Configurable Power Sequencer for Flexible PMIC Startup Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management integrated circuits (PMICs) require dedicated hardware sequencers, increasing costs and limiting flexibility in controlling power supply sequences for various electronic devices, as they cannot easily adapt to different specifications without a general-purpose microcontroller.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuit with a sequencer that includes a logic circuit, nonvolatile memory, and control pins, allowing for customizable activation and shutdown sequences based on setting data stored in memory, enabling flexible control of power supply circuits and reducing hardware design complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general-purpose microcontroller is mounted as a sequencer, then flexibility and adaptability to different specifications are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a sequencer with a configurable state machine that can be programmed to implement different power supply sequences for various circuit blocks. Instead of using a dedicated microcontroller, the sequencer uses a universal state machine architecture that can be customized through configuration data stored in memory, allowing it to adapt to different specifications while maintaining a relatively simple hardware structure.
2Reliability
If a dedicated hardware sequencer is designed for each electronic device, then reliability and precision in controlling power supply sequences are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the sequencer's operation configurable through programming. The state machine's behavior is determined by configuration data that specifies the sequence of states and transitions, allowing the same hardware structure to be customized for different applications. This approach maintains reliability through dedicated hardware control while reducing complexity by avoiding custom design for each device.
3Ease of operation
If a general-purpose microcontroller is used as sequencer, then ease of operation and programming flexibility are improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a state machine that can be dynamically reconfigured through programming. The sequencer transitions between states based on configuration data, allowing flexible control of power supply sequences without requiring a full microcontroller. This dynamic state machine approach provides programming flexibility while maintaining simpler hardware compared to general-purpose microcontrollers.
Data Source
AI summary
A sequencer includes a logic circuit capable of controlling a plurality of power supply circuits to be activated or shut down. An event signal Sig is input to each of the at least one control pin EVT. An operation of the sequencer can be set according to setting data CONFIG stored in a nonvolatile memory.