Power Management Methodology
AssigneeEnergy Micro AS
InventorErik Fossum Færevaag
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A power management system for regulating supply voltage in at least two selectable power modes with low power, minimal leakage current and quicker startup times is disclosed. The power management system includes at least two regulators having regulator inputs and regulator outputs. The regulator inputs are respectively coupled to at least two voltage domains, wherein the voltage domains have different load traits and/or requirements. The power management system also includes at least one switch disposed between the regulator outputs so as to selectively interconnect the regulator outputs based on the selected power mode.
Claims22
A power management system for regulating supply signals to at least first and second domains of load, wherein each domain is distinguishable by distinct load traits or requirements, comprising:
- a first regulator having a first input and a first output, the first output being configured to supply a first regulated signal to the first domain;
- a second regulator having a second input and a second output, the second output being configured to supply a second regulated signal to the second domain;
- and
- a switch disposed between the first and second outputs and configured to selectively interconnect the first and second outputs.
A method for regulating a voltage in low and high power modes to minimize current consumption and having minimal leakage current and faster switching between the low and high power modes, comprising the steps of:
- enabling a high drive regulator during a first startup and charge period of the high power mode;
- enabling the high drive regulator during the high power mode;
- enabling a low drive regulator during the low power mode;
- retaining a charge at a storage device for a duration of the low power mode;
- and
- re-enabling the high drive regulator for subsequent high power modes.
A power management system for regulating supply voltage in at least two selectable power modes with minimal current consumption, minimal leakage current and quicker startup times, comprising:
- at least two regulators having regulator outputs, the regulator outputs being respectively coupled to at least two voltage domains, the voltage domains having different load characteristics, traits and/or requirements;
- and
- at least one switch disposed between the regulator outputs so as to selectively interconnect the regulator outputs based on the selected power mode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.