Configurable power management integrated circuit

Abstract

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a programmable power management integrated circuit is presented. An integrated circuit can include a plurality of cells, each cell including at least one driver for a switchable element; and a switch matrix and controller coupled to the plurality of cells, the switch matrix and controller being programmable to configure at least one power channel, each power channel including at least one cell of the plurality of cells. A method of providing a power management system using the integrated circuit includes receiving power requirements corresponding to a target device; providing implementation options to achieve the power requirements; selecting a solution from the implementation options; generating a programming file for a power management integrated circuit, and generating a printed circuit board design for the power management integrated circuit.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 62 / 074,117, filed on Nov. 4, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Embodiments of the present invention are related to power management in integrated circuits and, in particular, to configurable power management integrated circuits.DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART[0003]A Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) delivers and manages power for a target electronic device or load, such as an Application Specific Standard Product (ASSP) or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The PMIC provides the multiple rails that power the accompanying ASIC. There are frequently multiple instantiations of ASICs and ASSPs in one system. Collectively, they are sometimes referred to as target devices. ASICs and ASSPs can require in excess of 10 voltage supplies. In addition to providing the power it often manages the power in a variety of different...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a programmable power management integrated circuit that includes a plurality of cells, each containing at least one driver for a switchable element, and a switch matrix and controller. The switch matrix and controller are programmable to configure at least one power channel, which includes at least one cell of the plurality of cells. The invention allows for the efficient management of power to target devices, providing flexibility in the selection of implementation options and reducing the size of the required power management system. Additionally, a printed circuit board design can also be generated for the integrated circuit.

Problems solved by technology

These loads for different devices often require very sophisticated power supplies.

The result of these two devices being developed in parallel is that unforeseen variables have to be addressed when one or both of the devices return from fabrication and does not work as intended.

The “spin” affects time to market of both devices and, in addition, there is an intrinsic cost of re-design and mask sets.

However, power requirements for a target device may significantly change during its development.

However, once manufactured, existing PMIC devices are not able to compensate for changes in power requirements of a co-developed target device.

Redesigning or remanufacturing a PMIC is costly and significantly increases time-to-market for associated packages.

Images