What is the possible mix of power sources in a multi-function power management IC?
One approach can include a combination of switch-mode dc-dc converters and LDO (low dropout) linear regulators. They can be controllers that employ external power semiconductor switches or regulators with an internal power MOSFET switch. One possibility is a 3.3V output and a 1.8V output for processor and logic applications. Furthermore, present integration techniques make it possible to include CPU core and memory power as well as other functions, such as power-on and power-off sequencing, and an I2C serial interface for external control.
