protected addresses.
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Abstract
A memory controller for supplying backup battery power when a main power supply voltage drops together with programmable plus power fail write protection. The controller includes supravoltage induced sleep mode operation, MOS switching between backup batteries during backup operation based on battery voltage levels and discharge circuitry for battery disposal.
46 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A memory controller, comprising:
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(a) at least one address input node, said address input node(s) capable of inputting an address, said address having a set of write protected addresses and a set of stored data; (b) a memory write input node; (c) a memory write output node; (d) at least one programmable element with first and second states, said programmable element(s) corresponding to said set of write protected addresses; and (e) switch circuitry connected to said address input node(s), said memory write input node, said memory write output node, and said programmable element(s), said switch circuitry isolating said memory write output node from said memory write input node when said programmable element is in said first state and said address at said address input node(s) is in said set of write protected addresses, but said switch circuitry coupling said memory write output node to said memory write input node when said programmable element is in said second state and said address at said address input node(s) is in said set of write protected addresses. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An integrated circuit, comprising:
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(a) a first input node; (b) a second input node; (c) a switch selectively coupling one of said first and second nodes to a third node; (d) a first p-channel FET with source coupled to said first input node and gate coupled to said third node; (e) a second p-channel FET with source coupled to said second input node and gate coupled to said third node; and (f) circuitry connected to the drains of said first and second FETs to activate said switch if either of said FETs is turned on. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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10. An integrated circuit, comprising:
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(a) a power supply node capable of providing power; (b) a backup power node capable of providing power; (c) circuitry powered by power from either said power supply node or said backup power node, said power selected in accordance with the voltage level at said power supply node compared to the voltage level at said backup power node; and (d) a programmable element that is programmed to a first state when the voltage level at said power supply node exceeds a first voltage level, wherein said circuitry operates (i) in a first mode if powered by power selected from said power supply node, (ii) in a second mode different from said first mode if powered by power selected from said backup power node and said programmable element is in said first state, and (iii) in a third mode different from said first and second modes if powered by power from said backup power node and said programmable element is not in said first state.
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11. An integrated circuit, comprising:
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(a) a power supply node; (b) a battery power node; (c) a reference voltage node; (d) means for connecting said reference voltage node and selectively to either said power supply node or said battery power node; and (e) a switch selectively coupling said battery power node to said reference node when said means for connecting said reference voltage node and selectively to either said power supply node or said battery power node is connected to said power supply node, said switch connected to a discharge node; (f) wherein a signal at said discharge node controls said switch. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification