Using discrete parts, the same number
Compared to products with power rails
Reduction in board space and component costs


On the 6th, STMicroelectronics released the STPMIC1, a power management IC (PMIC) that integrates four DC/DC buck converters, one boost DC/DC converter, and six Low-Dropout Regulators (LDOs) to meet the complex power requirements of systems based on highly integrated application processors.

STPMIC1 is a companion power management IC optimized for ST’s STM32MP1 heterogeneous multi-core microprocessors, integrating single or dual Arm Cortex-A7 and Cortex-M4 cores, an optional 3D graphics processing unit, and a rich array of digital and analog peripherals to support a wide range of applications.

By using discrete components, board space and Bill of Materials can be reduced compared to products that use the same number of power rails. In addition, it provides power rail monitoring and protection functions, can process power up/down sequencing, and meets the accuracy and stabilization time specifications of the ST32MP1.

ST Authorized Partner Octavo Systems has developed the OSD32MP1x family of microprocessor System-in-Package (SiP) devices utilizing the STM32MP1 and STPMIC1. These products solve engineering challenges such as power sequencing while occupying a footprint up to 64% smaller than comparable systems implemented with discrete components.

Greg Sheridan, Vice President of System Strategy at Octavo, stated, “The STPMIC1 is a complete power management solution for the OSD32MP1x SiP device family,” adding, “It provides all the necessary power while offering sufficient options to drive the rest of the system within the SiP implemented in a small package, providing the flexibility to support a wide range of applications.”

STPMIC1 not only supplies power rails to the MPU and external system components but also provides DDR memory reference voltage, a 500mA USB OTG power switch, and a universal power switch. The ^I2C interface and additional pins allow the MPU to manage this PMIC.

The four buck converters built into the PMIC are designed for fast transient response and precise output voltage control to handle various operating conditions. Pulse-frequency modulation mode improves energy efficiency at low loads, and in normal operation mode, it minimizes Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) through Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) synchronization.

The boost converter with bypass mode function can supply power to two USB ports and can be adjusted even when operating with a battery or a low-cost 5V AC/DC adapter.

One of the six LDO channels features DDR3 termination and operates in bypass mode for low-power DDR, while another provides automatic source detection to power the USB PHY. The remaining four LDOs are used as general-purpose outputs.

The STEVAL-PMIC1K1 evaluation board, which simplifies STPMIC1 prototyping, is also available for purchase. The board features a push button to trigger PMIC functions, digital I/O, and header connectors for accessing regulators and switches. A USB dongle for device register configuration is also included.

The STPMIC1, currently in mass production, is supplied in a 5×6×0.8mm WFQFN 44-lead package. Pricing starts at $1.70 for purchases of 1,000 units.