Dynamic Power Management IC with Configurable State Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems in electronic circuits face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and adapting to dynamic functionality changes in handheld devices, particularly in maximizing battery life and meeting stringent size requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) that supplies varying power voltages through regulated power source circuits, controlled by configuration data that can be dynamically updated, allowing flexible power management and state transitions between active and hibernate states, with the ability to switch between primary and secondary power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power management systems use fixed configuration to control power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but adaptability to dynamic functionality changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of power management parameters through a state machine that can be reprogrammed via communication interface. Configuration data stored in memory allows the system to adapt power consumption settings dynamically based on operational requirements, functionality upgrades, and battery status, resolving the contradiction between fixed efficiency and dynamic adaptability.
2Area of stationary object
If highly integrated power supply generation solutions are used, then board size requirements are met, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple power management functions including regulated power source circuits, configuration memory, state machine logic, and communication interface into a single highly integrated power management integrated circuit. This consolidation reduces board size while managing complexity through functional integration and standardized interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration data is dynamically updated during operation, then responsiveness to changing power requirements is improved, but power consumption during updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores configuration data in memory before it is needed, allowing the state machine to retrieve and apply pre-prepared power management settings during operation. This preliminary preparation enables rapid configuration changes without real-time computation, minimizing power consumption during updates while maintaining responsiveness to changing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management integrated circuit comprises a plurality of power source circuits power received at a power supply input terminal to supply power to a plurality of power supply output terminals. A plurality of power source circuits is coupled between the power supply input terminal and the respective power supply output terminals. The power management integrated circuit comprises an active configuration memory and a communication interface with at least one terminal for uploading configuration data from outside the power management integrated circuit into the configuration memory. A control circuit controls operating parameters of respective ones of the power source circuits dependent on the configuration data from the active configuration memory. Thus, the power management integrated circuit is able to switch between different power supply states in a dynamically configurable way, without requiring external control over the configuration during switching.