Power Management IC (PMIC) chip is the core component for managing power supply in electronic devices. According to different functions and application scenarios, it can be mainly divided into the following eight categories:
AC/DC modulation IC
This type of chip is used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and is commonly found in power adapters and chargers. It usually contains high-voltage switching transistors and low-voltage control circuits inside, suitable for devices that require stable DC input, such as household appliances and industrial power modules.
DC/DC modulation IC
Responsible for the up and down conversion of DC voltage, including types such as Boost, Buck, BuckBoost, and Charge Pump. For example, the TPS82671 and TPS84620 chips launched by Texas Instruments (TI) have achieved ultra small size and high efficiency through highly integrated design, and are widely used in portable devices and communication base stations.
Power Factor Correction (PFC) IC
Used to improve the power factor of power systems, reduce harmonic interference, and enhance energy utilization efficiency. Commonly found in high-power devices such as server power supplies and industrial motor drives.
Pulse Modulation Control IC (PWM/PFM)
By using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) techniques to control external switching devices, the dynamic response and efficiency of the power supply can be optimized. This type of chip is widely used in switching power supplies and LED drivers.
Linear voltage regulator (LDO)
Represented by low dropout linear regulators (LDOs), they are suitable for noise sensitive applications. For example, the HM6234 chip from Hongmao Semiconductor has ultra-low static current (0.3 μ A) and low voltage drop（ 100mV@100mA ）Specially designed for smart wearable devices and Bluetooth earphones.
Battery Charging and Management IC
Covering battery charging control, protection, and power monitoring functions, supporting intelligent battery data communication. For example, lithium charging ICs and protection ICs can extend the battery life of mobile devices and ensure safety.
Hot swappable control IC
Used for safely inserting or removing device interfaces during system operation to avoid circuit damage caused by current surges, commonly found in power management modules of servers and storage devices.
Switching function IC (MOSFET/IGBT driver)
The switching action of driving power semiconductor devices (such as MOSFETs and IGBTs) is applied in scenarios such as motor control and inverters to improve system energy efficiency and response speed.
Supplementary type
Integrated PMIC: integrates multiple power management functions such as voltage regulation, monitoring, and protection, with typical representatives including Maxim's MAX8671X and Wolfson's WM8350, suitable for smartphones and IoT devices.
Multiphase power management IC, such as Renesas Electronics' ISL91302B, achieves high current output (20A) and miniaturization (70mm ²) through multi-phase design, meeting the efficient power supply requirements of AI processors and FPGAs.
Technology Trends
Power management ICs are developing towards high efficiency, low power consumption, and intelligence. For example, DC/DC converters improve efficiency through high-frequency switching technology, while LDO and PMIC extend battery life through ultra-low static current. In addition, the integration of wireless charging and energy harvesting technology has further expanded its application scenarios, such as medical implant devices and IoT sensors.