Persistent data storage which utilizes a shared power supply
First Claim
1. An electronic memory circuit for the storage of persistent data, comprising:
- a memory device having a select terminal for receiving a signal which controls the memory to selectively permit data to be read therefrom and having an enable terminal for coupling a supply voltage;
a source of power for supplying said supply voltage in at least two different states including a normal operating state and a standby state, said supply voltage being inversely coupled to said select terminal with respect to said enable terminal; and
a switch responsive to the state of said power source for selectively isolating said select terminal from a source of said signal when said power source is in said standby state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A relatively inexpensive static random access memory is utilized to store persistent data in a computer. To provide the SRAM with this capability, it is connected to a source of power within the computer that includes a battery. The source of power is connected to the SRAM in a manner such that the SRAM is in an enabled state whenever any power is available to it, from either a battery or a power supply connected to a regulated voltage source. When the computer is turned off, to prevent devices connected to the SRAM from draining current being provided by the battery, a chip select terminal of the SRAM is isolated from other circuits on the computer, to prevent leakage.
12 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An electronic memory circuit for the storage of persistent data, comprising:
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a memory device having a select terminal for receiving a signal which controls the memory to selectively permit data to be read therefrom and having an enable terminal for coupling a supply voltage; a source of power for supplying said supply voltage in at least two different states including a normal operating state and a standby state, said supply voltage being inversely coupled to said select terminal with respect to said enable terminal; and a switch responsive to the state of said power source for selectively isolating said select terminal from a source of said signal when said power source is in said standby state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for using a static random access memory to store persistent data comprising the steps of:
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providing a continuous supply of power to an enable terminal of said memory in a normal state or a standby state; connecting the supply of power to a select terminal of said memory to normally inhibit data from being read from or written into said memory; applying a select signal to said select terminal to permit data to be read from and written into said memory; and selectively isolating said select terminal from a source of said select signal in dependence upon whether said supply of power is in said normal state or said standby state. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification