Power Supply Controllers and Monitors (PSCMs) are critical subcategories of Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs) that manage voltage regulation, current control, power sequencing, and system monitoring in electronic devices. These components ensure stable power delivery, optimize energy efficiency, and protect against faults such as overvoltage, undervoltage, and overheating. Their importance spans across consumer electronics, industrial systems, automotive electronics, and IoT devices, where precise power management is essential for performance and reliability.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Channel Controllers | Supports multiple independent or synchronized power rails; integrated MOSFET drivers | Smartphones, FPGA power supplies |
| Single-Channel Controllers | Optimized for dedicated DC-DC or AC-DC conversion; high precision regulation | Wearable devices, sensor modules |
| Power Monitors | Measures voltage, current, power, and temperature; I C/SMBus communication | Server power management, battery monitoring |
| Digital Power Controllers | Programmable via PMBus; real-time adaptive control | Data centers, telecom infrastructure |
A typical PSCM integrates analog and digital modules within a compact semiconductor package (e.g., QFN, BGA). Key components include:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | Determines compatibility with power sources (e.g., 2.7V 24V for portable devices). |
| Output Channels | Number of independent or grouped power rails managed. |
| Monitoring Accuracy | Typical error margin (e.g., 1% for voltage measurements). |
| Switching Frequency | Impacts efficiency and component size (e.g., 300kHz 2MHz). |
| Communication Protocol | Defines interface type (e.g., PMBus for digital power systems). |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments | TPS404x Series | Multi-phase controllers with PMBus interface |
| STMicroelectronics | L499x Series | High-efficiency synchronous buck controllers |
| Analog Devices | ADM127x Series | Digital power monitors with fault logging |
| Infineon Technologies | IRPS5401 | Integrated DrMOS solution for servers |
Key considerations for selecting PSCMs:
Emerging trends in PSCM development include: