PMIC Parallel Regulator Reconfiguration for Variable Power Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management integrated circuits (PMICs) face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and resource efficiency in mobile devices, requiring complex reconfiguration and additional verification due to changes in power converter capacity, which increases development time and management complexity.
Innovation Solution
A PMIC design that includes multiple regulators, voltage detectors, and a controller to automatically reconfigure regulators in parallel without physical changes, using one-time programmable memory to adapt to changing power demands, allowing flexible operation and reduced development time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If regulators are reconfigured in parallel to increase power capacity, then power management efficiency is improved, but development time and verification complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of regulators by dynamically adjusting set values based on detection signals. When regulators are connected in parallel, the controller automatically modifies the set values to enable proper parallel operation, allowing the system to adapt to different power capacity configurations without physical reconfiguration or additional verification
Solution Approach 2:
The PMIC system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the connection status of regulators through detection signals and adjusting its own set values accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external verification and manual reconfiguration during development, reducing development time while maintaining power management efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical reconfiguration is performed to change power converter capacity, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration by allowing the PMIC to automatically adjust its configuration based on real-time detection signals. The set values are dynamically changed according to whether regulators are operating in standalone or parallel mode, enabling the system to adapt to different power capacities without physical changes or complex management overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The PMIC is designed with universal adaptability to support both standalone and parallel regulator configurations using the same hardware architecture. By incorporating detection circuits and automatic set value adjustment mechanisms, the single PMIC design can universally handle different power converter capacity scenarios without requiring separate verification processes
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method of a power management integrated circuit includes outputting a first enable signal of a first regulator at a high level, determining whether a detection signal of a second regulator has a high level when a second enable signal of the second regulator has a low level, changing set values of the first regulator and the second regulator for a parallel mode when the detection signal has a high level, setting the first regulator and the second regulator to the changed set values, and outputting the second enable signal at a high level.