Technology

Overview

Systel has developed core technology for Universal Power Management Controllers (UPMCs). UPMC technology is targetted towards a broad range of power management applications, including the areas of Lighting, Building & Home Automation, Power Supplies for Telecom, Computers and Peripherals, Consumer Electronics, Merchant switch-mode power systems (SMPS) and chargers, Motor Controls, and Automotive Applications.

Systel has implemented the UPMC design in the IDC2000 IC family of Systems-on-Chip. IDC2000 IC's are at the heart of Systel applications and products.

UPMC vs. Other Digital Power Management Solutions

Compared with other digital power management solutions, UPMC has:

Faster Response
Better Cost Performance
Faster, More Predictable Time to Market
Simpler Design

Traditionally, digital power control has been accomplished either by applying a general purpose Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or by using a dedicated ASIC design. DSPs can perform sophisticated algorithms, housekeeping, supervisory tasks and communication. Howeer, they have many drawbacks and limitations, including: These include:

A single arithmetic unit that limits the speed of computation, resulting in a limited control bandwidth,
excessive delays in a multi-converter case, limited capabilities to generate non- sequential pulses as needed for non-linear control,
limited ability to achieve high resolution of the output driving signal and its degradation as the number of control channels increases,

The primary problem with ASICs is that there is no flexibility for modifications in the field.

The UPMC architecture developed by Systel and implemented in its IDC2000 IC family, overcomes the limitations of the general purpose DSP approach on the one hand and the limitations of the specialized ASIC solutions on the other.

Related Documents

	Presentation: UPMC Technology and its Applications in Lighting & Building Control and Other Systems. October 2006
	Technical Paper: "DESIGN and APPLICATIONS OF A UNIVERSAL POWER MANAGEMENT MIXED-SIGNAL SoC CONTROLLER (UPMC) PLATFORM" Presented at the Power Electronics Technology Exhibition & Conference 2006
	Technical Paper:"A New Digital Power Controller for Lighting Applications" Presented at the Digital Power Forum 2005
	Technical Paper: "A novel universal digital configurable power control and power management signal-mixed SoC controller Platform for Lighting applications" presented at the Power Electronics Technology Exhibition & Conference / November 18, 2004

Systel Universal Power Management System-on-Chip
	Advantages
Advanced algorithms	Advanced PID, Look up tables, event machines, custom, programmable algorithms. Customizable solutions based on type of application: steady-state or transient, low versus heavy load, etc.)
Fast control	Calculation and measurements are performed by custom logic for each controlled channel (not by CPU).
Complex Pulse Generator	State machine allows creation of multi state pulse sequences that can be modified on-the-fly.
Functionality per silicon area	Smaller geometry offers lower cost solution and high degree of circuit function integration.
Easy clamp & reset	Protection thresholds are made flexible and precise by updating numerical parameters (like temperature and rate of change thresholds for activating fans).
S/N	Signal to noise ratio and noise filtering are be more efficient using digital filters and digital masking.
Shortens design duration	The ease of configuration with minimal code programming allows short time to market.
Component Count & reliability	The component reliability is dramatically improved. No need for component "select at test" and "select according to design spec". More functions can be integrated, which decreases the component count and enhances MTBF of system.
Predictability / repeatability / Confidence	The digital design means that operation repeats itself precisely in production. Production files are simpler with less "special notes".
Ease of design, Flexibility	Large degree of configurability of the control component including PID gains, programmable filters, sequences, and numerical parameters. All design and optimization is accomplished with a GUI tool.
On-the-fly configuration	Digital control allows on-the-fly modification of parameters in response to condition changes.
Easy to simulate	Digital is mathematical - the simulation does not have the complexity of the analog models and is not ambient dependent.
Field modification	There is a lot of elegance in hiding all the functions inside the control component and re-configuring and programming new functions instead of adding hardware patches to the application circuit.