Methods and apparatus for selecting operating modes in a device

A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) coupled to a solid state memory device (SSD), the PMIC comprising:

• a power signal controller configured to supply power to the SSD;
• a control signal controller configured to provide an operating mode signal to control an operating mode of the SSD between a normal operating mode and a safe operating mode;
• and
• a state machine configured to:
• cause the control signal controller to set the operating mode signal such that the SSD powers on in the normal operating mode;
• detect whether the SSD enters the normal operating mode within a first time interval;
• when the SSD does not enter the normal operating mode within the first time interval, cause the power signal controller to power down supply rails of the SSD and the control signal controller to wait a second time interval before setting the operating mode such that the SSD operates in the safe operating mode;
• and
• after the second time interval, cause the power signal controller to reset power to the SSD by sequentially powering on the supply rails of the SSD to operate in the safe operating mode.