Precision power monitoring helps manage power in embedded computing

By Warren Miller, contributing writer

Microchip Technology, Inc. recently announced the development of two new power-monitoring devices that are designed to measure power in low-voltage, high-power applications such as graphics processing units, field-programmable gate arrays, and embedded computer systems. The PAC1932/33 devices, featuring two and three channels, respectively, each measure and manage power from 0 V to 32 V on a single integrated circuit.

The PAC1932 is the first two-channel power-monitoring device that provides native 16-bit resolution, according to the company. With the ability to measure power consumption for up to 17 minutes without host intervention, the PAC1932 allows designers to extract accurate measurements without having to adjust voltage or current range. The two integrated analog-to-digital converters measure current and power simultaneously, offering engineers the opportunity to more efficiently utilize power in their designs.

By utilizing a single integrated circuit to take precise power measurements, both devices remove the need for separate components to measure different rails, which also reduces system costs as well as the bill of materials.  Each device measures voltage rails on a range of 0 to 32 V, effectively eliminating the need to reconfigure measurement resolution between low- and high-current load events. The PAC1932/33 devices are well-configured for a wide variety of applications, ranging from point-of-sale systems and ATMs to computing and building automation.

Embedded systems have become more and more power-hungry as computing, communications, and graphics processing requirements have expanded. The ability to manage power in these systems can reduce energy costs and improve reliability and also allow systems to offer a level of processing flexibility not previously available. By adjusting power levels based on application requirements, the overall system can respond more efficiently — using power when it is most effective at boosting processing or communications throughput.

“As applications continue to seek ways to reduce power consumption, precision DC power measurement has grown as a key element for energy savings,” according to Bryan Liddiard, vice president of Microchip’s Mixed Signal and Linear Division. “Just as the four-channel PAC1934 improved power measurement for Windows 10 devices, the new two- and three-channel power-monitoring ICs offer improved power measurement for low-voltage, high-power applications in markets such as embedded computing and networking.”

Both the PAC1932 and PAC1933 are available for sampling and are in volume production. Pricing starts $0.78 each and $0.94 each for the PAC1932 and PAC1933, respectively, both in quantities of 10,000. Products can be purchased via microchipDIRECT  or one of Microchip’s authorized distribution partners.