An OLED-optimized Power Management IC Launched from Magnachip

By Aarti Dhapte, 15 December, 2022

In November 2022, Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation launched its first Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) for IT devices equipped with OLED screens. A PMIC is a component used to supply power to electronic devices. In handheld IT devices such as laptops and tablets, power efficiency plays an increasingly important role in extending battery life. Using an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) to communicate with a system, this new PMIC is based on Magnachip's integrated power IC technology. In this way, it is capable of controlling output voltage control, ON/OFF block control, output voltage sequence management, fault flagging for protection circuits, and switching frequency switching.

This PMIC supports a variable refresh rate due to its fast transient response. By using this method, a screen can automatically adjust its refresh rate to match the frame rate without the user's input. In addition to reducing power consumption, this feature enables a smooth and comfortable viewing experience for games and high-quality videos at refresh rates of 60Hz~240Hz. Furthermore, the power circuit can be simple and compact. A boost regulator supplies power to the gate and source drivers, a low dropout regulator provides power to the low dropout (LDO) regulator, two voltage reference operational amplifiers, three negative output LDO regulators, three buck regulators supply power to a timing controller, and two operational amplifiers function as gamma buffers. Electronic circuits become smaller and faster as a result of this level of integration. Additionally, this PMIC offers overvoltage protection, short circuit protection, thermal shutdown, under-voltage lockout, overcurrent detection, overcurrent shutdown, and clamping.

According to YJ Kim, CEO of Magnachip, the expansion of OLED applications in IT devices is expected to continue and in order to meet changing market demand and design requirements, Magnachip will extend its premium PMIC product line through technological validation.