Nonvolatile memory with volatile memory buffer and a backup power supply system

摘要

A memory device that resides on a single substrate includes a nonvolatile memory array. Control circuitry is coupled to the memory array for controlling memory operations with respect to the memory array. A volatile memory buffer is coupled to the control circuitry for buffering data that is to be written into the memory array. The control circuitry fetches the data from the memory buffer to store in the memory array. A power supply control circuit is provided for detecting loss of a power supply applied to the memory buffer and for coupling a backup power supply to the memory buffer when the power supply is disconnected from the memory buffer such that data integrity of the memory device is maintained.