Single-Wire PMIC Extension for More Power Supply Lanes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power management systems face challenges when the number of power supply lanes exceeds the capacity of the Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) used in the original design, requiring a complete redesign of the system.

Innovation Solution

A circuit system comprising a first integrated circuit and a second integrated circuit connected via an open-drain bidirectional single-line interface, allowing flexible design and enabling the first integrated circuit to control the second integrated circuit through defined low times in a communication protocol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of power supply lanes is increased beyond the original PMIC capacity, then the system can support more circuit blocks, but a complete redesign is required abandoning the proven PMIC

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of power supply lanesVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a first integrated circuit (original PMIC) and a second integrated circuit (extension device), where the second IC extends the power supply lane capacity. This segmentation allows the original proven PMIC to be retained while adding capability through a separate module, avoiding complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second integrated circuit serves multiple functions: it extends the number of controllable power supply lanes, provides additional control capacity beyond the original PMIC limits, and maintains compatibility with the existing first integrated circuit through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a proven PMIC is retained in the system, then the design burden is reduced, but the system cannot support more power supply lanes than the PMIC capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign burdenVSAvoidnumber of power supply lanes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second integrated circuit is designed to work in conjunction with and extend the functionality of the first integrated circuit. The extension IC nests within the existing system architecture, communicating through defined protocols to add power supply lane capacity without replacing the original PMIC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the first and second integrated circuits, using defined low times and protocols to coordinate control signals. This mediator enables the two separate ICs to work together as a unified power management system with extended capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250119147A1Circuit system

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 ROHM CO LTD

AI summary

A first integrated circuit and a second integrated circuit are coupled via a single-line communication line so as to form a circuit system. Multiple low times are defined in a protocol corresponding to multiple commands. The first integrated circuit fixes the electric potential of the communication line to a low level during the low time that corresponds to a command to be transmitted, so as to allow the command to be transmitted to the second integrated circuit.