Mixed-signal CPM controlled DC-DC converter IC with embedded power management for digital loads

This paper presents a novel system and a method for dynamic minimum power point tracking of digital loads in portable applications. The system combines a dc-dc power stage converter IC and the supplied digital load. The dc-dc converter IC employs a mixed-signal current mode (CPM) controller to regulate the supply voltage of an on-chip integrated digital load. The CPM controller is also utilized to obtain information about the input current of the system in real-time, eliminating the need for a dedicated power sensing circuits. The obtained information about the current is utilized by a minimum power point tracking (MiPPT) controller. The MiPPT sets the supply and threshold voltages for the digital load to minimize its power consumption while maintaining a targeted frequency. The dc-dc converter IC, providing 600mW of power, and its digital load IC are fabricated in a 0.13 μm process. Experimental results verify that the introduced system results in up to a 30% lower power consumption.