Keep it simple [managing power in wireless handsets

Abstract

The future looks bright for power management in mobile phones. Experiencing dynamic growth, power management units - with a range of integration levels - have recently flooded the, market. While no obvious trend for these levels of integration has yet emerged, one fact is clear. As consumers demand more and more applications in their wireless handsets, power management integration will be key The power section in a mobile phone is reasonably simple. It consists of an array of low power linear regulators and amplifiers. The complexity comes from managing these functions, which requires the additional integration of digital blocks such as a system management bus for serial communication, microcontrollers for correct power sequencing as well as reliable on-board data conversion.