Circuit and method for storing information in non-volatile memory during a loss of power event

A method of transferring data from a volatile memory circuit to an EEPROM during a power interruption, the method comprising:

• transmitting a power loss signal in a primary circuit, the power loss signal representing that a power supply coupled to the primary circuit has been interrupted;
• and
• receiving the power loss signal in a controller, the controller configured to, in response to receiving the power loss signal, write data from the volatile memory circuit to an independent EEPROM memory block of a matrix of memory cells of the EEPROM, the matrix having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of memory cells, wherein the writing occurs while not powering any of the rows of the EEPROM that do not contain the independent memory block;
• and
• operating the matrix of memory cells, including the independent memory block, utilizing collective row and column EEPROM operations while the power loss signal is not active.

An integrated data storage circuit (IC) for storing data from volatile memory in response to a power loss, the IC comprising:

• volatile memory means;
• energy storage means;
• non-volatile memory means;
• means for detecting a loss of power to the IC and for providing a power loss signal in response to detection of a loss of power;
• and
• means, responsive to the detection of the power loss signal, for transferring data from said volatile memory means to said non-volatile memory means by independently powering a portion of said non-volatile memory means from said energy storage means.