Scalable Programmable Power Management IC Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management integrated circuits (ICs) are inflexible and not scalable, leading to increased complexity and resource-intensive redesigns when more configurable flexibility or power supply blocks are needed, resulting in larger IC packages and more system components.
Innovation Solution
A scalable and programmable power management IC with a master controller module that communicates control commands over a serial or parallel communication network to slave modules, allowing for digital configuration and programmability, enabling the combination of power outputs from multiple voltage conversion modules under centralized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a parallel configuration bus architecture is used to control power supply blocks, then configurability and control capability are improved, but device complexity and number of signal wires increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the parallel configuration bus architecture with a serial communication interface (I2C protocol). This substitution transforms the mechanical/electrical connection system into a standardized communication protocol, reducing the number of physical wires from multiple parallel lines to just two signal lines (SDA and SCL) while maintaining full configurability through software-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal I2C communication interface that can address and control multiple power supply blocks (PM1, PM2, PM3, etc.) through a single standardized protocol. This multi-functional interface replaces multiple dedicated parallel configuration buses, allowing one communication channel to serve multiple slave devices with different functions (voltage regulators, switching converters, etc.).
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of power supply blocks or configuration bits increases to provide more flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but the number of signal wires and bus complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the time dimension to the configuration process by using serial communication. Instead of requiring all configuration bits to be present simultaneously on parallel wires, the system transmits configuration data sequentially over time through a single serial interface. This allows unlimited configurability without increasing the spatial footprint of signal wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of configuration data through the I2C interface. Configuration information is transmitted as digital bits that can be stored in registers within each power supply block, allowing the same configuration data to be replicated across multiple blocks without requiring additional physical connection wires for each block.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power management IC designs are scaled up to add more functions, then functionality is improved, but design complexity and rework resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system into independent slave modules (PM1, PM2, PM3, etc.), each functioning as a separate controllable unit. This modular segmentation allows functions to be added or removed by simply adding or removing slave devices from the I2C bus, without requiring redesign of the overall system architecture or interconnection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the number and configuration of power supply blocks can be changed through software configuration via the I2C interface rather than through fixed hardware design. This allows the system to adapt its functionality dynamically without physical redesign, enabling flexible scaling from a few to many power blocks as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A readily scalable modular progammable integrated circuit (IC) with improved power management is provided. An IC is described that contains one master controller module and a multiplicity of slave modules that include power-supplying functions, battery management functions, and analog and digital input-output functions. The master controller module configures the slave modules by writing data to the slave modules' configuration registers through the communication network. Each module contains a multiplicity of configuration registers that determine the module's operational and parametric characteristics. Programmability is achieved by configuring the modules to respond to appropriate signals on the configurable interconnection network.