Embedded Display Power Management IC Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display panel systems face increased design complexity and cost due to separate analog power management control circuits, which are not optimized for reducing power consumption effectively, especially in battery-powered devices where longer battery life is desired.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit with embedded power management circuitry that controls both the display panel and backlight, utilizing digital and analog power management techniques to dynamically adjust operating current and brightness, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate analog power management control circuit is used, then power management functionality is provided, but design complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management functionalityVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power management control circuit with the main system control circuit into a single integrated circuit. This integration eliminates the need for separate analog power management control circuits, thereby reducing design complexity and cost while maintaining power management functionality through the combined circuit's dual capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The main system control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary control circuit for the display panel system and the power management control circuit. This multi-functionality allows the single integrated circuit to provide comprehensive power management capabilities without requiring separate dedicated circuits, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate analog power management control circuit is used, then power management is implemented, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management functionalityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the power management control circuit with the main system control circuit into one integrated IC, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly steps required. This merging approach lowers manufacturing costs while preserving complete power management functionality through the integrated circuit's embedded control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The main system control circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle both display control and power management tasks. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power management ICs, reducing bill of materials costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable power management operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If separate voltage rails are used for power management, then power control is achieved, but design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control capabilityVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates power control functionality within the main system control circuit, eliminating the need for separate voltage rails dedicated to power management. The integrated circuit dynamically generates and manages voltage rails as needed for both display operation and power control, thereby achieving power control capability without the complexity of separate rail infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8416230B2Embedded display power management
Publication Date: 2013.04.09 SYNAPTICS INC
  • US8416230B2 patent drawing
  • US8416230B2 patent drawing
  • US8416230B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated circuit is disclosed that includes a display management circuitry configured to control the operation of a display panel in combination with a power management circuitry configured to control the power consumption of a panel backlight.