In today’s society, many different devices need to be powered. Without power management integrated circuits, these devices would not work because they can’t provide the voltage and current needed by the device being powered. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a power management integrated circuit for your project, including voltage requirements, current needs, and what you want out of your project.
Since there are so many options available, it is important to know what each one offers to be able to make an informed decision about which type will best suit your requirement.
The Number of Connections
PM integrated circuits can have either one or two connections. Most have terminals on both sides, so they can be inserted in any direction. If your device requires only one connection, you’ll save money by using a single-connection power management integrated circuit instead of a two-connection.
The number of connections is also important because different applications require a certain number of components. Using an IC with the right amount will allow you to distribute the connections to where they’re needed without having too much or too little. Make sure to do proper research on Power Management IC depending on configuration, supply voltage, qualification, package type… Also, when finding a proper product, be sure to check its specifications, download datasheets, and compare pricing.
The Voltage Rating
Your power management integrated circuit needs to supply a stable, clean voltage to the load. To do so, you need to know your supply voltage and select a power management integrated circuit that can handle a higher voltage than needed. Otherwise, if the IC is not properly rated for the input voltage, it will overheat or become damaged.
In addition, check out packaged power supplies, as well as those with built-in voltage regulators from manufacturers such as Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, Maxim Integrated Products, Linear Technology Corporation, Intersil Corporation, Semtech Corporation, STMicroelectronics N.V., ON Semiconductor, and Microchip Technology Incorporated.
The Number of Fixed Output Voltages
These circuits offer a range of fixed output voltages – think 5 volts, 3 volts, 2.3 volts, 1.8 volts – to suit a variety of applications. However, you should make sure that your load’s voltage requirements fall within that range. Such devices are best suited to applications where a very precise and accurate regulation of voltage is required and for higher current load conditions.
If your application does not require such accuracy and precision, it may be more appropriate to use an integrated circuit with programmable output voltages instead – which can be adjusted by changing the resistor divider ratio and supply voltage, meaning it will be able to support any voltage level from 0.8V to 5.5V.
The Maximum Input/Output Current
Maximum ratings for power management integrated circuits are given in amps rather than volts. You should not expect to get high-current performance from a low–voltage device, because the efficiency of ICs generally drops off at higher currents
So it is important to check your load’s average and peak currents before choosing a power management integrated circuit.
The Amount of Current Available at the Output
Power management integrated circuits are generally designed to provide between one-tenth and three-quarters of an amp. You can choose a lower rating if you want your load to operate more efficiently, but it will cost more per unit. If you need higher currents, consider using multiple circuits in parallel.
The Number of Inputs the Device Has
In some cases, it may be necessary to regulate two separate voltages from a single input voltage. In such cases, the number of power management integrated circuits required will depend on how much current each needs to supply and what the voltages are.
These factors need to be considered before choosing a power management integrated circuit. To make things easier, be sure to read the datasheet and application note thoroughly.
The Type of Load (AC or DC)
If your load is AC, you need to select a power management integrated circuit with an AC switching voltage regulator – such as a buck converter – and choose the number of inductors and capacitors required. For most applications, the standard buck-boost configuration will work well and can be easily configured using a few external components.
If the load is DC, you should select an integrated circuit with a voltage regulator – such as a linear regulator – and an integrated bootstrap Schottky diode. For the number of inductors and capacitors, choose those that are required to meet your system’s peak-switch current requirements.
The Package Type
To operate correctly, power management ICs require components called bypass capacitors. These are typically placed near the circuit pin to provide local decoupling and boost performance. If this type of design is not used, the device will fail to meet its target specifications.
This leads to package types: while through-hole packages allow for larger components and easier manufacturing, surface-mount features a smaller footprint that’s more suitable for a compact design.
The Qualification Status
Power management integrated circuits are available in both commercial and industrial grades. Most of the time, you should choose commercial grade due to their lower price and better performance than an equivalent industrial product. This especially applies if your project includes high currents, high-frequency circuits, or a limited operating temperature.
However, if your project requires extreme temperatures, higher voltage ranges, more accuracy, and reliability components, you should choose industrial-grade power management integrated circuits.
The Size of the PIC
Some are quite large in physical dimensions, while some are smaller or even surface-mount compatible. You must choose one that matches the available space within your system. For example, if you’re designing a circuit that needs to be mounted in an already cramped space, you will need to use smaller components. This comes with the added benefit of reducing size and weight when it’s time for production.
Choosing the right power management integrated circuits can be a challenge, but it’s worth taking seriously. Power management ICs are used to regulate voltage in many different ways and for various purposes. The type of load you have will dictate which kind of circuit you should choose, as well as how much current your device needs, before choosing an appropriate rating. Hopefully, this article has helped illuminate some of the factors involved in making these decisions with our 8 considerations for powering up your next project!