Intel PXA27X User Manual

Intel® PXA27x Processor Family  
Power Requirements  
Application Note  
Order Number: 280005-002  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Contents  
Contents  
1.0 Introduction....................................................................................................................................5  
1.1 Naming Conventions ............................................................................................................5  
2.0 Intel® PXA27x Processor Power Supply Domains.....................................................................5  
3.0 Intel® PXA27x Processor Low Power Operating Modes .........................................................17  
4.0 Power Controller Interface Signals............................................................................................18  
5.0 Power Mode Sequencing ............................................................................................................22  
6.0 Dynamic Voltage Management (DVM) .......................................................................................29  
7.0 Fault Management.......................................................................................................................31  
Application Note  
iii  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Contents  
8.0 Power Management Integrated Circuit Requirements.............................................................32  
9.0 Summary ......................................................................................................................................35  
Figures  
Tables  
4
Intel® PXA27x Processor Supply Current For Each Power Domain..........................................11  
iv  
Application Note  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
1.0  
Introduction  
The Intel® PXA27x Processor Family (PXA27x processor) is a highly integrated system-on-chip  
optimized for handheld battery-powered devices such as PDAs and 2.5G or 3G cell phones. The  
PXA27x processor is ideal for products requiring substantial computing and multimedia capability  
with very low power consumption.  
The PXA27x processor combines a high-performance CPU with a variety of integrated peripheral  
functions. The processor has separate power supply domains for the processor core, memory, and  
peripherals to enable low-power system design. The PXA27x processor provides several dedicated  
control signals as well as an I2C interface to connect to an external power management integrated  
circuit.  
Other system components, such as SDRAM and flash memory, audio codecs, touchscreen  
controllers, and specialized companion chips, have with their own unique power requirements. In  
many designs, a highly integrated power controller supplies power for these other components,  
particularly those that interface directly to the PXA27x processor. An advanced power controller  
can contain circuitry for charging batteries, powering the display panel, and include other analog  
functions required by the system.  
In any system design, factors such as operating conditions, application workload, environmental  
considerations and the sophistication of the device’s power management software all play a role in  
determining the amount of power consumed. When designing a system, manufacturers need to take  
into account where the device is intended to be used (such as high temperature environments) and  
what it is expected to do for an end user (such as play a game, a video or do simple email  
transactions).  
The Intel® PXA27x Processor Family EMTS provides manufacturers with a typical system power  
consumption specification for all frequencies of the processor family. The purpose of this  
application note is to provide guidance on how power consumption, in a typical environment can  
change, based on different software workloads. In addition, this application note provides further  
details on the requirements for providing power to the processor and for interfacing to its power  
control signals, including behavioral requirements and typical system design examples under these  
workloads.  
The power numbers generated utilized Intel development platforms in lab conditions and the  
information provided should be used as a guideline only.  
1.1  
Naming Conventions  
In this document, active low items are prefixed with a lowercase “n”.  
nRESET  
Bits within a signal name are enclosed in angle brackets:  
EXTERNAL_ADDRESS<31:0>  
nCS<1>  
Bits within a register bit field are enclosed in square brackets:  
REGISTER_BITFIELD[3:0]  
REGISTER_BIT[0]  
Application Note  
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Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
The terms run mode and normal mode are used interchangeably, although normal mode comprises  
both the run-mode and turbo-mode settings.  
2.0  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Power Supply Domains  
Viewed externally, the main or backup battery powers ten power-supply domains. Additional  
supply domains are present internally, but power for these is derived from the external supply  
inputs.  
All functional units within a power domain connect to the same power supply and are powered up  
and down together. The PXA27x processor architecture, with its multiple power-supply domains,  
provides flexibility in system configuration (including selection of I/O voltages for different  
memory and peripherals) and efficient power management (for instance, flexibility in selecting  
which peripherals are powered at the same time). Together, these let system designers make power/  
complexity trade-offs and optimize a product for intended markets.  
Product designers can also choose to strap certain supplies together (to power several domains  
from a common regulator) to reduce complexity, cost, and the number of regulators in the system.  
Guidelines showing which supplies can be combined are provided in this document.  
A summary of the voltage and tolerance requirements for each external supply input is shown in  
Table 1. Figure 1 shows the PXA27x processor internal and external power domains and their  
connections.  
Table 1. External Power Supply Descriptions  
Specified Levels  
(Volts)  
Tolerance  
(%)  
Power Domain  
VCC_BATT  
VCC_IO  
Enable1  
Units  
Sleep-control subsystem, oscillators and  
real-time clock  
None  
3.0  
± 25  
±10 (@ 3.0 V  
SYS_EN  
Peripheral input/output  
LCD input/output  
3.0, 3.3  
=10%, -10.3%)  
+20,-5 (@ 1.8 V)  
otherwise ±10  
VCC_LCD  
VCC_MEM  
VCC_BB  
SYS_EN  
SYS_EN  
SYS_EN  
SYS_EN  
1.8, 2.5, 3.0, 3.3  
1.8, 2.5, 3.0, 3.3  
1.8, 2.5, 3.0, 3.3  
1.8, 3.0  
+20,-5 (@ 1.8 V)  
otherwise ±10  
Memory controller input/output  
Baseband interface  
USIM interface  
+20,-5 (@ 1.8 V)  
otherwise ±10  
+20,-5 (@ 1.8 V)  
otherwise ±10  
VCC_USIM  
VCC_USB  
VCC_PLL  
SYS_EN  
PWR_EN  
PWR_EN  
PWR_EN  
Differential USB input/output  
Phase-locked loops  
3.0, 3.3  
1.3  
±10  
±10  
±10  
VCC_SRAM  
VCC_CORE  
Internal SRAM units  
1.1  
CPU and other internal units  
variable 0.85 – 1.551 -5 +10  
NOTE: SYS_EN and PWR_EN are PXA27x processor output control signals.  
1. PXA27x processors have different maximum frequencies and VCC_CORE voltages. Refer to both of the Intel® PXA27x  
Processor Family EMTSs for details.  
6
Application Note  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Figure 1. Intel® PXA27x Processor Internal and External Power Domains  
VCC_PLL  
VCC_CORE VCC_SRAM  
VCC_PLL  
VCC_CPU  
C-PLL  
CPU  
Intr  
prg. frq.  
Control  
MEM  
Control  
P-PLL  
312 M  
VCC_PER  
LCD  
VCC_OSC  
Control  
PXTAL  
13 M  
SRAM  
Control  
TXTAL  
USB-H  
32.768 k  
48.000 M  
DMA/  
Bridge  
USB-C  
DC-DC  
48.000 M  
V-Reg  
Lin-Reg  
L1  
VCC_R3  
SRAM  
3
ICP  
48.000 M  
VCC_RTC  
CPM  
VCC_R2  
32.768 k  
I2S  
prg. frq.  
SRAM  
2
RTC  
32.768 k  
MMC  
VCC_R1  
19.500 M  
SRAM  
1
VCC_PI  
PWR_I2C  
13 M  
BB  
48.000 M  
VCC_R0  
Timer  
13 M  
SRAM  
0
USIM  
48.000 M  
I2C  
32.842 M 14.857 M (ext clk)  
UARTs  
AC  
JTAG  
TCK  
MSHC  
19.500 M  
KYBD  
32.768 k  
SSPs  
13 M  
PWMs  
13 M  
VCC_BATT  
Application Note  
7
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
2.1  
Power Domains and System Voltage/Current Requirements  
The following sections document the power requirements for the PXA27x processor, but do not  
include external support, memory, or other peripheral components.  
The power consumption values shown in Table 5 are all worst-case numbers. These numbers give  
the worst-case system power-supply requirements and do not reflect typical system power  
consumption.  
2.1.1  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Power Supplies  
Viewed externally, the processor can require up to nine independent voltages provided by regulated  
supplies. In some cases, multiple voltage domains might be strapped together, reducing the number  
of separate regulators to as few as four. Internally, there are more domains, but these are powered  
from the externally supplied domains by on-chip regulators. The internal domains are documented  
for informational purposes only; the external power controller does not have to consider them in its  
design.  
Table 2 shows the PXA27x processor voltage domains.  
8
Application Note  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Table 2. Intel® PXA27x Processor Voltage Domains (Sheet 1 of 2)  
Voltage  
VCC_BATT  
Description  
BATTERY VOLTAGE:  
Voltage-limited power from the main battery, or directly from a backup battery, at  
nominal 3.0 V (±25%). VCC_BATT must be supplied to start the power manager. When  
the main battery is installed, VCC_BATT powers the real-time clock and power  
management circuitry during initial power-on, sleep, deep sleep and sleep wake-up, so  
it remains powered from the backup battery when the main power source has been  
discharged or removed. See Section 2.2, “Batteries” on page 14 for information about  
directly connecting VCC_BATT to the backup battery or main battery.  
NOTE: The power management integrated circuit (PMIC) output drivers for logic  
signals nRESET, nVDD_FAULT, nBATT_FAULT, PWR_SDA, GPIO0 and  
GPIO1 must be powered from the VCC_BATT supply. This also applies to all  
other digital outputs such as the JTAG signals driving PXA27x processor  
inputs on the VCC_REG domain. Any devices that have a digital input driven  
by a PXA27x processor digital output powered from the VCC_REG domain  
must tolerate output high drive levels between 2.25 V and 3.75 V.  
NOTE: VCC_BATT must be driven by a regulator whose output is matched to the  
VCC_IO regulator so that VCC_IO and VCC_BATT remain within 200 mV of  
each other when the VCC_IO regulator is enabled.  
VCC_CORE  
CORE VOLTAGE:  
Dynamically variable core voltage of 0.85 V to 1.55 V. VCC_CORE also powers internal  
peripheral logic blocks such as the memory controller, LCD controller, digital audio, and  
serial ports. It does not power the internal SRAM. In a full featured system, this supply  
is software controllable as described in Section 6.1, “VCC_CORE Regulator and  
Dynamic Voltage Management” on page 29. In a simple system, this supply might be a  
fixed voltage chosen to meet the minimum voltage requirement for the highest  
frequency at which the PXA27x processor operates. In systems that use standby mode,  
there must also be a provision to set VCC_CORE to 1.10 V (±10%) prior to entry into  
standby mode. VCC_CORE must be enabled when PWR_EN is asserted and disabled  
when PWR_EN is de-asserted.  
VCC_PLL  
PHASE-LOCK LOOP VOLTAGE:  
1.3 V (±10%) for internal PLL circuits, fixed. VCC_PLL must not be connected to  
VCC_CORE, even though they both may be at the same voltage: 1.3 V. A separate  
low-noise voltage source is recommended to keep the PLL supply clean. This supply  
must be enabled when PWR_EN is asserted and disabled when PWR_EN is  
de-asserted.  
VCC_SRAM  
Power for the internal SRAM during operation in run or turbo modes. This supply is  
fixed at 1.1 V (±10%). If the core supply (VCC_CORE) is also fixed at 1.1V (no dynamic  
voltage changes are used and the maximum core clock frequency is not supported),  
these two supplies are connected together and powered by a common regulator. In  
sleep and deep-sleep modes, VCC_SRAM is powered down and the internal SRAM  
banks, under program control, are powered from an internal regulator connected to  
VCC_BATT. Doing so retains their contents although no accesses are allowed.  
VCC_SRAM must be enabled when PWR_EN is asserted and disabled when  
PWR_EN is de-asserted.  
Application Note  
9
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Table 2. Intel® PXA27x Processor Voltage Domains (Sheet 2 of 2)  
Voltage  
VCC_IO  
Description  
Fixed 3.0 V or 3.3 V (±10%) for standard CMOS I/Os interfacing to external  
components, which are also supplied from fixed 3.0 V or 3.3 V. The I/Os for external  
components connected to the corresponding signals on the PXA27x processor must be  
supplied from the same regulator. Driving VCC_BATT in this manner prevents forward-  
biasing of protection diodes and inadvertent charging of the backup battery through  
inputs on the PXA27x processor VCC_REG domain. The VCC_IO supply must be the  
highest potential in the system (excluding VCC_BATT and VCC_USB) and must be  
sequenced on at the same time or before the other supplies enabled by SYS_EN.  
VCC_IO are connected to any of the VCC_LCD, VCC_MEM, VCC_BB or VCC_USIM  
supplies as long as none of these supplies are driven at a voltage higher than VCC_IO.  
VCC_IO must be enabled when SYS_EN is asserted and disabled when SYS_EN is  
de-asserted.  
NOTE: When the main battery is installed, VCC_BATT must be driven by a regulator  
whose output is matched to the VCC_IO regulator so that VCC_IO and  
VCC_BATT remain within 200 mV of each other when the VCC_IO regulator is  
enabled.  
VCC_LCD  
VCC_MEM  
Power for output drivers to LCD panel, 1.8 V (+20%, -5%), 2.5 V, 3.0V or 3.3 V (± 10%).  
Optionally, these are strapped to one of the existing I/O supplies at 3.3 V, 2.5 V, or  
1.8 V if appropriate for the panel used. This supply must be enabled when SYS_EN is  
asserted and disabled when SYS_EN is de-asserted.  
Power for memory/system bus I/O at 1.8 V (+20%, -5%), 2.5 V, 3.0V or 3.3 V (±10%);  
fixed, strappable by input signals on the power controller to one of these voltages. The  
power controller automatically powers up VCC_MEM to the voltage specified by its  
input control signals when this regulator is enabled. Corresponding I/Os of the memory  
components or companion chips must be powered from the same regulator. This  
supply must be enabled when SYS_EN is asserted and disabled when SYS_EN is  
de-asserted.  
VCC_BB  
Power for I/Os to an external baseband module or device, at 1.8 V (+20%, -5%), 2.5 V,  
3.0V,or 3.3 V (±10%). Corresponding I/Os of the baseband device must be powered  
from the same regulator. In systems that use PCMCIA or Compact flash and the  
baseband interface, VCC_BB must be tied to VCC_MEM because some of the card  
interface signals are multiplexed with baseband interface signals. This supply must be  
enabled when SYS_EN is asserted and disabled when SYS_EN is de-asserted if any of  
these GPIOs are used (as either a GPIO or as an alternate function): GPIO<48>,  
GPIO<57:50>, GPIO<85:81>.  
VCC_USIM  
VCC_USB  
Power for I/Os to an external Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) card. The  
VCC_USIM voltage generated by the PMIC is software configurable at settings of 1.8 V  
(+20%, -5%) or 3.0 V (± 10%) or disabled (0 V). The software voltage control is  
implemented using I2C commands or the PMIC decodes the PXA27x processor UVS0,  
nUVS1, and nUVS2 outputs. Refer to Section 4.7, “Universal Subscriber Identity  
Module (USIM)” on page 21 for more information.  
Power for USB at 3.0 V or 3.3V (±10%) for standard differential USB I/Os interfacing to  
external components, which are also supplied from fixed 3.0 V or 3.3 V.  
NOTE: VCC_USB powers the I/O for the USB interfaces, the USB differential signals  
D+. D- is out of compliance with the USB specification if VCC_USB is below  
2.8 V.  
NOTE: The +5 V VBUS source from USB host controller, which must be available for  
bus-powered peripherals, must be supplied from an external source, but it is  
not part of the PXA27x processor silicon.  
2.1.2  
Power Supply Configuration in a Minimal System  
For minimal systems, only five (four if VCC_USIM is disabled) regulators are required to power  
the PXA27x processor and its input/output interfaces, as shown in Table 3.  
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Application Note  
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Table 3. Regulators Required to Power the Intel® PXA27x Processor  
Regulator  
Description  
Regulated main battery voltage, nominally 3.0 V (limited to a maximum of 3.75 V) to power  
VCC_BATT and charge the optional backup battery also connected to VCC_BATT.  
1
VCC_IO, VCC_LCD, VCC_MEM, VCC_BB, VCC_USB connected together (can be powered at  
3.0V or 3.3 V (±10%)).  
2
3
VCC_USIM at 1.8V and 3.0 V (±10%)  
VCC_CORE and VCC_SRAM may be connected together, fixed at 1.1 V. Dynamic voltage  
management cannot be used and the maximum core clock frequency is not supported using  
this arrangement.  
4
5
VCC_PLL at 1.3 V.  
More complex systems might require further separation of supply domains and additional  
regulators. Independent PXA27x power domains provide flexibility when supporting peripherals  
with different I/O voltages, which makes it possible to reduce overall system power by supporting  
1.8 V low-power memory with 3.0 V peripherals.  
2.1.3  
Modeling Intel PXA27x processor power consumption  
This section provides guidelines for the power consumption required for the processor by varying  
the software workload. In this analysis, the information is divided into two groups:  
- Core (modeled as VCC_CORE) - Section 2.1.3.1  
- All other power domains (such as memory controller, LCD, etc.) - Section 2.1.3.2  
The core model section contains power consumption data with differing workloads. The model for  
the remaining domains shows power consumption data for each domain.  
Use the guidelines detailed in Section 2.1.3.1 and Section 2.1.3.2 in conjunction with the Power  
Consumption Specifications listed in the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family EMTS.  
2.1.3.1  
Intel® PXA27x Processor VCC_CORE Supply Current  
This section specifies the power consumption expected for VCC_CORE power supply domain  
across differing workloads.  
Table 4 shows the typical current consumption for the VCC_CORE power domain at room  
temperature, at nominal voltage levels but with differing workloads. All data is taken using the  
Intel PXA270 Processor Development Kit processor card running low level boot code, no  
operating system (unless specified).  
— Dhrystones 2.1 - Dhrystones workload. Configured to run 20,000,000 cycles with LCD  
disabled.  
— MPEG4 Decode - Frame rate unlimited, Intel® IPP Performance Suite v4.0 for the Intel  
PXA270 processor for Linux, QVGA LCD with frame buffer in SRAM.  
— Power Stress Test Code - Low level code executing a repetitive test case of back to back  
64bit MAC instructions in an infinite loop. This stress code is written specifically to  
exercise the core power domain to yield data at the higher end of usage. It does not  
represent a real application.  
Application Note  
11  
     
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Note: The figures in Table 4 where taken from a system with no enhanced power management  
optimization such as Intel Wireless Speedstep (which allows control over the PXA27x processors  
low power modes and dynamically selectable frequency and voltage change capability).  
Table 4. Intel® PXA27x Processor VCC_CORE Supply Current  
Frequency  
Point @  
voltage V  
Power Stress  
Test  
Current (mA)  
Dhrystones 2.1  
Current (mA)  
Power  
(mW)  
MPEG4 Decode  
current (mA)  
Power  
(mW)  
Power  
(mW)  
624 MHz  
1.55 V  
658  
503  
1019  
729  
622  
475  
964  
689  
1006  
767  
1559  
1112  
520 Mhz  
1.45V  
416 MHz  
1.35V  
395  
297  
208  
533  
371  
239  
420  
333  
263  
567  
416  
303  
594  
436  
295  
802  
545  
339  
312 MHz  
1.25V  
208 MHz  
1.15V  
NOTE: Core Frequency shown above/Internal bus = 208MHz/Memclk = 208MHz/SDCLK = 104MHz  
Note: Use these specifications as a guideline for power supply capacity. These typical guidelines will  
vary across different platforms and software applications.  
2.1.3.2  
Supply Current For Each Power Domain  
This section provides guidelines for the power consumption that could be seen for each power  
supply domain when running a heavily loaded system. Focused workloads were used to exercise  
each power supply domain separately. It is important to note that the workloads were designed to  
push the power consumption on each domain to a higher than normal level given a typical  
environment in order to show what the overall power envelope for these domains could look like.  
In a real system, each domain will see varying amounts of power consumption based on the type of  
workload run. For instance, an MPEG-4 decoder is going to utilize the memory controller much  
more than performing simple email transactions would.  
Guidance on the power consumption for each domain in order to show Table 5 lists power-supply  
current for each PXA27x processor power domain except for VCC_CORE (Table 4 shows data for  
VCC_CORE). The environment test conditions are at room temperature and the voltage levels are  
specified below.  
Note that the I/O domain regulator(s) (VCC_IO, VCC_LCD, VCC_MEM, VCC_BB,  
VCC_USIM, VCC_USB) have additional loading from external devices attached to the PXA27x  
processor. For example, when flash memory or SDRAM is connected to the system bus. These  
loads must be added to those of PXA27x processor I/Os (if they are powered by the same  
regulator) when specifying the total load to be provided by a given regulator.  
12  
Application Note  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Table 5. Intel® PXA27x Processor Supply Current For Each Power Domain  
Current (mA) @  
voltage V  
Power  
(mW)  
Name  
Functional Units  
VCC_BATT  
Power manager and real-time clock max. during power-on and  
sleep wakeup  
10 @ 3.75 V  
37.5  
Power manager and real-time clock typical during deep sleep  
Peripheral input/output  
6 µA @ 3.0 V  
25 @ 3.3 V  
11 @ 3.3 V  
20 µW  
82.5  
33  
VCC_IO  
VCC_LCD  
LCD input/output  
VCC_MEM  
(3.3V)  
Memory controller input/output  
Memory controller input/output  
300 @ 3.3 V  
1080  
2971  
VCC_MEM1  
(1.8V)  
150 @ 1.80 V1  
VCC_BB  
VCC_USB  
VCC_USIM  
VCC_PLL  
Baseband interface  
Differential USB interface  
USIM interface  
9 @ 3.3 V  
25 @ 3.3 V  
0.3 @ 3.0 V  
40 @ 1.3 V  
50 @ 1.1 V  
30  
82.5  
1
Phase-locked loops  
52  
VCC_SRAM Internal SRAM  
55  
NOTE:  
1. This data does not include the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family with Intel StrataFlash® memory power  
requirements. Refer to the appropriate top package data sheet for power requirements and include this data when  
sizing power regulators that will support the PXA27x processors with Intel StrataFlash® memory  
For each I/O domain, maximum current draw and power use is highest at the 3.3 V supply as  
shown. For lower voltages (2.5 V, or 1.8 V) maximum current draw and power use is reduced  
following the P=CV2F relationship.  
Note: Use these specifications as a guideline for power supply capacity. These typical guidelines will  
vary across different platforms and software applications.  
2.1.4  
Default Reset Values  
Of the nine power domains besides VCC_BATT, two (VCC_SRAM and VCC_PLL) are fixed.  
Five domains (VCC_MEM, VCC_IO, VCC_LCD, VCC_BB, and VCC_USB) can take one of  
several possible values, but once powered up, remain fixed. VCC_CORE and VCC_USIM are  
dynamically variable.  
On power up, VCC_BATT is the first voltage supplied to the PXA27x processor; limit  
VCC_BATT to a maximum of 3.75 V. Other voltages/power domains power up following a  
predefined sequence as set by the control signals, PWR_EN and SYS_EN. Refer to the Intel®  
PXA27x Processor Family Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification for a description of  
the power-on sequence.  
VCC_SRAM must power up and remain at 1.1 V. VCC_PLL must power up to and remain at  
1.3 V. VCC_CORE must power up to any user-selected voltage between 0.85 and 1.55V.  
VCC_USIM must default to 0 V at power up.  
The five supplies that individually take one of several values are: VCC_IO, VCC_LCD,  
VCC_MEM, VCC_BB, and VCC_USB. The voltages required for these domains are determined  
by other components in the system and the I/O voltages they use. When the system powers up,  
Application Note  
13  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
these supplies must come up at the required voltage to operate reliably and to avoid damage to the  
external components. VCC_IO must be the highest potential of the system I/O supplies1. VCC_IO  
can be connected to any of VCC_LCD, VCC_MEM, VCC_USIM, VCC_USB and VCC_BB, but  
none of these supplies can exceed VCC_IO.  
The power-up voltage requirement must be communicated by some input strapping mechanism on  
the PMIC if a PMIC can provide more than one voltage level for any of these domains. This  
ensures that each regulator powers up to its designated voltage without processor intervention.  
Software must read this configuration information using an I2C command.  
2.2  
Batteries  
The PXA27x processor supports a variety of system battery configurations with both a main  
battery and backup battery, and a main battery alone.  
In systems with only a main battery, the main battery must drive VCC_BATT directly or use a  
regulator. In systems with a backup battery, the backup battery connects directly to VCC_BATT or  
the backup battery can be connected to a power controller, which in turn drives the PXA27x  
processor VCC_BATT.  
2.2.1  
2.2.2  
Main Battery  
The main battery is a rechargeable single cell (or multiple cells in parallel) using lithium-ion or  
lithium-polymer technology. These batteries typically present a voltage as high as 4.2 V when fully  
charged, declining to under 3.0 V as they discharge. A main battery capacity of 500 to 1200 mAh is  
typical for most applications.  
Backup Battery  
The backup battery is a lithium or lithium-manganese coin cell with an output voltage of  
approximately 3.0 V. The backup battery is a small rechargeable coin cell permanently mounted to  
the printed circuit board (PCB) in many handset applications. The PMIC must include a regulator  
and associated circuitry for recharging this type of backup battery. The two backup battery  
configurations are shown in Table 6.  
1. excluding VCC_BATT and VCC_USB  
14  
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Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Table 6. Possible Backup Battery Configurations  
Backup Battery  
Connection  
Description  
VCC_BATT and PMIC  
The backup battery connects to both the VCC_BATT input and PMIC charging  
regulator (driven from the main battery or AC adaptor supply). Powering VCC_BATT  
from a battery directly eliminates the inefficiency of an external regulator in the  
PMIC, maximizing the battery life in sleep and deep sleep. In such a configuration,  
ensure that the requirements for limiting current to the backup battery are observed,  
regardless of whether it is a rechargeable or non-rechargeable type. Information on  
battery current limits is available from the battery manufacturer. Series resistors and  
diodes might be needed to limit intentional charging current, to prevent the backup  
battery from being drained by a discharged main battery, and to prevent  
unintentional backup battery charging by the PXA27x processor. These components  
may be internal or external to the PMIC.  
PMIC only  
There is more flexibility in the number of cells and allowable charging voltage when  
the backup battery is connected only to the PMIC and the PMIC drives VCC_BATT.  
In this configuration, the PMIC must ensure that requirements for limiting current into  
the backup battery are observed, regardless of whether it is a rechargeable or non-  
rechargeable type.  
The system schematic in Figure 2 shows one recommended configuration for connecting the  
PXA27x processor directly to the backup battery. In such a configuration, the regulated main  
battery powers VCC_BATT through regulator U7, and the backup battery powers VCC_BATT  
when the main battery discharges. Regulator U7 also charges the backup battery and its output  
voltage must be chosen to ensure that VCC_BATT remains between 2.25 V and 3.75 V when  
VCC_IO is disabled and within 200 mV of VCC_IO when VCC_IO is enabled. D1 protects  
regulator U7 from back current when the backup battery drives VCC_BATT to a higher potential  
than the output of U7. D3 and R2 are chosen to limit intentional charging current to the backup  
battery. D2 and R1 prevent the PXA27x processor from driving unintended charging current into  
the backup battery if an input signal on the VCC_REG domain is driven above the backup battery  
voltage while the processor is powering the VCC_REG domain from VCC_BATT.  
Signals from the PMIC to the processor on the VCC_REG domain must be powered from the  
VCC_BATT supply voltage when SYS_EN de-asserts in deep-sleep mode. Doing so prevents  
forward-biasing the PXA27x processor input protection diodes.  
2.2.3  
Battery Chargers and Main Power  
The PMIC includes as an option a way of charging the main battery when the system is plugged  
into an AC power outlet or through the USB port. An external power brick is often used to convert  
the main voltage (90 VAC to 240 VAC) to a low DC voltage suitable for powering the regulators  
and charging the batteries.  
The PMIC must have an input (voltage detect) that can sense when AC power is supplied to the  
system to manage main power. An output from the PMIC must make this information available to a  
PXA27x processor GPIO at a suitable voltage (normally, 3.3 V CMOS logic levels). For GPIO<0>  
or GPIO<1> to generate deep sleep wake-up events, the PMIC must make the input (voltage  
detect) information available as an output to one of these GPIO signals.  
Application Note  
15  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Figure 2. Typical Battery and External Regulator Configuration  
PXA27x Processor  
16  
Application Note  
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
3.0  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Low Power Operating  
Modes  
The PXA27x processor provides several low-power operating modes that temporarily suspend or  
power down the core or peripherals to reduce power consumption. The external power supplies are  
disabled in some modes. Transitions between certain domains require a sequence of events and  
handshakes between the PXA27x processor and the external power management integrated circuit  
(PMIC) that are detailed in this section.  
The PXA27x processor supports six operating modes, shown in Table 7.  
Table 7. Intel® PXA27x Processor Operating Modes  
Operating Modes  
Description  
Normal mode  
All external power supplies are enabled and all internal domains are powered. The CPU  
core and peripherals are fully functional.  
(Run/Turbo mode)  
Idle mode  
The clocks to the CPU are disabled but context is retained. The peripherals continue  
normal operation. All power supplies are enabled. An interrupt assertion causes the  
transition back to normal mode.  
Deep Idle mode  
Standby mode  
The core frequency is at 13 MHz (CCCR[CDPIS] is set) and the processor is in idle  
mode.  
The clocks to the CPU are disabled and the CPU is placed in a low leakage state but  
context is retained. All external power supplies are enabled. Each internal SRAM bank  
can be independently placed in a low-power mode where the state is retained but no  
activity is allowed under program control. The PLLs are disabled and peripheral  
operation is suspended. An interrupt assertion causes the transition back to normal  
mode.  
Sleep mode  
All internal power domains except VCC_RTC and VCC_OSC are optionally powered  
down. All clock sources except the real-time clock (RTC) and power manager are  
disabled, and all external low-voltage power supplies (VCC_CORE, VCC_PLL, and  
VCC_SRAM) controlled by PWR_EN are disabled. Recovery is initiated by external  
wake-up events or select internal wake-up events. A system reboot is required because  
the program counter is invalid.  
Deep sleep mode All internal power domains except VCC_RTC and VCC_OSC are powered down. All  
clock sources except the real-time clock (RTC) and power manager are disabled, and the  
external low-voltage supplies (VCC_CORE, VCC_PLL, and VCC_SRAM) controlled by  
PWR_EN are disabled. The high-voltage power supplies (VCC_IO, VCC_MEM,  
VCC_LCD, VCC_BB and VCC_USIM) controlled by SYS_EN are disabled. The active  
internal power domains are powered from one of three internal regulators driven from the  
backup battery signal, VCC_BATT. Recovery is initiated by external or select internal  
wake-up events and requires a system reboot, because the program counter is invalid.  
NOTE: Refer to the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Developers Manual, “Clocks and Power” section for  
more information on low power modes  
The state diagram in Figure 3 shows the transitions between operating modes and the events and  
conditions that cause or enable transitions.  
Application Note  
17  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Figure 3. Overview of Power Management Operating Modes  
Reset Mode  
any reset  
asserted  
reset  
de-asserted  
Normal Mode  
Idle  
Sleep  
instruction  
CPDIS=1  
instruction  
Idle  
instruction  
CPDIS=0  
Wake-up event  
OR (Fault & xIDAE=1)  
Wake-up event  
OR (Fault & xIDAE=1)  
Standby  
instruction  
Interrupt  
OR (Fault & xIDAE=1)  
Interrupt  
OR (Fault & xIDAE=1)  
Wake-up event  
OR (Fault & xIDAE=1)  
Deep Idle Mode  
Idle Mode  
Standby Mode  
Sleep Mode  
Fault & xIDAE=0  
Fault & xIDAE=0  
Deep Sleep  
Fault & xIDAE=0  
instruction OR  
Fault & xIDAE=0  
(Fault & xIDAE=0)  
Deep Sleep Mode  
4.0  
Power Controller Interface Signals  
The PXA27x processor has an internal power manager unit (PMU) and a set of I/O signals for  
communicating with an external power management integrated circuit (PMIC). These signals are  
active for initial power up, certain reset events, device on/off events, and transitions between some  
operating modes. In addition, two fault signals are required from the PMIC to communicate the  
onset of power supply problems to the processor. These signals and their function are described  
fully in Section 7.0.  
The PXA27x processor communicates to the power controller using the signals defined in Table 8.  
18  
Application Note  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Table 8. Power Controller Interface Signals  
Signal  
PWR_EN  
Definition  
Active State  
Signal Direction1  
Power enable  
high  
high  
Clock  
Output  
Output  
SYS_EN  
System enable  
I2C bus clock  
I2C bus data  
PWR_SCL  
PWR_SDA  
Output  
Bidirectional  
Forces an unconditional hardware  
reset  
nRESET  
low  
low  
low  
Input  
Input  
Input  
Indicates main battery removed or  
discharged  
nBATT_FAULT  
nVDD_FAULT  
Indicates one or more supplies are out  
of regulation  
NOTE: 1. Input and output refers to the signal direction from the standpoint of the PXA27x processor  
4.1  
Power Enable (PWR_EN)  
PWR_EN is an active-high output from the PXA27x processor (input to the PMIC) that enables the  
external core power supplies (VCC_CORE, VCC_SRAM, and VCC_PLL). De-asserting  
PWR_EN informs the external regulator that the processor is going into sleep mode, and that the  
low-voltage core power supplies are to be shut down.  
The PMIC turns on the core (low-voltage) supplies in response to PWR_EN assertion to resume  
normal operation. The power controller must preserve, during sleep or deep sleep, the previous  
state of its regulators including the voltage for the core, so that on resumption of core power, the  
regulators return to their last known voltage levels.  
4.2  
System Power Enable (SYS_EN) / GPIO<2>  
SYS_EN is an active-high output from the PXA27x processor (input to the PMIC) that enables the  
external system power supplies. De-asserting SYS_EN informs the power supply that the processor  
is going into deep-sleep mode, and that the high-voltage system power supplies (VCC_IO,  
VCC_LCD, VCC_MEM, VCC_USIM, VCC_BB, and VCC_USB) are to be shut down. Assertion  
and de-assertion of SYS_EN occurs in the correct sequence with PWR_EN to ensure the correct  
sequencing of power supplies when powering on and off the various voltage domains.  
To resume normal operation, the PMIC first turns on the system I/O (high-voltage) supplies in  
response to SYS_EN assertion and then turns on the core (low-voltage) supplies in response to  
PWR_EN assertion. The power controller must return all system I/O voltages to their pre-deep  
sleep mode levels.  
4.3  
Power Manager I2C Clock (PWR_SCL) / GPIO<3>  
The PWR_SCL signal is the power manager I2C clock in to the external PMIC. The I2C serial bus  
must operate at a minimum 40 kHz and (optionally) be able to operate at a 160 kHz clock rate.  
Application Note  
19  
       
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
4.4  
4.5  
Power Manager I2C Data (PWR_SDA) / GPIO<4>)  
The PWR_SDA signal is the power manager I2C data signal to the external PMIC. It functions like  
an open-drain signal so either component can pull it down to a logic-low level.  
System-Level Considerations for I2C  
Both I2C signals have an alternate function on the PXA27x processor as GPIO signals. Following  
cold-start power-on or a hard reset, both signals default to the GPIO mode of operation and are  
configured as inputs. An internal (nominally 50 K) pull-down resistor on each signal prevents  
them from floating during reset or power-on events. To use the I2C capabilities after power-up or  
reset, the PXA27x processor must, while under software control, configure these signals as I2C  
signals and disconnect the internal pull-down resistor.  
These I2C signals behave functionally like open-drain outputs and require an external pull-up  
resistor on the system module in the 2 Kto 20 Krange1. A typical system uses approximately a  
5 Kresistor connected to 3.3 V.  
The I2C signals from the PXA27x processor are pulled low after power-up or reset events. The  
PMIC must ignore those signals (logic low is the asserted or ON state for I2C bus) after either type  
of event until the PXA27x processor has asserted PWR_EN and SYS_EN, and the system is  
operating normally.  
The I2C interface does not support the hardware general call, 10-bit addressing, high-speed mode  
(Hs-mode, 3.4 Mbits/s), or CBUS compatibility. Although other compatible protocols, such as  
SMBus, can be used with the PXA27x processor I2C interface, they have not been tested for  
compatibility.  
Refer to the I2C Bus Interface Unit section of the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Developers  
Manual for more information.  
4.6  
On, Off, and RESET  
4.6.1  
On and Off Control  
User-initiated ON and OFF events are accomplished using a push button or similar type of system  
power switch. The system power switch is a momentary-contact type; making contact shorts the  
normally high input to GND.  
The switch signal can be connected directly to a PXA27x processor GPIO input or, preferably, to  
the PMIC, which debounces the input and forwards the clean signal to a PXA27x processor GPIO.  
This process requires two signals on the PMIC; one input and one output. GPIO<0> or GPIO<1>  
are recommended for this purpose because they can generate deep-sleep wake-up events.  
4.6.2  
User-Initiated Hard Reset Input  
This signal from a momentary-contact push button switch connects to a power controller input for  
user-initiated hard reset. Detection of hard reset forces assertion of the nRESET output from the  
power controller IC to the PXA27x processor. The input must be debounced to cause clean  
1. See I2C-Bus Specification 2.1, dated January 2000, by Phillips Semiconductors, order #9398 358 10011, pp. 39-42.  
20  
Application Note  
         
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
assertion of nRESET for a minimum of 50 ms. This type of reset would be used only for a severe  
and otherwise unrecoverable hardware or software problem, because it completely resets the state  
of the processor and may result in lost data. Refer to the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family  
Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification for the hardware reset timing specification.  
4.6.3  
nRESET Output from PMIC to the Intel® PXA27x Processor  
nRESET is an active-low signal from the PMIC to the PXA27x processor that tells the processor to  
enter the hardware-reset state. The assertion of nRESET cannot be gated and causes the PXA27x  
processor to enter a complete and unconditional reset state. The nRESET signal contains an  
internal resistive pull-up that is always active (no pull-up required on the system module or in the  
PMIC).  
nRESET is a hard reset that can cause the system to lose state or data when asserted. It is asserted  
for a cold start power-on event, or if for any reason the user pushes the system reset button. The  
power controller must assert nRESET for both events.  
nRESET must remain asserted for at least 50 ms when asserted. When not asserted, nRESET is  
pulled up internally to VCC_REG. VCC_REG is normally powered from VCC_IO, except when in  
deep-sleep mode, where VCC_REG is powered from VCC_BATT.  
All PXA27x processor internal registers and processes are held at their defined reset conditions  
during hardware reset. While the nRESET signal is asserted, the only activity inside the PXA27x  
processor is the stabilization of the 13.000 MHz oscillator and phase-locked loops. The remaining  
internal clocks are stopped and the processor is fully static. Additionally, all signals assume their  
reset conditions, and the nBATT_FAULT and nVDD_FAULT signals are ignored. The  
nRESET_OUT signal from the PXA27x processor is asserted when the nRESET input signal is  
asserted.  
4.7  
Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM)  
The PXA27x processor provides signals to control an external regulator that powers the USIM card  
interface used in many digital cell phones. The VCC_USIM regulator output voltage is set to 1.8 V  
or 3.0 V or disabled (0 V) under software control. The software voltage control is implemented  
either by using I2C commands or by decoding the PXA27x processor UVS0, nUVS1, and nUVS2  
outputs in the PMIC.  
The regulator must drive VCC_USIM to ground when UVS0 is driven high. The regulator must  
drive VCC_USIM to 1.8 V when nUVS1 is driven low. The regulator must drive VCC_USIM to  
3.0 V when nUVS2 is driven low. The PXA27x processor USIM interface asserts only one of these  
signals at a time such that they can be used to control the gate of simple FET switches directly.  
Note: The regulator that generates VCC_USIM must be disabled using SYS_EN or an I2C command  
when the PXA27x processor enters deep-sleep mode. During deep sleep, the UVS0, nUVS1, and  
nUVS2 outputs are not driven and cannot control the VCC_USIM regulator.  
4.8  
Power Manager Capacitor Signals  
This section describes connection of external capacitors to PXA27x processor signals. These  
capacitors do not have a direct design impact on a PMIC but are included here for completeness.  
Application Note  
21  
     
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
The PXA27x processor has a low-power DC-to-DC converter that is enabled by software while in  
sleep or deep-sleep mode. Enabling the low-power DC-to-DC converter further reduces power  
consumption by shutting off the high-power regulators on the PMIC, eliminating losses in the  
external power supply subsystem. Use of the sleep mode DC-to-DC converter requires three  
external capacitors connected to the PXA27x processor PWR_CAP signals.  
These capacitors are required for the DC-to-DC converter:  
A 0.1 µF capacitor connected between the PWR_CAP<0> and PWR_CAP<1> signals  
A 0.1 µF capacitor connected between the PWR_CAP<2> and PWR_CAP<3> signals  
A 0.1 µF capacitor connected between the PWR_OUT signal and ground is always required. Use  
ceramic, unpolarized capacitors with a low equivalent series resistance (ESR). No other  
connections are allowed on the PWR_OUT and PWR_CAP<3:0> signals.  
Note: The PWR_CAP signals must not be shared with the GPIO<5:8> functions under any conditions.  
5.0  
Power Mode Sequencing  
The PXA27x processor supply voltages must be powered up in a specific sequence to avoid  
damage to the processor. Refer to the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Electrical, Mechanical,  
and Thermal Specification for power-on-reset timing specifications. In general, VCC_BATT must  
be the first domain to be powered on, and the last to be powered off. After that, I/O voltages must  
be powered on before internal voltages, and powered off after internal voltages are turned off.  
I/O voltages are the higher voltages (1.8 V to 3.3 V) that power the I/O cells: VCC_IO,  
VCC_LCD, VCC_MEM, VCC_BB, VCC_USB, VCC_USIM. These voltages must power on first  
(after VCC_BATT powers up), and must be the last to power off (before VCC_BATT powers off).  
Internal voltages are those that power the PXA27x processor core, the PLLs, and internal SRAM:  
VCC_CORE, VCC_PLL, and VCC_SRAM. VCC_CORE ranges from 0.85 V to 1.55 V in normal  
operation, while VCC_PLL and VCC_SRAM are fixed at 1.3 V and 1.1 V, respectively.  
Within the I/O supply group, VCC_IO must be established at or before (but not after) any other  
supply (except VCC_USB). Within the internal supply group, there is no specific sequencing  
requirement within the internal supply group. The internal supplies can be turned on or off in any  
order, or simultaneously. For powering on from a cold start, each domain must not exceed the  
maximum (quickest) ramp rate specification and the power-on timing requirements should be  
strictly observed. Refer to the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family EMTS for details.  
5.1  
Power-On  
5.1.1  
Cold-Start Power-On and Hardware Reset  
Power-on reset occurs when power is first supplied to the backup battery signal VCC_BATT,  
following a powered-off condition. All PXA27x processor internal units are reset to a known state  
exactly like hardware reset. Power-on reset is a complete and total reset that occurs at initial power-  
on only.  
22  
Application Note  
     
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
5.1.2  
Initial Power Up and Deep Sleep Exit Sequence  
As shown in Figure 2, the external power management integrated circuit (PMIC) supplies both  
high-voltage (I/O) and low-voltage (internal) power to the PXA27x processor. The external voltage  
regulator also sources nBATT_FAULT and nVDD_FAULT signals to the PXA27x processor.  
There are two power control signals:  
SYS_EN controls the high-voltage (I/O) supplies:  
— VCC_IO  
— VCC_LCD  
— VCC_MEM  
— VCC_BB  
— VCC_USB  
— VCC_USIM  
PWR_EN controls low-voltage (internal) supplies:  
— VCC_CORE  
— VCC_PLL  
— VCC_SRAM  
Typically, during system assembly, the fully-charged backup battery is soldered permanently into  
the system. To prevent draining the backup battery prematurely, Intel recommends installing the  
main battery at least temporarily at this time to prevent draining the backup battery prematurely.  
With the backup battery in place, the PXA27x processor begins the initial cold-start, power-up  
sequence, enabling its power manager unit and one of the oscillators. Refer to the Intel® PXA27x  
Processor Family Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification for power-on-reset timing  
specifications.  
The PXA27x processor waits for the assertion of nBATT_FAULT from the PMIC. The PXA27x  
processor internal power manager unit (PMU) also powers up its own section of low-power  
circuitry with the installation of the backup battery. Doing so allows the PMU to monitor voltages  
as they come up and generate the nBATT_FAULT and nVDD_FAULT signals. Because the main  
battery is not installed and only VCC_BATT is supplying power to the PXA27x processor, the  
PMIC initially must assert both nBATT_FAULT and nVDD_FAULT. (Note that the PMIC outputs  
must be powered from the VCC_BATT supply at this time.) The PMIC must not de-assert  
nBATT_FAULT until the main battery is inserted and charged.  
Note: When the backup battery is installed but the main battery is not installed, the PXA27x processor  
draws approximately 1 mA from the backup battery on VCC_BATT. To preserve the backup  
battery life, Intel recommends the temporary installation of a a main battery long enough to  
complete an initial boot sequence and run software to configure the PXA27x processor to enter  
deep-sleep mode using the internal DC-to-DC converter.  
The GPIO pins on the PXA27x processor initially default to inputs, so they cannot be used for  
power regulator control at initial power up, or for exiting deep-sleep mode unless they have been  
programmed to respond to an edge or level change.  
Application Note  
23  
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Note: The nRESET signal must be asserted earlier in the reset sequence for the processor. Refer to the  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification for power-on  
reset timing specifications.  
The sequence for initial (start-of-life) power-on reset is as follows:  
1. VCC_BATT power is applied to the processor and reaches a stable voltage of at least 2.25 V  
(initiating the power-on reset event) with nRESET asserted from PMIC to the processor.  
2. The PMIC must assert nBATT_FAULT because the main battery is not installed.  
3. The PMIC de-asserts nRESET after a minimum of 50 ms.  
4. The PXA27x processor enables its internal PMU, which waits for the de-assertion of  
nBATT_FAULT to indicate main battery installation.  
5. The fully charged main battery is installed and the PMIC de-asserts nBATT_FAULT.  
6. The PXA27x processor asserts SYS_EN to enable the system high-voltage I/O power  
supplies. The PXA27x processor starts its SYS_DEL countdown timer set to the default  
125 ms period.  
7. The PMIC enables the regulators driving VCC_IO, and then VCC_LCD, VCC_MEM,  
VCC_USIM, VCC_BB, and VCC_USB. The latter regulators power on and achieve  
regulation in any order.  
8. After the 125 ms SYS_DEL timer expires, the PXA27x processor asserts PWR_EN to enable  
the PXA27x processor low-voltage power supplies. Refer to the Intel® PXA27x Processor  
Family Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification for Power-On reset timing  
specifications. The PXA27x processor starts its PWR_DEL countdown timer set to the default  
125 ms period.  
9. The PMIC enables the regulators driving VCC_CORE, VCC_PLL, and VCC_SRAM. These  
regulators power on and achieve regulation in any order.  
10. The PMIC de-asserts nVDD_FAULT when all supplies are stable and within regulation  
specifications.  
11. After the 125 ms PWR_DEL timer expires, the PXA27x processor samples the  
nVDD_FAULT input. If nVDD_FAULT is asserted, the PXA27x processor returns to sleep or  
deep-sleep mode; otherwise, the sequence continues.  
12. The PXA27x processor continues its power up initialization by enabling the processor  
(13.000 MHz) oscillator and internal PLLs and switching the I/O supply power for the internal  
domains from VCC_BATT to VCC_IO.  
13. The PXA27x processor de-asserts the nRESET_OUT signal and begins the execution of code  
from the reset vector.  
Refer to the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification  
for power-on reset timing specifications.  
5.1.3  
Hardware Reset Behavior  
Hardware reset initiates when the PMIC asserts the nRESET signal low. On assertion of nRESET,  
the PXA27x processor enters hardware reset state and asserts nRESET_OUT. The PMIC must hold  
nRESET low long enough to allow internal stabilization and propagation of the reset state, which is  
a minimum of 50 ms.  
The sequence for hardware reset is as follows:  
24  
Application Note  
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
1. The PMIC asserts nRESET.  
2. The PXA27x processor asserts the nRESET_OUT1 signal. The time between nRESET  
assertion and nRESET_OUT assertion depends on whether this event the PXA27x processor  
was previously running or whether this is an initial power up event.  
3. The PMIC de-asserts nRESET after a minimum of 50 ms from nRESET assertion.  
4. The internal processor PMU waits for the 13.000 MHz oscillator and internal PLLs to  
stabilize, if needed.  
5. The PXA27x processor de-asserts the nRESET_OUT signal.  
The timing for hardware reset is shown in the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Electrical,  
Mechanical, and Thermal Specification. The PXA27x processor power manager sleep reset state is  
shown in Figure 4. The timing between nRESET assertion and nRESET_OUT assertion is shown  
in the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification data  
sheet.  
Application Note  
25  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Note: 1) nRESET_OUT assertion is software programmable during processor resets. Refer to the Intel®  
PXA27x Processor Family Developers Manual.  
Figure 4. Intel® PXA27x Processor Power Manager Sleep Reset State Diagram  
pll_ok = 1  
Enable  
PLL  
Normal  
Run  
Mode  
Initial  
Power  
Up  
(Software initiated  
deep sleep) OR  
nBATT_FAULT = 0  
nVDD_FAULT = 0  
clk_32k_ok = 1  
nBATT_FAULT = 1  
nBATT_FAULT = 0  
Deep  
Sleep  
Deep  
Sleep  
Batt fault  
wakeup = 1 &  
nBATT_FAULT = 1  
wakeup = 1 &  
nBATT_FAULT = 0  
wakeup = 1 &  
nBATT_FAULT = 1  
wakeup = 1 &  
nBATT_FAULT = 0  
Wakeup  
Wakeup  
while  
Batt Fault  
asserted  
while  
nBATT_FAULT = 1  
SYS_EN = 1  
Batt Fault  
de-asserted  
Count  
Down  
nBATT_FAULT = 0  
SYS_DEL  
(count_done = 1 & nBATT_FAULT = 1) OR  
(all_vcc_hi = 1 & PSSD = 1 & nBATT_FAULT = 1)  
Assert  
PWR_EN = 1  
All external IO pads use  
VCC_IO or corresponding power  
supply. Power manager continues  
to use VCC_BATT  
nBATT_FAULT = 0  
pwr_  
enable  
Count  
Down  
nBATT_FAULT = 0  
PWR_DEL  
(nVDD_FAULT = 0) & (count_done = 1)  
(nBATT_FAULT = 1 & nVDD_FAULT = 1) &  
(count_done = 1 OR all_vcc_low = 1 & PSSD = 1)  
= power manager powered by VCC_CORE  
= power manager powered by VCC_BATT  
26  
Application Note  
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
5.2  
Sleep and Deep Sleep  
The sleep and deep-sleep modes reduce power consumption by powering down most units in the  
PXA27x processor. However, the real-time clock, timekeeping oscillator (32.768 kHz), and PMU  
circuits remain active. The processor oscillator (13.000 MHz), power manager I2C, and JTAG units  
may also be active. One, two, or four banks of internal SRAM can (optionally) remain powered in  
sleep mode to retain data, at the expense of approximately 100 µW per bank.  
In sleep and deep-sleep modes, the PXA27x processor power supplies VCC_CORE, VCC_SRAM,  
and VCC_PLL can be disabled to achieve greater system power savings. In deep- sleep mode, the  
system power supplies VCC_IO, VCC_LCD, VCC_USIM, VCC_BB, VCC_USB, and  
VCC_MEM can also be powered down for additional power savings. The PXA27x processor then  
uses VCC_BATT to power an internal DC-to-DC converter, optimized for high efficiency at low  
power, to create the internal supplies.  
The penalty for removing power from VCC_CORE and VCC_SRAM is that the processor  
execution state is lost. Once the processor activity has stopped, recovery from sleep and deep-sleep  
modes must be through an external wakeup event or a real-time clock timer event that initiates a  
sleep reset sequence to boot the PXA27x processor again.  
Retaining SDRAM contents while in sleep and deep-sleep modes requires an additional, efficient  
low-current supply powered from either the main or backup battery. Pull down the PXA27x  
processor SDCKE signal to retain SDRAM contents while in sleep and deep sleep.  
Before entering the sleep or deep-sleep modes, software must program the appropriate registers  
within the PXA27x processor to:  
Set up delay timers  
Shut off internal functional blocks  
Specify the wakeup sources for exiting sleep or deep sleep  
Software initiates entry into sleep or deep sleep (for example, the user presses the OFF button and  
closes the unit cover), or by a hardware event such as assertion of the nVDD_FAULT or  
nBATT_FAULT signals from the PMIC. See Section 7.0 for fault conditions and interaction  
between the PXA27x processor and the PMIC during those events.  
5.2.1  
Sleep Entry and Exit  
Prior to entering sleep mode, the PXA27x processor prepares the PMIC by specifying which  
additional system regulators, if any, are to be disabled or shut down when the PMIC is commanded  
to go into sleep mode. The set of regulators to be turned off can be fixed in PMIC hardware, or it  
might be programmable. If programmable, a register in the PMIC is loaded via I2C to specify  
which regulators turn off. For optimal power savings during sleep, enable and disable the  
VCC_CORE, VCC_PLL, and VCC_SRAM regulators using PWR_EN, but other regulators in the  
system may or may not require enabling/disabling, depending upon system design. For example, if  
a memory device or peripheral must retain its contents during sleep under certain conditions, it may  
require another regulator that is software controllable.  
The PXA27x processor places DRAM memory into self-refresh mode. Note that in self-refresh  
mode, the DRAM must still be powered, but power decreases substantially. Alternatively, if  
DRAM contents do not need to be preserved, the processor places the DRAMs into deep-power-  
down mode. Doing so reduces DRAM power to microamps, even though voltage from the PMIC is  
still maintained on the DRAM power signals.  
Application Note  
27  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
The processor commands entry into sleep mode by de-asserting PWR_EN to the PMIC once the  
PMIC and system are prepared. The PMIC responds by turning off the specified set of supplies  
along with VCC_CORE, VCC_PLL, and VCC_SRAM. For entry into sleep mode, there is no  
requirement for how long these supplies require to shut down after de-assertion of PWR_EN.  
(However, for entry into deep-sleep mode, these supplies must shut down before the de-assertion of  
SYS_EN to ensure that supply sequencing requirements are met.)  
A wakeup event must occur to exit sleep mode. For example, the wakeup event can be a transition  
on one of the wakeup-capable GPIOs that has been programmed to respond to a level change, or it  
can be an interrupt from a timer in the real-time clock unit. In response, the PXA27x processor  
asserts PWR_EN to the PMIC and starts its PWR_DEL timer. The PMIC turns on all of its low-  
voltage supplies (VCC_CORE, VCC_SRAM, and VCC_PLL) and when all supplies are stable and  
within regulation, the PMIC de-asserts nVDD_FAULT. The PXA27x processor returns the system  
to sleep mode if nVDD_FAULT is not de-asserted before the PWR_DEL timer expires. Otherwise  
the PXA27x processor completes the sleep-reset boot sequence. See the Intel® PXA27x Processor  
Family Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification data sheet for entry and exit sleep-mode  
timings.  
Note: Upon exiting from sleep mode, the processor returns to the last clock frequency prior to sleep mode  
entry. Likewise, the PMIC must also be able to return to the previous voltage level prior to entering  
sleep mode. It is necessary for the PMIC to accommodate the appropriate voltage level upon  
exiting. All wake-up events are ignored until nBATT_FAULT is de-asserted if the nBATT_FAULT  
signal asserts in sleep or deep sleep.  
5.2.2  
Deep Sleep Entry and Exit  
The PXA27x processor prepares the PMIC for deep sleep prior to entering deep sleep by  
specifying which additional system regulators are to be disabled or shut down when the PXA27x  
processor commands deep-sleep entry. The PXA27x processor controls deep-sleep entry by de-  
assertion of the SYS_EN signal. The set of regulators to be turned off can be fixed in PMIC  
hardware or it can be programmable. If programmable, a register in the PMIC is loaded via I2C to  
specify which regulators turn off. The regulators for VCC_IO, VCC_LCD, VCC_MEM,  
VCC_BB, VCC_USB, and VCC_USIM are enabled and disabled using SYS_EN, but other  
regulators in the system may or may not need to be enabled/disabled, depending upon system  
design.  
The PXA27x processor places DRAM memory into self-refresh mode before entering deep sleep.  
In self-refresh mode, the DRAM must still be powered, but power decreases substantially.  
Alternatively, if DRAM contents do not need to be preserved, the PXA27x processor can place the  
DRAMs into deep-power-down mode. Doing so reduces DRAM power to microamps, even though  
voltage from the PMIC is still maintained on the DRAM power signals.  
Note: The PXA271 and PXA272 processors contain stacked memory which is supplied power via the  
VCC_MEM power domain.  
The PXA27x processor commands entry into deep-sleep mode by de-asserting PWR_EN once the  
PMIC and system are prepared. The PMIC responds by turning off the set of low-voltage power  
supplies designated either by the prior register setting, or fixed in PMIC hardware. After a delay to  
allow the low-voltage supplies to shut down, the PXA27x processor de-asserts SYS_EN to the  
PMIC, and the PMIC responds by turning off the necessary combination of high-voltage supplies.  
Note that all power-supply sequencing requirements must be observed: low-voltage supplies must  
power down before any high-voltage supplies power down. See the Intel® PXA27x Processor  
Family Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Specification data sheet for entry and exit deep-sleep  
mode timings.  
28  
Application Note  
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Note: If the PMIC does not disable VCC_CORE, VCC_PLL, or VCC_SRAM when PWR_EN is de-  
asserted, the PMIC must not disable any of the regulators controlled by SYS_EN when SYS_EN is  
de-asserted to ensure that supply sequencing requirements are satisfied.  
A wakeup event must occur to exit deep sleep. The wakeup event can include the following:  
A transition on one of the deep sleep wakeup-capable GPIOs that has been programmed to  
respond to an edge or level change  
An interrupt from a timer in the real-time clock unit  
Upon exiting from deep-sleep mode, the processor returns to the last clock frequency prior to deep-  
sleep mode entry. Likewise, the PMIC must also be able to return to the previous voltage level  
prior to entering deep-sleep mode. The PMIC must accommodate the appropriate voltage level  
upon exiting.  
The PXA27x processor asserts SYS_EN to the PMIC and starts its SYS_DEL timer. The PMIC  
turns on its high-voltage supplies (VCC_IO, VCC_LCD, VCC_USIM, VCC_BB, VCC_USB, and  
VCC_MEM). After waiting the period set by SYS_DEL, the processor asserts PWR_EN to the  
PMIC and starts its PWR_DEL countdown timer. The PMIC turns on the low-voltage supplies  
(VCC_CORE, VCC_SRAM, and VCC_PLL) and de-asserts nVDD_FAULT when all supplies are  
stable and within regulation. If nVDD_FAULT is not de-asserted before the PWR_DEL timer  
expires, the PXA27x processor returns the system to deep-sleep mode; otherwise, the PXA27x  
processor completes the sleep-reset boot sequence.  
Note: If the nBATT_FAULT signal asserts in sleep or deep sleep, all wake-up events are ignored until  
nBATT_FAULT is de-asserted.  
If the deep-sleep configuration is set and PSLR[PSSD] (sleep mode shorten wakeup delay disable  
bit) is set, the PXA27x processor shortens the wakeup sequence by asserting PWR_EN as soon as  
the PXA27x processor PMU detects all the corresponding power supplies have powered up, as  
shown in Figure 4. Refer to the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family EMTS manual for deep-sleep  
entry and exit timing specifications.  
6.0  
Dynamic Voltage Management (DVM)  
The PXA27x processor has a number of features that enable the dynamic management of power  
consumption, which is based on the computing power required at any particular time. These  
features enable the processor to modify the core frequency voltage of the processor during  
operation, dynamically matching the computing performance to the current computing workload.  
A system combining the PXA27x processor, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), and  
supporting DVM software can run a wide range of applications using only a fraction of the battery  
power that would be required running at the fixed frequency and voltage needed for the peak  
computing workload.  
6.1  
VCC_CORE Regulator and Dynamic Voltage Management  
The PMIC must have these minimum features for its VCC_CORE regulator to support dynamic  
voltage and frequency management:  
High-efficiency I2C programmable buck1 converter output providing VCC_CORE in the  
voltage range 0.85-1.55 V (-5%/10%) with a default/reset output in the same range.  
Application Note  
29  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
I2C programmable output voltage ramp rate with a default/reset ramp rate of 10mV/µs. Refer  
to the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family EMTS for ramp rate specifications  
The VCC_CORE regulator must support a minimum set of these six output voltages: 0.85, 0.95,  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.55 V. It is preferable to provide more voltage steps by dividing the range  
between 0.85 V and 1.55 V using a step size of 10 to 50 mV. The accuracy of each voltage set point  
must be at least ± 1 voltage step. When using more than the minimum set of five steps it is not  
necessary to support these five exact step values.  
The VCC_CORE regulator must also support programming the voltage ramp rate over a one-  
decade range of the nominal default value (10mV per µs). Ramping is accomplished via a smooth  
analog ramp driven by an internal ramp generator, or through a series of microsteps of 10-25 mV  
per microstep, which are performed sequentially after a small delay to make up the requested  
change in voltage. Faster ramp rates can, in practice, be limited by the capabilities of the regulator  
and by the amount of bulk capacitance on the VCC_CORE supply.  
Controlling the core voltage is accomplished by loading registers in the PMIC via the I2C serial  
bus. The bus transfers data one byte at a time to the PMIC. Register loads are 8 bits wide, although  
not all bits need be used by accompanying circuitry. If voltage ramps are comprised of a series of  
microsteps, the step rate can be programmed as increments of the PMIC internal oscillator used by  
its voltage converters. Many switching regulators use oscillators in the 500 kHz to 1 MHz range.  
Section 8.0 contains more information on the recommended PMIC register set and bit fields.  
The worst-case load, or maximum di/dt (from the slowest run mode setting to the fastest turbo  
mode setting) expected is 200 mA per 10 ns.  
Note: It may be advantageous to allow scaling of the VCC_CORE domain above 1.55V for debug  
purposes, which would require the PMIC and associated power circuitry being able to drive  
VCC_CORE up to 2.0V.  
6.2  
Intel® PXA27x Processor Voltage Manager  
The PXA27x processor power manager unit (PMU) includes an internal voltage manager unit with  
a dedicated I2C interface and a command sequencer. The I2C interface provides the PXA27x  
processor with dynamic and static voltage control capability, using an I2C module for  
communicating with the external PMIC. The voltage manager provides these features:  
Static (Halted) or dynamic (operational) voltage change  
Up to 32 I2C commands automatically sent to I2C  
Single and multi-byte I2C command support  
The PXA27x processor I2C commands are user defined to match the format defined by the  
PMIC.  
Programmable delay between commands  
1. A step-down, or voltage dropping converter  
30  
Application Note  
 
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
6.3  
Power Manager I2C Interface  
The PXA27x processor communicates with the PMIC using the I2C serial bus. The flexible I2C  
controller in the processor can pre-load a buffer with a series of commands, or multi-byte  
commands of any size, up to a total of 32 bytes of command address and data. The I2C controller  
can be programmed to send a series of commands with programmable intervals between groups of  
commands to accommodate a variety of different power controllers and regulators.  
Refer to the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family EMTS for voltage change timing specifications.  
The I2C interface runs in either standard mode at 40 kHz or fast mode at 160 kHz using standard 7-  
bit addressing. The hardware general call and 10-bit extended addressing are not supported.  
6.4  
DVM Sequencing  
The PMIC contains registers that enable, at a minimum, these functions:  
Programming a voltage change from the current voltage to a new voltage  
Programming a ramp rate at which the voltage change occurs  
A GO bit, which once set, triggers the requested voltage change  
7.0  
Fault Management  
The PXA27x processor provides two digital status inputs (nBATT_FAULT and nVDD_FAULT)  
driven by the external PMIC that indicate status of the main battery and the power-supply  
regulators. These signals permit a combination of hardware and software management of power  
fault conditions.  
Both signals are asserted low to the PXA27x processor inputs. They can be used to place the  
processor into sleep or deep sleep power-down modes to reduce power quickly and to preserve as  
much system state or context as possible. Entry into sleep or deep sleep can be initiated directly by  
the PXA27x processor PMU hardware upon assertion of nBATT_FAULT and nVDD_FAULT, or  
these events can trigger a software exception handler that saves the system state and issues the  
command to enter sleep or deep sleep. The PXA27x processor power manager PMCR[BIDAE] and  
PMCR[VIDAE]1 control bits select between hardware or software handling of these respective  
fault events.  
7.1  
nVDD_FAULT  
nVDD_FAULT signals the PXA27x processor that one or more of its currently enabled supplies  
are below the minimum regulation limit (supplies that are not enabled do not cause nVDD_FAULT  
assertion). Functionally, nVDD_FAULT signals the processor when it is safe to exit sleep or when  
it must enter sleep (using the mechanism selected by the PMCR[VIDAE] setting). nVDD_FAULT  
is ignored after a wakeup event until the SYS_DEL and PWR_DEL timers expires. The PXA27x  
processor also has a configuration bit2 that allows nVDD_FAULT to be ignored in sleep mode.  
1. See the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Developers Manual  
2. The PSLR[IVF] bit; see the Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Developers Manual  
Application Note  
31  
       
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
System designers can include a software-controlled threshold level detection for nVDD_FAULT to  
allow an optional SDRAM keep-alive capability.  
7.2  
nBATT_FAULT  
nBATT_FAULT indicates that the main battery is low or has been removed from the device, giving  
the PXA27x processor an indication that power will shortly cease. Until that time, the processor  
can operate for a limited period from a lithium/lithium manganese coin-cell backup battery, or from  
a super cap that can only supply the processor for a few cycles of full-run power.  
In the event of nBATT_FAULT assertion, the PXA27x processor enters an emergency form of  
sleep, where the only handshaking is with external SDRAM memory (putting it into self-refresh  
mode) to ensure that memory contents are preserved if possible (obviously, the refresh current can  
eventually deplete the super cap or backup battery, but not as quickly as the PXA27x processor in  
run mode). Supporting these features must be understood at both the board-level design and by the  
PMIC.  
Note: The PXA27x processor does not recognize a wakeup event while nBATT_FAULT is asserted.  
If the system is powered from an AC main source (90 VAC to 240 VAC or equivalent) while  
nBATT_FAULT is asserted, that fact may be used to gate off nBATT_FAULT and its normal  
effects on the system. Recognition of this condition can be built into the PMIC, and a signal  
indicating an AC power source is active is provided from the PMIC to the PXA27x processor  
GPIO<0> or GPIO<1> signals.  
8.0  
Power Management Integrated Circuit  
Requirements  
This section provides guidelines for designing a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) for  
the PXA27x processor.  
8.1  
General PMIC Characteristics  
Table 9 shows the overall characteristics for a PXA27x processor PMIC.  
32  
Application Note  
     
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
Table 9. General PMIC Characteristics  
Characteristic  
Description  
Highly Integrated,  
Multi-Function  
Incorporating buck, boost, buck-boost, and LDO regulators for the PXA27x processor  
and surrounding system elements, with dynamic voltage management (DVM) logic for  
the core supply. It includes power-up, power-down, and sleep mode power sequencing,  
and generates correct nRESET, nBATT_FAULT, and nVDD_FAULT outputs for the  
system. Ideally, it also incorporates battery charger circuits and an output to notify the  
system when AC power input is present; touchscreen and audio CODECs would be a  
plus, if they can meet industry-standard noise and distortion requirements when  
combined on the same silicon.  
Low-Cost  
High integration provides a packaged device that must be lower cost than the  
alternative comprised of discrete power supply devices.  
High Efficiency  
I2C Interface  
Converters operate in the 85-95% efficiency range under all load conditions, and with  
very low quiescent current and shutdown currents (off or sleep mode).  
Must be standard I2C interface operating at either 40 kHz standard mode or 160 kHz  
fast-mode clock rate.  
Stable and Accurate Meets ± 3% accuracy or better at the PMIC output signals over input variation, load  
variation, and temperature for all regulators and converter outputs. Switching  
regulators must minimize noise propagated into regulator outputs.  
Reliable  
Current and thermal limiting on all regulators.  
8.2  
Features of a PMIC  
The basic features of a PMIC for use with the PXA27x processor include:  
Multiple channels of regulated power output  
Dynamic voltage management (DVM) capability for the PXA27x processor core supply  
Debounced push button ON/OFF and user-reset inputs  
AC adapter detect capability  
Power-on / user reset output to the PXA27x processor nRESET input  
nBATT_FAULT signal, signifying main battery removed  
nVDD_FAULT signal, indicating any power regulator out of spec  
Automatic switch over from main battery to backup battery when main battery is discharged or  
removed  
Responds to the PXA27x processor mode change requests by switching regulators on or off  
Control and Status registers accessible through I2C interface  
Provides USIM power FET control to supply 3.0 V or 1.8 V to USIM card  
The features of a PMIC for battery charging also include:  
Charging capability for lithium-ion or lithium-polymer main battery  
Support for either rechargeable or non-rechargeable backup battery  
Digital output battery level monitor (“fuel gauge”) for main and backup batteries (optional)  
Battery charging current and temperature monitoring, for fast charging of main battery  
(optional)  
Application Note  
33  
   
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
USB on-the-go charge pump which generates +5.0 V (optional)  
The following analog/mixed-signal features are required in many handheld or battery-powered  
systems, and it is a good idea to provide them in a highly integrated PMIC:  
Power supply for LCD panels or other display types  
USB host VBUS (+5 V) power output  
Power supply for CMOS or CCD image sensor  
Touchscreen controller  
Stereo audio CODEC  
Headset amplifier  
Buzzer/vibration motor driver  
LED drivers  
General purpose input/output (GPIO) signals  
Temperature sensor  
8.3  
Programmable Voltage Control  
Maintaining the functionality of the PXA27x processor during any VCC_CORE voltage change  
(static or dynamic) requires a special external voltage regulator, which must have the features  
described in Section 6.1. These features are configured through a set of control registers like those  
described in the following subsections. The PMIC can contain additional registers to control  
additional system regulators and to provide status bits for system regulators whose voltage is  
configured by strapping hardware control signals.  
8.3.1  
8.3.2  
DVM Control Register 1  
This 8-bit register specifies the target voltage for VCC_CORE. The specific bit encoding is left to  
the PMIC designer. The output of the regulator for VCC_CORE must not go below 0.85 V or  
above 1.55 V (±10%) regardless of the value set in this register.  
Note: This regulator output threshold may be higher depending upon the scope of operation of the PMIC.  
Refer to Section 6.1 of this document for more information.  
DVM Control Register 2  
This 4-bit to 8-bit register controls the voltage ramp rate. The specific bit encoding is left to the  
PMIC designer. This register might contain a time delay value that controls the time between  
output voltage microsteps in implementations that use a discrete voltage ramp rate mechanism.  
During a voltage change, the regulator output is stepped from the initial voltage to the new set point  
one microstep at a time to achieve a controlled voltage ramp rate. The input clock is expected to be  
in the range of 500 kHz to 1 MHz, so it can count out intervals with a minimum of 2 µs for each  
voltage microstep, but the exact delay depends upon the size of the voltage steps used.  
34  
Application Note  
     
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
8.3.3  
8.3.4  
DVM Control and Status Register 3  
The Control and Status registers contain the GO bit which, once set, activates the voltage change  
requested by the new voltage in DVM Control register 1, at the ramp rate specified in DVM  
Control register 2. Additional bits can be added to this register to provide the status for system  
regulators whose voltage is configured by strapping hardware control signals.  
Other Aspects of an Integrated Power Controller  
If a backup battery or supercap is available in the system, PMIC must be able to switch between the  
main battery and backup system when the main battery is depleted to ensure VCC_BATT remains  
powered and the PXA27x processor enters sleep or deep-sleep mode to maximize the life of the  
backup system.  
If the PMIC supports a rechargeable backup battery, the PMIC must be able to charge the backup  
battery from the main battery until the backup battery reaches a threshold voltage or until the main  
battery falls below a threshold voltage.  
During the initial power-up or during a deep-sleep wakeup sequence when SYS_EN is asserted,  
ensure that VCC_BATT is driven to the same potential (±200 mV) as VCC_IO. Doing so prevents  
the PMIC from overdriving the PXA27x processor inputs nVDD_FAULT, nBATT_FAULT,  
nRESET, GPIO<0>, and GPIO<1> using the VCC_IO supply while the PXA27x processor I/O  
ring is initially powered from lower VCC_BATT supply. Such an overdriving condition is  
particularly dangerous because it can result in sourcing current into a non-rechargeable backup  
battery. Once the wakeup sequence is completed, the PXA27x processor does not draw current or  
drive I/O from the VCC_BATT input, but this supply must remain available to support sleep and  
deep-sleep wakeup and reset.  
The PMIC must tolerate input voltages of up to 3.75 V on its SYS_EN and PWR_EN input signals  
to prevent damage when these signals are driven by the PXA27x processor using the maximum  
backup battery voltage.  
9.0  
Summary  
The power management integrated circuit (PMIC) for the PXA27x processor is a highly integrated  
device with both required and optional features to support the nine power domains on the PXA27x  
processor, as well as dynamic voltage management features. The PMIC and the PXA27x processor  
have specific signaling requirements and power-mode sequencing for initial power-on, hardware  
reset, and sleep and deep sleep entry and exit.  
Performance tests and ratings contained within this application note are measured using specific  
computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel products as  
measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration  
may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of information to evaluate the  
performance of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on  
limits.htm or call (U.S.) 1-800-628-8686 or 1-916-356-3104  
§§  
Application Note  
35  
     
Intel® PXA27x Processor Family Power Requirements  
36  
Application Note  

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