PMIC Multi-Channel Sequencing for Low-Latency Power-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management integrated circuits (PMICs) face inefficiencies in channel enablement and disablement sequencing due to fixed timing sequences, leading to unnecessary delays and inefficiencies in power up and down operations, particularly in diverse electronic devices with varying power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A PMIC with dynamic sequencing capabilities, utilizing a binary search algorithm to enable channels based on their regulation status, allowing for immediate enablement of subsequent channels once previous channels reach their regulated state, and a time-based approach for power down to ensure proper disablement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed timing sequences are used for channel enablement, then power management is simplified, but latency increases and power up efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sequencing where the enablement timing of channels is adjusted based on actual regulation status rather than following a fixed timeline. The controller monitors whether channels reach their regulated state before the next channel is enabled, and adapts the sequence accordingly. This dynamic approach reduces unnecessary delays while maintaining proper power-up sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the regulation status of channels during the power-up sequence and uses this feedback to determine when to enable the next channel. This feedback mechanism ensures that channels are enabled at the optimal moment based on actual performance data, eliminating wasted time from fixed timing sequences while maintaining system reliability.
2Ease of operation
If fixed timing sequences are used for channel enablement, then control is simplified, but power up efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed timing to dynamic adaptive sequencing. The controller automatically adjusts the enablement timing of channels based on real-time regulation status monitoring, optimizing power-up efficiency without requiring complex manual control. The dynamic sequence numbers and timing adjustments are managed automatically by the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring channel regulation status and determining optimal enablement timing without external intervention. The controller self-regulates the sequencing based on actual channel performance, eliminating the need for complex external control while maximizing power-up efficiency.
3Productivity
If dynamic sequencing is implemented, then power up efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically manages the dynamic sequencing process by self-monitoring channel regulation status and self-determining optimal enablement timing. This self-service approach encapsulates the complexity within the controller's internal logic, presenting a simplified interface while achieving advanced dynamic power-up efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism simplifies complex dynamic sequencing by using automatic monitoring of regulation status to trigger appropriate actions. The controller receives feedback on channel status and automatically adjusts timing, transforming complex multi-parameter coordination into a simpler feedback-driven process that achieves high efficiency.
4Speed
If channels are enabled immediately without monitoring regulation status, then speed increases, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the regulation status of each channel as feedback before enabling the next channel. This feedback ensures that channels are only enabled when they have reached their regulated state, maintaining reliability while minimizing delays. The monitoring mechanism provides real-time status information that guides the enablement timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of channel regulation status before proceeding to enable the next channel. This preliminary action ensures that channels are ready for the next stage of operation, preventing unreliable immediate enablement while maintaining fast overall sequencing. The regulation status check is performed in advance of each enablement action.
Data Source
AI summary
A PMIC includes a controller configured to determine, based on a configuration stored in the memory, a power on mode, when the power on mode indicates a dynamic power on operation, execute the dynamic power on operation by: determining, of the plurality of channels, a first channel associated with a first dynamic sequence number that is a lowest dynamic sequence number of the plurality of dynamic sequence numbers, enabling the first channel, monitoring the first channel to determine whether the first channel is in a first regulated state, and while monitoring the first channel, determining, of the plurality of channels, a second channel associated with a second dynamic sequence number of the plurality of dynamic sequence numbers, when the power on mode indicates a time based power on operation: iterating a slot counter through the plurality of slot numbers.