Grouped PMIC Output Switching for Selective Anomaly Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management integrated circuits (PMICs) simultaneously stop all output channels in case of an anomaly, which is not desirable for systems like system-on-chip (SoC), as it disrupts processing and does not allow for selective handling of anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with multiple output terminals, an anomaly detection circuit, and a control circuit that allows selective stopping of output from groups with detected anomalies while maintaining output from groups without anomalies, enabling sequential disablement and flexible processing during anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PMIC simultaneously stops all output channels in case of an anomaly, then safety and reliability are improved, but system functionality and productivity deteriorate due to complete shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the output channels into multiple independent groups (Group 1, Group 2, etc.), each with independent anomaly detection and control capabilities. When an anomaly is detected in one group, only that specific group is stopped while other groups continue operating, thus maintaining partial system functionality and productivity while ensuring safety.
2Device complexity
If all output terminals are stopped simultaneously, then anomaly handling is simplified, but system adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments output terminals into multiple groups with independent control, enabling selective stopping of affected groups while maintaining operation of unaffected groups. This provides adaptability to handle different anomaly scenarios appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each group based on real-time anomaly detection results. Groups can be independently enabled or disabled according to their specific status, providing flexible and adaptive anomaly handling rather than a static all-or-nothing approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sequential stopping of output terminals is implemented, then system flexibility is improved, but control complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups output terminals into predefined groups and implements anomaly detection at the group level rather than individual terminal level. This segmentation approach provides selective control capability while keeping the control structure manageable through group-based rather than individual-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of output terminals, configured to output an output voltage; a group setting circuit, configured to group the plurality of output terminals; an anomaly detection circuit, configured to detect anomaly; and a control circuit, configured to stop an output from the output terminals belonging to groups in which an anomaly is detected by the anomaly detection circuit, and maintain an output from the output terminals belonging to groups in which an anomaly is not detected by the anomaly detection circuit.