PMIC Load Power Calculation via Current Meter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems in mobile devices lack accurate control over power consumption, which hinders efficient power management and optimization.
Innovation Solution
A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) that calculates and provides a load power value to a load device by measuring load current and voltage values, using a controller and current meters within the PMIC, allowing for real-time or averaged power calculations based on control signals from the load device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional power management systems are used, then power supply is provided to semiconductor devices, but accurate control over power consumption cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current meter as an intermediary component between the power supply and load devices. This current meter measures the current flowing through each load device, and the controller uses these measurements along with voltage information to calculate precise power consumption values. This intermediary measurement approach enables accurate power monitoring without requiring complex redesign of the entire power management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors current measurements from the current meter, calculates power consumption values, and provides this information back to the system. This feedback loop enables dynamic power management decisions, allowing the system to adjust power allocation based on actual consumption patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
2Ease of operation
If power management integrated circuit calculates and provides load power values, then control over power consumption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller in the power management integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the current meter, calculates power consumption values, communicates with load devices, and manages power distribution. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves improved power consumption control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the current measurement function, power calculation function, and control function into an integrated power management circuit. The current meter, controller, and communication interfaces are merged into a single integrated solution that works seamlessly with load devices, providing ease of operation while containing complexity within a unified architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a load device and a power management integrated circuit. The power management integrated circuit is configured to calculate a load power value and provide the load power value to the load device in response to a request from the load device. The power management integrated circuit includes a plurality of regulators and a controller. Each of the plurality of regulators includes a current meter for measuring a load current value to be provided to the load device, and the controller is configured to calculate the load power value by using the load current value measured by the current meter and a load voltage value provided from each of the plurality of regulators to the load device.