Managing the IC Power Revolution

Electronic News, Feb 14, 2000 by Bill Chew

Different Skills, Different Solutions

As we have seen, power management design is no longer a simple task. Some OEMs have the expertise in-house, however, a growing percentage of OEMs do not. Some OEMs are large enough that they have many departments with differing levels of power experience. Successful power management providers will be able to service the needs of all levels of power design experience. For the novice in power management who knows little about power design, or simply has a priority on time-to-market, a plug-in power solution (module/brick) must be offered. At the intermediate level, a consultative relationship must be available where schematics, application notes, reference designs and evaluation modules are provided.

Finally, the power provider is required to support the needs of the veteran power designer. Here, the provider must be capable of mentoring even the veteran in very complex techniques, working together to design an integrated complex power IC specifically for that OEM. Opportunities in the power management market have never been greater, and they will continue to grow. And along with the opportunities comes the formidable task of powering ever more complex applications. Those suppliers who understand both the digital world and power management world, and are able to provide solutions to all levels of power experience, will certainly be looked upon to solve tomorrow's design challenges.