Automotive PMIC Recovery Circuit for Power Collapse Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive power management ICs face unexpected power collapses, leading to critical system failures and safety issues, with doubling PMICs as a solution being costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental recovery circuit is implemented in PMICs, utilizing switches and auxiliary voltage regulators to reroute power from functional voltage regulators to subsystems experiencing power failures, with ESD devices for protection and voltage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of PMICs is increased to prevent power collapse, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage regulator functions into a single PMIC device. The supplemental voltage regulator is integrated within the same PMIC package as the primary voltage regulator, allowing one PMIC to provide both primary power supply and backup power supply functions. This eliminates the need for separate redundant PMICs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental voltage regulator is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a backup power source during primary regulator failure, provides power during startup sequences, and can operate in parallel with the primary regulator. This multi-functionality allows a single PMIC to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate PMICs.
2Reliability
If redundant PMICs are added for safety, then system safety is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines backup power supply functionality within the same PMIC device, eliminating the need for additional redundant PMICs. The supplemental voltage regulator shares the same package and substrate as the primary regulator, reducing component count and manufacturing costs while maintaining safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The PMIC device provides its own backup power capability through the integrated supplemental voltage regulator. When the primary regulator fails, the supplemental regulator automatically takes over without requiring external intervention or additional standalone backup devices, making the system self-sufficient and cost-effective.
3Reliability
If power collapse detection and switching is implemented, then recovery capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the output voltage of the primary voltage regulator. When a power collapse or voltage anomaly is detected, the control logic automatically activates the supplemental voltage regulator. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable automatic recovery without complex manual intervention circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic circuit acts as an intermediary between the primary voltage regulator and the supplemental voltage regulator. It monitors the primary regulator's status and controls the switching between the two regulators, simplifying the overall complexity by providing a centralized control mechanism rather than distributed complex protection circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for recovering from a power failure includes detecting a power collapse at a first voltage regulator supplying a first subsystem. The method also includes coupling a supply voltage rail or a voltage supply node of the first subsystem to a second voltage source, in response to detecting the power collapse at the first voltage regulator. The method further includes receiving power, at the first subsystem, from the second voltage source in response to the coupling of the first subsystem to the second voltage source.