Power Supply Phase Multiplexing for Efficient Multi-Rail PMICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management integrated circuits (PMICs) face inefficiencies in battery-operated devices due to SMPS phases operating in under-load or over-load regions, leading to poor power efficiency and increased battery drain, especially in devices with varying current consumption needs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing power multiplexers to dynamically gang and merge power supply phases and voltage rails, using machine learning to optimize switch configurations for high-efficiency operation based on current consumption levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power supply phases operate independently without dynamic reconfiguration, then device complexity is reduced, but power efficiency deteriorates due to under-load and over-load operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of power supply phases using multiplexers that can switch connections in real-time based on load conditions. The controller continuously monitors current consumption and reconfigures the multiplexer settings to optimize power efficiency, transforming a static power distribution system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operational demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controller that monitors current consumption from multiple voltage rails and uses this feedback information to determine optimal multiplexer configurations. The controller adjusts the power supply phase connections based on the monitored load conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes for power efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supply phases are always active to handle varying current demands, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to phases operating in inefficient regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which power supply phases are active and how they are connected through multiplexer reconfiguration. Instead of keeping all phases constantly active, the system adapts the power supply configuration to match actual load requirements, ensuring phases operate in their efficient load ranges rather than always being fully active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power supply system by reconfiguring multiplexer connections based on load conditions. This involves adjusting which phases are connected to which voltage rails, effectively changing the system's operational state to match demand, thereby preventing phases from operating in inefficient high or low load regions.
3Loss of energy
If power supply phases are dynamically reconfigured based on load conditions, then power efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from current consumption monitoring to automatically determine optimal multiplexer configurations. By implementing a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors load conditions and adjusts phase connections accordingly, the patent reduces the need for complex manual control logic while maintaining high power efficiency through adaptive reconfiguration.
4Loss of energy
If multiplexers are used to dynamically reconfigure power supply phases, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexers in the system serve multiple functions: they route power from different phases to different voltage rails, enable dynamic reconfiguration of power supply topology, and allow a single physical component to implement multiple power distribution configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated switches or connectors for each reconfiguration scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards methods and apparatus for power generation. An example method generally includes: determining at least one multiplexer configuration of one or more multiplexers to direct current from at least one of a plurality of power supply phase circuits to at least one of a plurality of voltage rails, wherein a first operating region of each of the plurality of power supply phase circuits is identified based on a power efficiency of each of the plurality of power supply phase circuits, and wherein the at least one multiplexer configuration is determined based on the first operating region; and controlling the one or more multiplexers based on the at least one multiplexer configuration.