The Importance Of Power Management In Discrete Semiconductor Design

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Power management is an important topic that attracts attention when designing discrete semiconductors. The design process should ensure that all the key features meet the requirements for power management.

After all, the overall performance and operation of the discrete semiconductor may be affected by its ability to manage power.  In this article, we are going to discuss key reasons why discrete semiconductor manufacturers pay attention to power management when designing these devices.

Why power management is important in discrete semiconductor design

Let’s look at the top reasons why power management is an important factor in discrete semiconductor design.

To optimize the performance of a device

Any electronic device or application relies on power to run. One of the key functions of a discrete semiconductor is to ensure that each component of a device or application gets the right amount of current or voltage. This can be achieved when the design aspect of a discrete semiconductor has been optimized for power management.

With this design, it means that each component will operate smoothly due to the power that it is getting. For example, if a component needs 10 volts to run, the semiconductor will ensure that that power requirement is implemented. The end result is the best performance from each component.

The design enhances energy efficiency

Proper power management in discrete semiconductors enhances the energy efficiency rating of the electronic device and application. Through various power management features, the energy consumption of a discrete semiconductor is well taken care of. Various operational parameters of the semiconductor will consume less energy.

The energy-efficiency property due to the design will have a direct impact in the operation of te final device or application. For example, the battery will run for long without depleting its power.

Improved reliability

Reliability refers to the ability of a device or application to run smoothly without constantly breaking. There is a direct relationship between power management and the reliability of discrete semiconductors. As long as the power consumption and usage of the device is considered, then you should expect a highly reliable device. On the other hand, poor power management will lead to unreliable devices.

Lower running cost

There are various ways in which power management in discrete semiconductor design help to lower the running cost of electronic applications. As we have mentioned, energy efficiency ensures that devices consume less energy. When we translate this to the running cost, it is clear that you will pay less for the energy bills.

The cost factor also comes out when we consider the fact that power management enhances the reliability of discrete semiconductors. The components will rarely break down meaning that you will not have to worry about the budget of the semiconductors.

Enhanced safety

Power management also has a direct impact on the safety of the devices and applications that depend on discreet semiconductors. If components in electronic applications get the right amount of current and voltage, it means that they will be able to run safely. On the other hand, poor power management can put the application at a high risk of electrical damage due to overvoltage and even overheating.

For proper thermal management

There is also a direct relationship between temperature and power management. If power in an electronic application is managed well, then the same will be translated to the temperature of the device. It will remain within the safe limits. Otherwise, poor power management is likely to cause overheating, a factor that will cause physical and electrical damage to the devices.

How power management is implemented

Here are some of the ways in which power management is implemented in the discrete semiconductor design:

• Using semiconductors with low-power specifications
• Choosing semiconductor architectures that have high energy efficiency
• Through power gating
• By integrating  power sensors
• Using energy-efficiency packaging techniques
• Minimizing leakage of electric current

What power factors affect semiconductor reliability?

As we have mentioned, power management mainly focuses on the voltage and current in the semiconductor.  When the operating voltage that is supplied to the discrete semiconductor is more than what is required, you can be sure of having reliability issues. The condition will be worse when both the operating voltage and current are in excess.

The good news is manufacturers specify the operating current and voltage of a power semiconductor. Of course, this is in addition to the design measured of power semiconductors that are geared towards power management of the semiconductor devices.

The design should take care of heat

Heat is another factor that can affect the reliability of a discrete semiconductor in relation the power management. One of the key tasks of proper power management is ensuring that all the power is converted into the right form so that it can be used.

Poor power management means that some of the electric energy will be converted into heat. The device’s reliability will eventually be affected by high temperatures. So, even as you focus on the power management aspect of the discrete semiconductor, you should also pay some attention to thermal management. The design of the discrete semiconductor should strive to balance these two factors.

Conclusion

Are you planning to buy discrete semiconductors? Regardless of the type or even application areas, you should strive to find out whether their design meets the power management feature. Does the design allow the component fully utilize the electric current? If not, you should try to analyze other discrete semiconductors whose designs guarantee proper power management.

How do I know whether the design enhances proper power optimization?  We have outlined some of the key design factors such as voltage scaling, power gating, thermal management, sensor integration, among other critical factors. Another way is by using a discrete semiconductor sourcing agent to help you with the analysis.  Using their massive experience in the industry, they will be in a perfect position to asses all the design features and eventually choose for you the best discrete semiconductors that have proper designs for power management.

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