Intelligent Power
Level 1 Intelligent Power Integration: On/Off Control
At Level 1, electronic intelligence augments a standard analog-based design. The intelligence provides limited on/off control functions such as start-up sequencing, automatic shutdown and watchdog fault detection functions. More sophisticated solutions can provide logging functions for later failure analysis, remote communication and customized thermal control algorithms. With Level 1 intelligence, a designer can ensure that the power supply has a deterministic response to system fault events.
Level 1 Integration Example
Intelligence can be added to an existing power supply design with minimal modifications. Level 1 integration typically involves monitoring and basic control functions, so microcontrollers which integrate voltage comparators and ADCs are good choices. Additionally, communications peripherals may be required. Microchip's PIC10F and PIC12F 8-bit low pin count and small package microcontrollers with built-in peripherals, such as ADC, PWM and GPIOs, can make the existing analog power supplies intelligent by controlling the output sequencing and monitoring of input/output voltage, current and temperature.
