Circuit and method for powering an integrated circuit having first and second power regulators respectively configured and arranged to provide regulated power at main and standby power levels

摘要

Power supply is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a power regulator circuit includes first and second regulators and a controller for controlling operation of the power regulator circuit in standby and normal operational modes. The first and second regulators respectively provide regulated power at main and standby power levels, the standby power level being lower than the main power level. For the standby mode, the controller operates the second regulator for supplying power to an integrated circuit at the standby power level. For transitioning to the normal mode, the controller turns the first regulator on while continuing to operate the second regulator for supplying power to the integrated circuit during a start-up period. After a start-up period (e.g., when the first regulator is up to full power), the controller operates the first regulator for supplying power for operating the processor in a high-frequency mode.

主权项

1. A power regulator circuit comprising:
first and second power regulators respectively configured and arranged to provide regulated power to an integrated circuit at main and standby power levels and to provide regulated power to internal power rails for powering less than all of the power regulator circuit which includes a first circuit, the standby power level being less than half of the main power level; and a controller circuit configured and arranged to
in a standby mode, output a standby signal to operate the second power regulator for supplying power to an integrated circuit at the standby power level and to cause the first power regulator, and the first circuit, to be in an off mode in which the first power regulator is directed to consume no current and in which power via the internal power rails is not provided to the first circuit, thereby limiting power consumed by the integrated circuit at the standby power level;transition from the standby mode to a startup mode, output a startup signal to turn the first power regulator on while continuing to operate the second power regulator for supplying power to the integrated circuit during a start-up period, and output a start signal for operating a processor circuit in the integrated circuit in a low-frequency mode, andafter the start-up period, operating the first power regulator for supplying power at the main power level for operating the processor circuit in a high-frequency mode.