Configurable PMIC Power Topology for Buck-Boost and Dual-Buck Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management integrated circuits (PMICs) face challenges in efficiently managing power conversion due to the need for separate designs for devices with and without buck or boost converters, leading to increased non-recurring engineering costs and higher unit costs for different tiers of devices.
Innovation Solution
A configurable power supply circuit within PMICs that can operate as a buck, boost, or dual-buck converter using multiplexers to direct control and feedback voltages, allowing the same circuit to be used for various applications, thereby reducing the need for multiple PMIC variants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate PMIC designs are used for devices with and without buck or boost converters, then device-specific power conversion needs are met, but non-recurring engineering costs and unit costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal PMIC design where a single power management integrated circuit can function as different converter types (buck, boost, or dual-buck) through configurable control circuitry. The same physical PMIC hardware provides multiple power conversion capabilities, eliminating the need for separate PMIC variants for different device tiers and applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate PMIC designs are used for different device tiers, then specific power conversion requirements are satisfied, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single manufacturable PMIC design that can be configured for different power conversion modes (buck, boost, dual-buck) through software or control circuitry configuration rather than hardware variations. This universal design simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to produce and manage multiple PMIC variants, thereby reducing unit costs for all device tiers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PMIC variants are produced, then specific application requirements are met, but non-recurring engineering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a single PMIC platform that can be configured for different applications (buck converter, boost converter, or dual-buck converter) through configurable control logic and multiplexer settings. This approach eliminates the need for separate development cycles for different PMIC variants, reducing non-recurring engineering costs and development time while still meeting diverse application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit generally includes: a first high-side (HS) switch; a first low-side (LS) switch; a second HS switch; a second LS switch; a control circuit having control ports coupled to control inputs of the first HS switch, the first LS switch, the second HS switch, and the second LS switch; and a first multiplexer having a first input coupled to a first feedback node of the power supply circuit and a second input coupled to a second feedback node of the power supply circuit, wherein an output of the first multiplexer is coupled to a first feedback port of the control circuit. Based on multiplexer selection, the power supply circuit can be configured as buck or boost (BoB) circuit or two separate buck circuits by controlling power stages through respective control circuits.