Managing and reducing power consumption is very important for low-voltage, high-power applications such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and embedded computing devices. These devices must first accurately measure power consumption to manage them, but high-precision power measurement solutions typically mean high cost and require multiple integrated circuits (ICs) or power configurations to measure different tracks. To meet these needs, Microchip Technology Inc. has introduced new dual- and three-channel power-monitoring devices that measure power consumption from 0V to 32V from a single chip, providing a solution that can improve the accuracy of power measurement for designers. The dual channel device is also the industry's first 16-bit native resolution solution for high flexibility over a wide measurement range.
The PAC1932/33 is designed to meet the power measurement needs of an IC, package multiple channels into a single chip, suitable for point-of-sale (POS) systems, ATM and building automation applications, eliminating the need for efficient measurements from less than 1V in the past. A variety of components are typically required for each voltage rail of 20V, reducing cost for system designers while streamlining the bill of materials (BOM). The PAC1932/33's voltage rail measurement capability from less than 1V up to 32V also frees developers from the need to reconfigure measurement resolution between high and low current load events.
As the industry's only dual-channel power measurement device with 16-bit resolution, the PAC1932 can measure 17 minutes without host intervention, allowing developers to measure power and energy without having to adjust the voltage or current range. The device includes two 16-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that measure both voltage and current, allowing developers to get real-world power measurements for better system design and energy efficiency.
Bryan Liddiard, vice president of hybrid and linear products at Microchip, said: "Because people are constantly looking for ways to reduce application power consumption, high-precision DC power measurement has become a key factor in energy savings. Just as the four-channel PAC1934 improves the power measurement efficiency of Windows 10 devices. New dual- and three-channel power-supply monitoring ICs increase power measurement efficiency in low-voltage, high-power applications such as embedded computing and networking applications on the market."
