Power Management IC Script Configurator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for electronic systems require complex sequencing of multiple power supply voltages, necessitating specialized software engineering skills and access to in-circuit emulation systems, making it difficult for field application engineers to make minor changes or diagnose power management issues.
Innovation Solution
A power management integrated circuit with a microprocessor, non-volatile memory, random access memory, and external interfaces that uses a scripting language to control power regulators, allowing for editable script files to manage power-up and power-down sequences, eliminating the need for high-level programming and specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple processor is used to manage power supply sequencing, then the system can be brought up with basic power control, but the complexity of power management sequences and requirements increases the difficulty of system configuration and modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of power management configuration from complex software coding to simple parameter editing. Field engineers can modify power sequences by editing text files containing parameter values (delays, voltages, timings) rather than writing or compiling software code, dramatically simplifying the operation and modification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool (power management software) that automatically generates and manages the complex power sequences. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity from the field engineers, allowing them to work with simple parameter files while the intermediary handles the complex sequencing logic and processor control.
2Measurement precision
If in-circuit emulation systems are used for power sequence development, then precise power management can be achieved, but specialized skills and equipment are required which limits accessibility for field engineers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the power management functionality that can be executed on standard processors without requiring specialized in-circuit emulation hardware. The power sequence logic is copied into software that can run on common microprocessors, eliminating the need for expensive and complex ICE systems while maintaining sufficient precision for field applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized in-circuit emulation systems with inexpensive, standard microprocessors that can be easily replaced or upgraded. The field engineers can use affordable development boards and standard hardware components instead of investing in costly ICE equipment, making the technology accessible and disposable rather than requiring long-term specialized infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-level programming languages are used for power management code, then system functionality can be implemented, but the need for compilation and specialized debugging tools increases the complexity and time required for modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential power management functionality from complex high-level programming and isolates it into simple parameter specifications. By separating the power sequence logic from the programming layer, field engineers can modify only the necessary parameters in text files without dealing with compilation, linking, or complex debugging processes, dramatically reducing modification time while maintaining system adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management integrated circuit incorporates (a) a microprocessor; (b) a non-volatile memory accessible by the microprocessor for storing programs executable by the microprocessor; (c) a random access memory accessible by the microprocessor; (d) an external interface which allows an external device to communicate with the power management integrated circuit; and (e) power regulators providing regulated output voltages from the power management integrated circuit, each power regulator being controllable by the microprocessor and the external interface over the register-controlled bus. A second external interface may be provided, which is used to provide a configuration file descriptive of power requirements of a system in which the power management integrated circuit is deployed. Such a system may include a system-on-a-chip (SOC) integrated circuit. Initially, the microprocessor of the power management integrated circuit executes a power sequence to provide the power-up power supply voltages to the SOC integrated circuit. Thereafter, the SOC integrated circuit controls power-up sequences for the peripheral devices. The configuration file is derived from a script file that is editable by a text editor or a word processor. The script file may be based on a scripting language that allows specifying control of the power regulators of the power management integrated circuit.