DDR5 PMIC Power State Transitions via Multi-Function Enable Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PMICs for DDR5 Client PMIC and SODIMM/UDIMM lack a seamless transition between power states (e.g., P1 and P3a) due to limited pins, necessitating additional pins for control, which complicates power management and increases power consumption in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) with a power state entry register and an enable pin to control transitions between low power states, utilizing existing pins to enable seamless transitions between P1 and P3a states, supporting secure and programmable modes, and bi-directional PWR_GOOD pin operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PMICs use limited pins for power state control, then package size is kept small, but seamless transition between power states cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The enable pin is configured to perform multiple functions: it controls entry to low power state when the power state entry register is set to the first value, and controls exit from low power state when the register is set to the second value. This multi-functional use of a single pin enables seamless transitions between power states without adding additional pins, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pins are added for power state control, then seamless transition between power states is enabled, but package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enable pin serves dual purposes by controlling both entry to and exit from low power states based on the power state entry register configuration. This eliminates the need for separate pins for each control function, maintaining a compact PMIC package size while achieving seamless power state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the functional parameter of the enable pin dynamically based on the power state entry register value. When the register is set to the first value, the enable pin controls entry to low power state; when set to the second value, it controls exit from low power state. This parameter-based functional switching enables multiple control capabilities with a single pin, reducing package size.
3Loss of energy
If power consumption is reduced in portable devices, then battery life is extended, but power management control becomes more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The PMIC autonomously manages power state transitions by monitoring the power state entry register and enable pin signals, automatically entering or exiting low power states without requiring complex external control logic. This self-service capability simplifies the overall power management control while achieving reduced power consumption, as the PMIC handles the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the enable pin and power state entry register configuration, where the PMIC responds to control signals by transitioning to appropriate power states. This feedback mechanism enables efficient power management with simplified control, as the PMIC automatically adjusts its power consumption based on the registered control parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a plurality of registers and a host interface comprising a plurality of pins. One of the plurality of registers may be a power state entry register configured to control entry to a low power state. One of the plurality of pins may be an enable pin. The apparatus may be configured to enter the low power state in response to setting the power state entry register to a first value and providing the enable pin a signal with a first level. The apparatus may be configured to exit the low power state in response to providing the enable pin the signal with a second level. The apparatus may enter an idle state after exiting the low power state. The low power state may consume less power than the idle state. The enable pin is implemented as an input configured to control a status of a plurality of regulators.