Intelligent Power
Intelligent Power Supply Integration Levels
PIC® Microcontrollers (MCUs) can be integrated into power conversion applications to provide increasing levels of performance in intelligent power functions.
To simplify the choices, and get to solutions faster, Microchip has adopted a 4-level model of intelligence integration. This allows us to focus on what features/performance are needed in typical target applications, and help to offer effective solutions faster. For each successive integration level, the PIC® MCU offers increasing levels of features and functionality.
| Example Functions | Devices and Device Families | |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Integration On/Off Control |
Level 1 integration is the most basic level of intelligent power integration. A PIC® MCU may be added to your analog-based solution to provide low power standby modes, programmable soft start, or sequencing of multiple power supply stages. The MCU can also be used to establish an inexpensive communications bridge across the isolation barrier.
|
PIC10F and PIC12F |
| Level 2
Integration Proportional Control |
Level 2 integration maintains the analog-based power supply and adds more control and monitoring functions to the power supply. Utilizing a more powerful PIC® MCU, these functions include output voltage margining, load sharing and balancing, and historical performance logging.
|
PIC12F |
| PIC16F | ||
| PIC18F | ||
| PIC24F | ||
| Level 3 Integration Topology Control |
Level 3 integration offers the most powerful and flexible, analog-based power supply. At this level the PIC® MCU can change and optimize the control loop configuration, increasing power supply efficiency across the operating range. Level 3 integration provides a common, configurable platform that can be programmed to support multiple applications.
|
MCP19110/1 |
| PIC16F785/PIC16HV785 | ||
| PIC16F178X/PIC12F(HV)752 | ||
| MCP1630/31 | ||
| Level 4 Integration Digital Control |
Level 4 integration offers the highest level of flexibility. It replaces the analog control loop with an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) to acquire power supply feedback and a digital Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) for power stage control. Level 4 applications allow for dynamic adjustment of control loops and predictive control algorithms that optimize power supply performance and increase efficiency.
|
dsPIC33F |
