`Goodman
`
`US006243315B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,243,315 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`(54) COMPUTER MEMORY SYSTEM WITH A
`LOW POWER DOWN MODE
`
`(76) Inventor: James B. Goodman, 4750 Pear Ridge
`Dr., Apt 9301, Dallas, TX (US) 75287
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`#: . º * soso22
`4901.283
`2/1990 Hanbury.
`5,089,993
`2/1992 Neal .
`5,222,044
`6/1993 Tsujimoto .
`5,262,998
`11/1993 Mnich .
`5,784,628
`7/1998 Reneris .
`
`8/1998 Heyden .
`5,798,961
`10/1998 Tran .
`5,818,299
`7/1999 Rao .
`5,920,885
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner—Huan Hoang
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—David Fink
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A memory system for use in a computer system, includes a
`plurality of volatile solid state memory devices that retain
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/477,920
`information when an electrical power source is applied to
`-
`the memory devices within a predetermined voltage range,
`(22) Filed:
`Dec. 31, 1999
`
`(51) Int. Cl." … G11C 7/00 and are capable of being placed in a self refresh mode. The
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................... 365.222; 365,230,03, 365,229,
`memory devices have respective address and control lines,
`2
`365753
`and a control device for selectively electrically isolating the
`(58) Field of Search
`36.5/222, 51, 63
`memory devices from respective address lines and respec
`--------------------------- 365/52 230 03 229
`tive control lines so that when the memory devices are
`2
`• *-* >
`electrically isolated, any signals received on the respective
`address lines and respective control lines do not reach the
`memory devices. The memory system includes a memory
`access enable control device coupled to the control device
`and to the control lines for determining when the memory
`system is not being accessed, and for initiating a low power
`mode for the memory system wherein the control device
`electrically isolates the memory devices and places the
`memory devices in the self refresh mode.
`
`20 Claims, 59 Drawing Sheets
`
`11
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DATA BUSS
`
`E=
`
`ADDRESS BUSS
`
`CONTROL BUSS
`
`ADDRESS BUSS
`
`CONTROL BUSS
`34
`
`ADDRESS
`
`CONTROL
`CENTER
`
`
`
`Power Up
`Enable
`Window
`
`RAS and WE Control Lines
`
`Memory Access
`Enable Control
`
`30
`
`
`
`SPD Control and Data Lines DIT
`36
`
`Serial
`Presence
`Detect
`
`
`
`38
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 1
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`11
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5
`
`DATA BUSS
`
`E=
`
`ADDRESS BUSS
`
`CONTROL BUSS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ADDRESS BUSS
`
`Mºs
`
`CONTROL
`CENTER
`
`Power Up
`Enable
`Window
`
`CONTROL BUSS
`34
`
`
`
`RAS and WE Control Lines
`
`
`
`Memory Access/ 30
`Enable Control
`
`Serial
`Presence
`SPD COntrol and Data Lines
`LT Detect
`36
`
`
`
`38
`
`FIG. 1
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 2
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX\ /XXXX) ?º
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 3
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`3.6V
`
`A[09]
`
`+ C30
`10uf
`
`C33
`.01
`
`U10
`
`
`
`12 WCCO
`VCCO
`
`VSS 63
`
`VSS 63
`
`VSS 63
`
`A 8
`
`29
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 4
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`3.6V
`
`+ C34
`10uf
`
`C37
`.01
`
`cul
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EH
`
`13
`
`CASLC
`RASC
`CASHC
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 5
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`3.6/
`
`+ C38
`10uf
`
`C50
`.01
`
`cul
`
`(K)
`
`NO 91
`
`
`
`(P)
`
`§T §T(D
`
`FIG. 30
`
`(W)
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 6
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`3.6/
`
`
`
`+ C26
`10uf
`
`C29
`.01
`
`cul
`
`§
`
`WEL
`CASLB
`RASB
`CASHB
`
`(W)
`
`[]
`
`N=#EE
`
`36
`
`HM5165165LTT-5
`
`(R)
`@
`
`FIG. 3D
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 7
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 7 of 59
`Sheet 7 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`® ® 6
`
`%
`
`®
`
`®
`
`
`
`ATF16V8C
`
`
`
`at:
`rfl
`
`£9 (33
`
`FIG. 3E
`FIG. 3E
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 8
`
`U21
`
`20
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VCC
`WEH
`19
`PDMODE
`
`
`CASHB
`18
`CASO-4
`2 7f“ ”’62;
`
`
`
`
`'A B
`,2
`”06
`
`
`,— .
`.-
`
`
`I
`n
`
`
`I5
`
`
`
`‘
`..
`I6
`[/05
`
`
`
`mm ,8
`Z33
`
`
`_-
`PDUPENL
`1
`[IE
`[/08
`
`’3
`
`
`
`
`
`fig”
`ASHA
`..A .-
`
`0 0
`
`(19
`
`0 (
`
`n
`0
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 8
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 8 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`D 631
`0
`
`PDMODE
`
`®
`
`@®
`
`®
`
`02
`g
`
`@
`
` I
`
`I/0I
`”0”
`”06
`
`I/CLK
`2
`3 g
`5
`-_
`
`CASO-B
`0430-7
`..
`CA80-6
`CA ' -5
`PDDEL
`
`PDUPENH
`
`1
`
`[6
`’7
`I8
`I/E
`
`[/05
`”00
`[/00
`[/08
`
`ATF16V80
`
`U26A
`
`“l-
`74HC1632
`
`FIG. 3F
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 9
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 9
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 9 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`09
`019
`@
`(23
`
`629
`
`69
`
`SA 0-11
`
`3.6V
`
`0
`
`RASO-1
`CA80-2
`01180-3
`CASO-4
`
`I-
`
`
`
`1
`73
`2
`74
`mm 3
`75
`m 4
`76
`W 5
`77
`.9 $3
`0034
`8
`8
`80
`1
`m 30
`3% 83
`0016
`
`
`7’ 83’“—21 ,2 84 a4 0048
`
`
`0017
`85
`m ’3
`85 11-11;}
`Wm 15
`87
`87
`0018’
`86 "
`14
`H
`o
`16
`88
`88
`0050’
`—003818
`,8
`90 my,
`
`®@®@
`
`(E
`
`0124
`FIG. 36
`
`1&9 ® (3 GD
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 10
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 10
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 10 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`®
`'19
`
`
` @
`
`
`
`®
`
`®
`
`19 A0
`.
`
`'V
`
`20
`1
`
`[/05
`
`,
`
`
`00
`I/CLK
`[/0/
`
`
`
`
`Fl’2 ”05W
`
`
`Man:—
`
`
`
`hI-IIB ”00 12‘
`
`
`[/5
`[/03
`
`
`
`\m
`
`A0
`
`.
`
`.
`
`'
`
`14
`
`A70
`
`I’D/13
`
`I5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘11 ”0F
`
`
`
`
`I/OH
`mm
`
`
`sm m” [/00
`
`
`
`I/E
`
`
`
`
`-EMWIN
`
`l/OB
`
`ATF 16V8C
`
`FIG. 3H
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 11
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 11
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 11 of 59
`Sheet 11 0159
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`(D
`a
`
`(K3
`6%
`(3
`e)
`(3)
`:9
`º
`«3
`
`(3)
`ca
`
`@3)
`e)
`
`03
`(a
`
`(V3
`w
`(J3
`w
`(3)
`ca
`@
`6%)
`
`(83
`ea
`
`Q3
`@
`
`g
`®_@
`a)
`as
`
`FIG. 3!
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 12
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 12
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 12 of 59
`Sheet 12 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`6
`
`—:
`
`II-l
`
`74HCT161-BU
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 13
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 13
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 13 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`º
`
`35W
`@
`
`@@ @
`
`
`
`Fig. 3K (9
`
`(K)(3)
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 14
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 14 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`69
`
`GD®®®
`
`91
`
`'®I @1
`
`91
`92H-
`93 _}
`g;
`94
`DO 2‘
`96 ~960053'
`97m
`33‘
`100
`100
`0055 ‘
`101 '[2-
`’02M...
`133’
`104
`SA —-J
`105
`105
`3A8 --
`
`®
`
` 639
`
`
`
`105—-—-i
`
`107 [_—-
`133
`109
`8/19 .I
`
`110
`111
`112
`
`
`
`129
`0028
`1
`1
`7g;
`132 _20060
`133m
`134
`134
`0061‘
`’35d
`
`g? 136
`0062 ‘
`138 —1380063
`
`3,4504
`
`6 68
`69
`'
`70
`71
`7
`
`,
`
`140
`4
`142
`,,
`
`FIG. 3L
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 15
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 15
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 15 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`X24F016
`
`CONN SIMM 144
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 16
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 16 of 59
`Sheet 16 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`74HCIG32
`
`
`
`3.6/
`3.6V
`
`
`
`FIG. 3N
`FIG. 3N
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 17
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 17
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 17 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`74HCT423
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 18
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 18 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`105
`
`
`
`DATA BUSS
`
`CENTER gºers:
`CONTROL BUSS –
`
`
`
`CONTROL
`
`
`
`
`
`A DDRESS BUSS
`
`CONTROL BUSS
`
`ADDRESS BUSS
`
`111
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RAS and WE Control Lines
`
`146
`
`
`
`136
`SPD Control and Data Lines
`
`
`
`Serial
`Presence
`Detect
`
`FIG. 4
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 19
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 19 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`5V
`
`A09
`
`+030 + 031f
`
`033
`
`N
`
`N
`
`U10
`
`— No
`- ”“0 ”C
`21
`VCCO
`001
`2
`m A”
`007
`m A’
`002 m
`m A2
`003 ml
`Hm A3
`004 W
`~ A4
`005
`a
`006’
`m1 33? m
`A9
`00’" ’D011
`29 y 33;;
`38
`0013’
`13
`WE
`D014
`39 D014!
`31
`as 0015
`40
`0015
`
`A7
`A8
`
`008
`009
`
`A9
`
`28
`
`11
`
`EA
`CASLA
`
`CASHA
`
`30
`
`/CASH
`
`NC g
`
`NC
`
`MT4C1M16E5
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`V
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 20
`
`VCCO
`
`3’3
`
`34
`
`0010
`
`
`
`0
`
`0
`
`9
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 20
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 20 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`r
`
`+C34 + # C37
`10U
`10U
`CN
`.01
`
`CN
`
`
`
`case
`RASC
`CASHC
`
`(B)
`
`MT40 1M16E5
`/WEC
`F-Q (H)
`/CASLC
`HG)
`/RASC
`FIG. 5B #——ASHC 3
`
`2 f | A9
`
`28
`
`| *—#
`
`Hjø
`É
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 21
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 21 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`5V
`
`1‘
`
`1‘
`
`F.
`
`+034 + 0351‘
`100
`mu
`
`N
`
`C50
`.01
`
`6
`
`2
`3
`
`0017
`0018
`0019
`
`0022
`
`10
`
`0024
`
`N 1
`
`1113111111“
`
`0026
`
`l 0
`
`028
`D029
`00 0
`0031
`
`38
`39
`40
`
`12
`15
`
`MT4C 1M 16E5
`
`0
`
`3G
`
`0 0
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 22
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 22
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 22 of 59
`Sheet 22 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`5/
`5V
`
`1‘
`h
`* *
`
`+026 + c27f
`mu
`10H
`
`N
`CN
`
`K
`*
`
`m
`
`029
`.01
`
`
`
`V000
`
`21
`
`
`
`
`
`_ ”C
`16
`
`
`- V000
`”0
`
`
`
`
`0017‘ fig
`V000
`33; ’4
`033 ’D 4
`~
`g
`m ’44
`005 d
`D06 W80022
`m A5
`m ”3
`”07
`
`
`“08 W
`Hm A7
`A9
`28
`A8
`”09
`34
`0026
`
`
`,1
`"9
`63399
`0029
`73—? 38% 38
`29
`
`
`
`0030
`WE
`39
`/WEA
`0031
`— 0074
`40
`CASLB
`”0’5 mm}
`-A—5
`RASB
`
`
`CASHB U ”A5
`0076
`12
`ICASH
`NC
`15
`N0
`
`MT401M16E5
`
`D019
`
`
`
`
`
`2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`0
`
`FIG. 5D
`FIG. 50
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 23
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 23
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 23 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`I LK
`
`I
`
`I
`
`”A50"?
`
`7
`
`fl
`
`
`53"
`/o
`g
`5%
`
`
`—mi 4
`PD/I3
`l/0F
`
`
`
`5%
`
`
`
`
`I6
`l/OE
`
`I7
`//OD
`[8
`[/00
`[IE
`I/OB
`
`
`ATF16V8C
`
`
`GI
`
`(E)
`
`9%
`6’
`
`0
`
`0 0 ‘19
`
`FIG. 55
`
`0 0 0 0D
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 24
`
`9 0
`
`0
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 24
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 24 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`DQ(1 32
`
`
`
`I/Ol É
`|OH H%
`|96 Hä
`I/OF
`
`#Eff
`
`/OD
`
`15
`13
`
`PDMODE
`CASHD
`RASD
`CASLD
`
`CASLC
`EC
`CASHC
`RAS
`
`:
`
`FIG. 5F
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 25
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 25 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`(A)
`
`@
`Hå
`/CASO-1 TEST
`/CASO-2 Hº
`(W)
`/CASO-3
`|
`/RASO-3
`(M)
`/RAS0-4
`(L)
`|ASO-4
`/WE
`(K)
`(J)
`
`(ii)
`
`@(H)
`
`FIG. 56
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 26
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 26 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`@
`@
`(W)
`
`@
`(L)
`(K)
`
`@
`(C2
`(82
`
`@
`º
`(V)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`17
`
`PDUPENH
`
`Fig. 5H (U)
`
`()
`
`(V)
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 27
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 27 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`/WE2BANK
`WE1BANK
`
`
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 28
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 28 of 59
`Sheet 28 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`(0.3
`(C3
`(83
`(A3
`
`é®®®
`
`5V
`
`74HCT161-BU
`
`
`
`FIG. 5J
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 29
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 29
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 29 of 59
`Sheet 29 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`GD
`0
`
`(U)(V)(W)
`00‘]?
`
`(Y)(Z)(A)
`00¢!)
`
`Fig. 5K
`FIG.5K
`
`(9
`‘9
`
`(53.
`‘9
`
`(G3)(3)(3)(3)
`@®®@
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 3O
`
`:
`
`'33
`
`® ® 0
`
`9
`
`(2)
`
`® ‘
`
`9
`919
`
`3.
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 30
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 30 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`CASO-1
`/CASO
`/CASO-4
`/CASO
`/RAS0-1
`RASO-2
`
`40
`41
`4
`43
`44
`45
`46
`7
`48
`
`w /WE
`
`1
`
`0
`
`S?? 1 2
`N s NH
`
`# :
`
`6.
`
`N
`
`FIG. 5L
`
`CONNECTOR SIMM72
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 31
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 31 of 59
`Sheet 31 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`6}
`
`m
`
`(’1)
`
`cm
`
`®
`
`‘
`
`'69
`
`GE
`
`‘3)
`
`®0
`
`33
`
`sh
`rasa 2
`
`'
`
`I
`l/E
`
`[00
`1/03
`
`WWW
`
`ATF16V8C
`
`PD/I3
`
`I/OM
`
`’8 ”3”"
`
`7 15
`’6
`”OE
`14
`
`:5;
`rfl-‘g $00;
`
`cm
`
`(:9
`
`FIG. 5M
`FIG. 5M
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 32
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 32
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 32 of 59
`Sheet 32 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`G2
`®
`
`(#2
`GB
`
`($3.
`(-3)
`
`c9
`
`Q3
`ea
`,3)
`@3
`@3
`@
`(W3
`a9
`
`
`
`mg
`AC(O 3
`
`(3)
`«2»
`-
`kg
`|-g
`§
`3
`([3]
`:2)
`
`
`
`FIG. 5N
`FIG. 5N
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 33
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 33
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 33 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`m @ (S2) (2)
`
`
`
`(U2
`
`(V2
`
`W2
`
`; – (3)
`
`NZ
`
`74HCT161-BU
`
`FIG. 50
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 34
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 34 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`®
`
`®
`
`® '19 (B G)
`
`a)
`
`U17
`
`11
`
`I
`
`.
`
`PDMODE
`
`CD.” 5ng
`”0,
`19 3A0
`w‘I-
`”0H
`18
`@‘I
`”06
`gt?
`EMWIN
`@
`l/0F
`@ -
`PDUPENL
`a,
`[/05 3
`®
`5ng—mai_
`
`ea
`”03—
`
`V ATF16V8C
`
`£9
`
`6)
`
`I
`
`16
`
`3:.
`
`5V
`
`
`N~L~n.!LA
`
`!O)i
`
`74HCT423
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 35
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 35
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 35 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`3.6/
`
`A(0.9
`
`* C8
`+
`10uf
`
`CNJ
`
`C3
`.01
`
`cul
`
`
`
`12
`
`N–# §
`
`EL
`CASB00
`RASLBO
`CASB01
`
`36
`f
`38
`4
`37
`
`HM5165165LTT-5
`
`NZ
`
`FIG. 6A-1
`
`(D)
`
`(C)
`
`(B)
`
`(A)
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 36
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 36 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`0 (
`
`B
`
`0
`
`13
`
`o
`
`+ 04
`10uf
`
`05
`
`.01
`
`N
`
`3.6V
`
`I
`
`
`
`V85 3
`
`VCCO
`
`vss ::
`
`
`
`
`
`VCCO VSS :-
`25
`
`m A”
`DC”
`“I A’
`”02
`m
`Hm A2
`003
`
`n
`‘21:: A3
`004
`
`o "
`.-
`~ 2;
`332
`
`
`'5
`'
`m A6
`007
`
`
`a
`I
`A8
`29
`A8
`009 M
`W A9
`00’” m‘fiz’
`
`
`W A7” ”a"
`1
`a
`36
`6% 3866
`~
`13 —
`H
`
`
`WE
`”0’4 11112:!
`38
`‘t
`'0 o
`% 3353 W
`
`mm
`
`HM516
`5EH
`A B
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EH
`
`RASHBO
`
`CASBO7
`
`FIG. Ell-2
`
`0
`
`0
`
`9
`
`0148304
`
`RASHBO
`CASBO5
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 37
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 37
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 37 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`3.6V
`
`+ C6
`10uf
`
`C7
`.01
`
`
`
`(L)
`
`(K)
`
`GD §
`
`(G)
`
`3
`
`HM5165165LTT-5
`
`FIG. 6A-3
`
`(P)
`
`(0)
`
`(N)
`
`(M)
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 38
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 38 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`3.6V
`
`+ 01
`mi
`
`02
`
`9
`
`0
`
`0
`
`«0
`
`WEL
`CASBOZ
`RASLBO
`CASBO3
`
`
`
`V88 3
`12
`
`vcco
`VSS ==
`
`vcco
`
`
`
`VSS :=
`
`
`
`vcco
`
`
`
`25
`
`S ::
`
`vcco VS
`DO,
`A0
`
`2
`
`0016
`
`
`
`
`
`”03 mail
`m A2
`”04 I-mmf
`m A3
`
`
`“05 mg!
`m A4
`006 m}
`m A5
`
`
`33; mi
`m :9.
`
`
`”0’0 W
`W A9
`
`
`W “0 0011 may
`
`
`3
`A11
`0012 “1102’
`
`
`_15_ 0073
`'
`.1
`
`
`_WE “074
`- u
`
`
`—m ”0’5
`3 n
`_m ”076
`
`/CASH
`
`
`HM5165765LTT-5
`
`FIG. 6.4-4
`
`(9
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 39
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 39
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 39 of 59
`Sheet 39 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 6A-5
`FIG. 6A-5
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 4O
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 40
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 40 0f 59
`Sheet 40 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`GD
`
`Gib
`
`|
`
`VSS
`
`
`
`36V
`
`
`
`1
`73
`2
`74
`‘32-] 3
`75
`w: 19
`13
`m 5
`78
`80
`0034
`8
`7
`79
`31
`~ g
`‘3‘;
`hit: 19
`fig _32 0016
`,2
`84
`a4
`0048
`NJ
`13
`85 ‘850017
`14
`86 —860049
`0
`~‘IIQE-lv] 15
`87 -87001."
`H
`,7
`39 _90019
`u.-
`,8
`90
`90
`0051
`@000
`6D
`6)
`
`(E) Q) 6 61
`
`
`
`FIG. 6A-6
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 41
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 41
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 41 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`WINSTART
`
`3.6V
`
`R1
`
`10k
`
`*-
`
`*-
`
`S
`
`U7
`
`1
`
`-
`
`13
`
`N
`
`O
`
`C18 T 16 O.
`
`CN
`
`3.6V
`º
`
`R2
`10k
`
`CN
`
`+ C19
`10uf
`
`10
`
`O
`
`5
`
`EMWIN
`
`N
`
`6
`7
`
`74HCT423
`
`FIG. 6A-7
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 42
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 42 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`a
`
`8140
`
`A1
`8/12
`8A3
`3A4
`A5
`A6
`
`'
`8.49
`A10
`SA11
`
`U6A
`
`, ‘—
`
`A10
`.
`
`A11
`‘
`CAS4
`
`CA 30’
`0,456
`HASHBO
`HASLBO
`023382
`
`INSTAHT
`
`(i1
`60
`
`(HI
`
`U5
`A10
`1
`.1 8A2
`36v
`A11
`8A1
`. m4
`
`4
`
`Z
`
`1o
`11
`1
`
`15
`
`CASBO1
`CAS6
`HASHBO
`HASLBO
`CASBOZ
`CASBO3
`
`mg”
`
`aAEsLBHgSjEFpEL
`18
`EL
`74HC1G32 m m
`JP1
`35"
`A 30'
`'
`CASBOO
`A1
`22
`
`.
`
`A1
`1
`.
`34:0
`g '
`A
`'
`A3
`A
`4 -
`figs,
`0AS3
`TDO
`g j
`7 _7'1_% ’0’
`8 —I‘i_-Lvl ””5
`9 -
`TCK
`
`HEADER 10
`
`v
`
`A9
`
`A9
`
`xc9572XL
`
`m
`
`010
`
`FIG. 614-8
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 43
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 43
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 43 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`9
`
`o o o
`
`6)
`
`(m
`(ID
`
`A!»
`
`A0
`A1
`A2
`A3
`A4
`A5
`A5
`A7
`A.
`£5190
`A”
`
`
`
`EMW/N
`A0
`CASBO7
`PDDEL
`PF
`CASBO6
`CASBOS
`CAS1
`CASZ
`3.6V
`r00
`8A5
`8A8
`RA801
`8A7
`8A0
`8A3
`8A4
`SA10
`CAS5
`CAS7
`A7
`
`23
`A8
`
`SA11
`A6
`V62
`
`40
`39
`8
`
`36
`5
`3%
`
`CD
`
`3.6V
`
`A5
`A4
`A
`
`SA11
`A
`E
`
`
`
`FIG. 6A-9
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 44
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 44
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 44 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`FIG. 6A-10
`
`31480-1
`
`(i)
`
`01 Ci? 6)
`a,
`
`99
`
`0023
`
`
`
`-
`‘
`0058‘
`0059‘
`
`@1191
`32’
`0020‘
`9
`93
`94m
`33W
`6
`3; E222
`I.m
`133
`100
`0055
`101_
`mam-II
`133—---J
`10
`3A8 -=#
`105
`III-mn- J
`139 _—-I
`1,1,3 ”2
`500 II.
`513“-
`114
`115
`A
`116
`117
`118
`119
`120
`121
`122
`123
`15?
`126
`15?
`128
`128
`133 I311-
`131
`131
`0028
`132 _30060‘
`733
`134
`0061
`
`
`
`
`
`0062‘
`136
`13?
`
`0063
`138 18
`
`
`’39
`14o
`7’”
`142
`’43
`
`,
`
`61
`‘3,
`
`(ED
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 45
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 45
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 45 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`(V)
`
`
`
`CONN SIMM 144
`
`;
`
`(Q)— FIG. 6A-11
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 46
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`m
`
`95f0%a
`
`34
`
`1B
`
`I”Ems
`
`
`
`mEnosGEOusmf...am§I38%SEE...nmasasm:
`
`Jv:.m82§
`.‘.iIA:58SE592$.“8193m.‘In
`
`0$92,SauceENSEm:
`
`
`ND
`
`5.M,“mea:@90‘69$6
`
`2uSE.6,8m039%oomméA.._§2
`..1-U983mbch
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 47
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 47
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 47 of 59
`Sheet 47 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`mm:
`
`Egg..mans.
`
`
`«$02.I.m9%
`
`.l
`
`Nnhuduh
`
`
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 48
`
`5“Ex
`
`93mea89me
`
`8mmam
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 48
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 48 of 59
`Sheet 48 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`Enos9%8%“va
`
`
`
`«Enosgmommfim.A
`
`”533%52A....“—Bmmé
`..mmaéa
`
`%SC839e96666
`
`a.$333%8&5.A.agamg
`
`6
`
`
`
`gangs3%mommmwmi...amgz
`
`a:
`
`8mg
`
`min93g03%.stAeE.
`%Eawt
`minus9%ESARa‘s
`
`
`m5
`
`
`$103Q36SmméA...Eé
`I“3m.
`
`.3823%—.IEVA$33
`.—”IEQASi_milul
`a:_.‘B$§u§
`
`AEE
`gmH03
`
`33
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 49
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 49
`
`
`
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 49 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`15050
`
`NmNtO
`
`“19.»GE
`
`EQHQS
`
`QED
`
`>
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 50
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 50
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 50 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`(S)
`
`3080 <
`
`6ld=007
`(1740
`
`3081)<
`
`dd
`
`09d=007
`
`(178||
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 51
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 51 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`5’ 0.0787 (2 PLCS.)
`
`08
`:I
`
`078
`
`J1
`
`" "—
`mg
`o
`
`II -— II
`U4
`:1:
`o
`
`+
`
`042
`
`a
`:10
`
`U13
`
`+
`
`—-
`
`026
`
`“—u21
`034
`
`uzol
`
`
`+
`
`II ——
`II
`+
`U18. —-u23 040 W?—
`
`FIG. 78
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 52
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 52
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 52 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`Ñ
`
`·
`
`È §§
`
`Ñ Ñ Ñ
`
`######## S #########
`
`
`
`umum, „minim
`
`ei ei ?i?i
`
`|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| #
`
`?ae
`
`
`
`FIG. 70
`
`OO
`
`OOO O o€Ð o
`
`
`
`Ñ O
`
`FIG. 7D
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 53
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 53 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`o
`
`
`
`
`
`,
`
`www.www.
`
`FIG. 7E
`
`S,Š
`
`?
`?
`
`FIG. 7F
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 54
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 54 of 59
`Sheet 54 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`3%
`
`
`
`FIG. 7H
`FIG. 7H
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 55
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 55
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 55 of 59
`Sheet 55 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 7./
`FIG. 7J
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 56
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 56
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun.5,2001
`
`Sheet 56 of 59
`Sheet56 0f59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 7L
`FIG. 7L
`
`EH’EXhflflthOl-57
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 57
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 57 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`
`
`O O oO O
`
`FIG. 7M
`
`FIG. 7N
`
`9.99?
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 58
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 58 of 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`º DD q;
`
`
`
`||||8 | 8
`
`||||||||||||||||||||
`
`||||||||||||||||||||
`
`######## S iiiiiiiii?i
`
`No.
`? Ñ
`== Š
`
`)
`
`tw?
`
`######|
`
`FIG. 70
`
`wae
`
`FIG. 7P
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 59
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Jun. 5, 2001
`
`Sheet 59 of 59
`Sheet 59 0f 59
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`§
`017
`U11
`UN
`
`034
`
`II
`
`07
`07
`
`04
`04
`
`g"
`E”
`
`c
`
`U2 7 Q
`S \l
`
`— __
`
`[I
`lº C 1 2
`:3 NA:
`
`C 8
`QDo
`l]
`
`tº : |
`
`32MEG33vMEMORYMODULE
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 6O
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 60
`
`
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`1
`COMPUTER MEMORY SYSTEM WITH A
`LOW POWER DOWN MODE
`
`STATEMENT RELATED TO GOVERNMENT
`FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
`Not Applicable
`
`5
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`2
`power down time period to too small a value can actually
`decrease battery life as the need to access the disk drive
`requires the disk drive be returned to a fully spinning
`condition. This return to a fully spinning condition can
`sometimes require more power than would be required to
`maintain the disk drive in the full spin operational mode.
`Computer systems contain different forms of semicon
`ductor memory used to store programs and data. The most
`common of these memories are Programmable Read-Only
`Memory (PROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM
`(Electrically Erasable PROM), FLASH and volatile solid
`state memory devices which maintain information only
`when a predetermined voltage is applied to them typically
`used for Random Access Memory (RAM). PROM memory
`is a memory where the contents, stored as a series of logical
`highs and lows(1 and 0) are permanently stored and
`unchangeable. When power is removed from the computer
`system, PROM memory retain the series of logical highs and
`lows stored within it. Similarly, EPROMs and EEPROMs,
`permanently retain the data stored with their memory, but
`have the capability to erase the logical highs and lows and
`replace the memory contents with new and different data
`patterns. Typically the EPROMs use Ultra-violet light as an
`eraser means, and EEPROMs uses electrical means as the
`€?äSè?.
`FLASH memory is similar to EEPROM memory. In each
`of these memory types, the storage of the data or programs
`in these memories is permanent, whether power is applied to
`the computer system or not. Such memory is referred to as
`non-volatile memory. As an example, Computer BIOS
`(Basic Input/Output Sequence) programs are stored in some
`form of PROM; where the older computer systems had
`BIOS program stored in EPROM, more current computer
`systems retain the BIOS in FLASH to allow for reprogram
`mability. When power is applied, the program stored in the
`BIOS begins the sequence to load the full operational
`program (such as Windows 3.11 or Windows95/NT) into the
`computer memory. PROM memory is used when size and
`power consumption are not critical factors, the program
`instructions do not change often and the program instruc
`tions are required to remain independent of the input power
`State.
`Unlike PROM, Random Access Memory, for example
`DRAM or any solid state volatile memory device that
`maintains information when a voltage is applied to it, is used
`in a computer system when the program instruction changes
`often and the need for data retention is generally for a short
`period of time. Application programs, such as WORDPER
`FECT (TRADEMARK), Microsoft Word (TRADEMARK),
`and Lotus 123 (TRADEMARK) are programs loaded into
`computer RAM when they are to be executed and remain in
`RAM through the period of execution. Examples commonly
`used RAM memory include devices Static (SRAM) and
`Dynamic (DRAM). Both SRAM and DRAM retain the
`contents of their memory states when electrical power is
`provided and maintained on the devices. Whenever electri
`cal power is removed from the devices, the memory contents
`of the device is lost and irretrievable. Memory systems that
`lose their data when electrical power is removed are called
`“volatile memories” in the art. When electrical power is
`intentionally removed, such as in an orderly shutdown of the
`computer system, there is no intent to retain RAM contents.
`But when the electrical power is unintentionally and unex
`pectedly removed, such as in cases of power outages, the
`lose of the contents of the RAM could be devastating.
`To protect the contents of the RAM memory under such
`unexpected conditions, it has become a common practice to
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates to a computer system including a
`central processing unit (CPU) memory system to retain data
`and to conserve electrical power by utilizing volatile solid
`state memory devices, such as DRAM (Dynamic Random
`Access Memory) semiconductor memory chips capable of
`retaining data, in a low power, self refresh mode whenever
`the memory system is not being accessed by the CPU.
`In addition, the invention relates to a CPU and a memory
`system wherein the retention of data within a volatile solid
`state memory device is maintained in a self refresh mode by
`an internal power supply during times when an external
`power supply voltage falls below a predetermined level.
`2. Prior Art
`Current computer systems consume relatively large
`amounts of electrical energy to power the components
`comprising the computer system, thereby making demands
`on batteries used in portable computer systems. Sources of
`this energy consumption are the microprocessor computer
`chip, the volatile memory modules that retain information as
`long as a voltage is applied to them, and usually a hard disk
`drive and CD-ROM drive. The increase in computer chip
`speeds and increase memory module sizes each also increase
`demand for electrical energy. Hard disk drives and CD
`drives which continuously spin whenever the computer
`35
`system is “powered on’ are a substantial and constant source
`of battery energy. Successive generations of portable, laptop
`or notebook computers contain computer chips which per
`form at higher operating speeds, or contain more memory, or
`larger hard disk drive capacity. Each of these additions to the
`computer system increases the demand on the electrical
`power source and shorten the use of battery operation.
`The batteries contain a limited amount of electrical energy
`to supply the electrical demands of the portable, laptop or
`notebook computer system. Larger batteries contain the
`capacity to provide electrical energy for a longer time than
`smaller batteries. However, as battery size increases to
`compensate for the increased electrical demands the weight
`of the portable, laptop or notebook computer also increases.
`Computer designers must continually trade off electrical
`power capacity against overall computer system weight.
`Power Management methods and tools are designed in
`current portable, laptop and notebook computers to conserve
`battery power. Such methods and tools include, operating
`the computer chips on lower voltage than the standard 5 volt
`logic (operation on a reduced voltage also reduces the heat
`generated in portable, laptop or notebook computer
`systems), placing the computer chip in suspended or deep
`sleep mode when the computer chip detects no activity for
`a predetermined period of time, and powering down the hard
`disk drive after a user defined time period.
`These methods and tools, while increasing battery life
`also have disadvantages. The methods and tools are essen
`tially time based. Under such a time based system access to
`the peripheral devices, such as hard disk drives, could be
`denied as the peripheral device could itself be in a power
`down, or power savings mode. Further, setting the disk drive
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`HP Exhibit 1001 - 61
`
`
`
`25
`
`3
`use an external Uninterrupted Power Supply(UPS) to main
`tain electrical power to the computer system during the such
`unexpected power outages. The UPS is positioned between
`the source of the input electrical power and the computer
`system. The UPS provides sufficient power to enable a user
`to save the contents of a program in operation and complete
`the current application program. When main electrical
`power is restored, the user can restart the application pro
`gram and begin program operation again. Without the pro
`tection of UPS, the data entered and application program in
`RAM would be irretrievably lost.
`One embodiment of the present invention is a memory
`system including solid state volatile memory devices
`capable of maintaining information when a voltage is
`applied to the devices, for example DRAM or the like. The
`invention prevents the loss of data due to unexpected power
`outages and also prevents errant control and address signals
`to the memory devices by monitoring the input electrical
`power source to the memory devices for acceptable
`conditions, and electrically isolating the memory devices
`from signals received on the control lines and address lines
`and switching to an alternate internal electrical power
`source, typically a battery, whenever the input power source
`is unacceptable.
`The memory system maintains the integrity of the data
`retained by the memory devices by isolating the devices
`from the external power source, control lines and address
`lines and placing the memory devices into a power down
`self-refresh mode which will maintain the data using a
`30
`minimum of electrical power.
`The prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,961 discloses a SIMM
`non-volatile memory module having a volatile memory
`array, a battery circuit, a charging circuit and a control
`circuit. The control circuit in connection with the battery
`circuit monitors the external power supply from the SIMM
`VCC line. If the external power source falls below a
`predetermined voltage then the battery circuit maintains the
`integrity of the data by supplying power to the volatile
`memory array. The data retained by the memory module is
`susceptible to errant control signals and address signals that
`may appear on the control and address lines during times of
`unstable power in the system.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with the present invention, a memory
`system for use in a computer system including a solid state
`volatile memory device that is capable of retaining infor
`mation when a voltage is applied to it and capable of being
`placed in a self refresh mode is placed in a low power
`standby mode when the memory system is not receiving
`requests for access. The low power mode utilizes signifi
`cantly less electrical current than when the memory device
`is in the operating mode or powered up mode. According to
`the present invention a control device is interposed electri
`cally between the memory devices and a CPU. The control
`device senses CPU accesses of the memory devices and
`conditions the memory devices to an operating mode con
`dition prior to the allowing access to the information con
`tained therein. Whenever the control device senses the
`termination of a memory cycle, the control device places the
`solid state memory devices in a low power standby mode.
`The present invention further provides for reducing the
`overall electrical power requirement of portable, laptop or
`notebook computers by utilizing another embodiment of
`memory system in a hard disk emulation mode, thereby
`removing the need to maintain electrical power to the hard
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`US 6,243,315 B1
`
`4
`disk drive of the computer system during those periods when
`the hard disk is not needed for computer program operation.
`Such reduced electrical power usage substantially increases
`the effective time the battery for the computer system can
`provide electrical power to maintain operations. By using a
`hard disk simulation for memory accesses instead of access
`ing the hard drive for the portable or laptop computer,
`significant savings in electrical power are achieved and it is
`possible to use smaller main batteries to reduce the over
`weight of the computer.
`In yet another embodiment according to the invention, a
`memory system for use in a computer system the memory
`system comprising a plurality of volatile solid state memory
`devices that retain information when an electrical power
`source is applied to the memory devices within a predeter
`mined voltage range. The memory devices having address
`lines and control lines and a control device for monitoring an
`electrical power source to determine when the electrical
`voltage reaches a predetermined threshold and for selec
`tively electrically isolating the memory devices from respec
`tive address lines and respective control lines so that when
`the memory devices are electrically isolated, any signals
`received on said respective address lines and respective
`control lines do not reach the memory devices.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES
`In order that the present invention may be more clearly
`understood, embodiments of the invention will now be
`described in more detail by way of example only with
`reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the low power down memory
`system showing the interposition of the access and control
`module between the memory module connector and the
`DRAM memory devices.
`FIG. 2 is the self-refresh mode timing diagram of the
`Hitachi HM5165165 DRAM chips.
`FIGS. 3A to 30 are a schematic drawn to current industry
`standards and practices of a 32 MB low power down 144
`PIN SODIMM according to the invention.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a non-volatile memory
`system according to the invention.
`FIGS. 5A to 5P are is a schematic drawn in accordance
`with current industry standards and practices of one embodi
`ment of a non-volatile memory system according to the
`invention. FIGS. 5A,B,C,D can be assembled to form a
`single large circuit diagram by aligning A1 with A2, B1 with
`B2, C1 with C2, and D1 with D2.
`FIGS. 6A-1 to 6A-11 are a schematic drawn to current
`industry standards and practices of another embodiment of
`a 32 MB low power down 144 PIN SIMM according to the
`invention.
`FIGS. 6B-1 to 6B-5 are a schematic drawn to current
`industry standards and practices of the programming logic of
`one component used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a.
`FIGS. 7A,B,C,D,E,F,FI,I,J,K,I,NM,N,O,P,Q ar