Intelligent Power Supply Design Solutions

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What is an Intelligent Power Supply?
Traditional power supply designs use analog
ICs with fixed functionality to provide regulated
power. The intelligent power supply integrates a
microcontroller (MCU) or digital signal controller
(DSC) for a fully programmable and flexible
solution. Below are some examples of Intelligent
Power Supply functions:
■ Digital On/Off control for low standby power
■ Power supply sequencing and hot-swap control
■ Programmable soft-start profile
■ Power supply history logging and fault
management
■ Output voltage margining
■ Current fold back control
■ Load sharing and balancing
■ Regulation reference adjustment
■ Compensation network control and adjustment
■ Full digital control of power control loop
■ Communications
■ AC RMS voltage measurement
■ Power factor correction



Intelligent power conversion lowers the system component
count. Valuable board space can be made available for
magnetics and power components. Power supply control,
regulation, and protection functions can be incorporated into
the same device. Auxiliary functions, such as fan control and
data logging, are easily integrated.
Intelligent power conversion allows configuration for
different applications. With intelligent power conversion, the
power supply becomes a platform solution for many different
applications. The power supply can easily be reprogrammed
to support different output voltage levels, operating limits
and control inputs. This reduces inventory overhead and the
support required for multiple platforms.
Intelligent power conversion increases system efficiency.
A power supply without intelligence must be optimized
for one operating point. A change in the operating load
usually means a drop in efficiency level. An intelligent
power supply design can adapt to load changes using many
methods. These include a change of the power supply
switching frequency and changes in the analog control loop
configuration. Intelligent power supplies can monitor internal
temperatures and supply power to cooling fans only when
needed. Intelligent power supplies with a digital control loop
can change the control loop behavior dynamically to provide
the optimal system response for the load conditions.
Intelligent power conversion lowers standby power
consumption. Intelligence can be added to a power supply
design that consumes only milliwatts or microwatts from the
AC input. Electronic control inputs can be monitored while
the bias supplies for the application are turned off.
How Can Microchip Help?
Along with a local and global non-commissioned sales force,
Microchip provides these products and resources for power
conversion applications:
■ 8-, 16- and 32-bit microcontrollers and 16-bit digital signal
controllers
■ MOSFET gate drivers
■ Analog and interface products (temperature sensors,
digital potentiometers and op amps)
■ Serial EEPROM memory products
■ Power conversion development tools, reference designs,
algorithms and software
■ Power conversion training and technical support