Solution Brochure

Empowering Precision for

Power Management Validation
Table of Contents
03 Introduction 10 Testimonials

05 Solution Overview 10 Technical Specifications

06 Engineering Workflows 11 Example Configurations

07 Automation Capabilities 11 How to Get Started

09 Solution Advantages
Introduction
Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs) play a crucial role in modern electronic devices,
regulating power supply to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. However, the validation
of these PMICs presents several challenges for engineers and product developers:

01 02 03
Instrumentation Mix adds Variety of PMICs in single SoC for Setup synchronization to ensure
complexity by juggling high managing 1 to 10+ LDOs, buck pinpoint accuracy in synchronizing
power supplies, digital converters, boost converters, multiple instruments for source
devices, oscilloscopes, gate drivers, and switches all in and capture operations down
and function generators. one system. to nanoseconds.

04 05 06
Test setup complexity in handling Automation, debugging, and Data storage and analysis for
the intricacies of capturing regression for orchestrating managing gigabytes to terabytes of
data from multiple channels on hundreds of test cases across data collected over weekend tests
oscilloscopes, synchronizing them, numerous samples seamlessly and performing manual analysis of
setting triggers, and dealing with for automation, debugging, and screen captures.
transient phenomena. regression analysis.

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 03

A comprehensive Power Management IC Validation Solution is imperative to address the previously
mentioned challenges. Here’s why:

01 02 03
Efficiency in Seamless transition Configurability and
validation workflows between tasks intuitive control
A well-integrated solution The ability to seamlessly transition A comprehensive solution,
streamlines the validation process, between interactive tasks (such equipped with configurable
reducing the time engineers as bring-up and debug) and instrument control through
spend on software development automated tasks (validation and intuitive software interfaces like
and hardware integration. This characterization) enhances overall InstrumentStudio™ software,
efficiency directly contributes to workflow flexibility. empowers engineers to tailor
faster product development cycles. their validation setups easily.
This adaptability is crucial for
addressing the complexity of
04 05
PMIC functionalities.
Automation for time savings Reliability through high-
Automation capabilities, such performance instrumentation
as exporting configuration Leveraging advanced
settings for use with automation instrumentation, such as PXI
frameworks like TestStand or Power Supply and PXI Electronic
LabVIEW, significantly reduce Load Module, along with other
the validation timeline. This not high-performance devices,
only accelerates time-to-market guarantees accurate and reliable
but also ensures consistent and validation results. This reliability
reliable results. is crucial for meeting stringent
performance standards.

In conclusion, a comprehensive Power Management IC Validation Solution is a strategic investment for overcoming
the challenges in PMIC validation. By enhancing efficiency, providing configurability, and ensuring reliability, such
a solution contributes directly to achieving shorter time-to-market and consistently reliable results in the dynamic
landscape of semiconductor development.

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 04

Solution Overview
In the rapidly evolving landscape of electronic devices, the Power Management Integrated Circuit
(PMIC) Solution stands as a cornerstone for ensuring optimal performance, energy efficiency, and
reliability. This comprehensive solution addresses the intricate challenges associated with PMIC
validation, offering a strategic approach for engineers and product developers.

PXIe-4151 300 W Power Supply:

1 channel, 2 PXI slots

Up to 20 V and 25 A (e.g., 20 V, 15 A or 12 V, 25 A)

PXIe-4051 300 W E-load:

1 channel, 3 PXI slots

Up to 60 V and 40 A (e.g., 60 V, 5 A or 7.5 V, 40 A)

Common Features:

150 V CAT I isolation

Simultaneous I and V measurements
DMM-like measurement accuracy
1.8 MS/s sample rate and 100 kS/s update rate
Transient response tuning (SourceAdapt)
Advanced sequencing (per-step properties)

FIGURE 1
Example PMIC solution hardware and software configuration. Screen
is showing InstrumentStudio visual PMIC device validation results.

KEY FEATURES

Specialized instrumentation on the PXI Platform

Utilizes PXI Power Supply and PXI Electronic Load Module for precise and high-accuracy power
measurements. Integrates with PXI waveform generators, source measure units (SMUs), digital
multimeters (DMMs), digital instruments, and oscilloscopes for versatile testing capabilities.

Engineering workflows

Facilitates a seamless transition between interactive tasks (bring-up and debug) and automated
tasks (validation and characterization). The configurable instrument control through an intuitive
InstrumentStudio software panel ensures adaptability to diverse testing scenarios.

Automation capabilities

Accelerates validation processes through configurable instrument control. Features exportable

configuration settings for integration with automation frameworks like TestStand or LabVIEW,
promoting efficient and repeatable validation workflows.

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 05

Engineering Workflows
NI’s Power Management IC Validation Solution addresses engineering workflows by providing a
flexible and integrated platform. From initial bring-up and debugging to automated validation and
characterization, the solution streamlines processes, enhances adaptability, and accelerates overall
PMIC development cycles. The combination of specialized instrumentation, automation capabilities,
and intuitive control interfaces ensures that engineers can efficiently navigate the challenges
inherent in PMIC validation.

CHALLENGES NI SOLUTION

During the initial stages, engineers face

NI’s solution includes the intuitive
the challenge of setting up and debugging
InstrumentStudio software panel for
PMICs, often requiring a balance between
configurable instrument control.
manual interaction and precision testing.
01
Initial Bring-Up and Debugging Engineers can seamlessly transition
Debugging intricate functionalities and
between interactive tasks and automated
ensuring correct power regulation can
debugging, facilitating a smoother initial
be time-consuming.
bring-up process.

The solution streamlines the validation

Automated validation demands precision
workflow, offering exportable configuration
and repeatability, especially when dealing
settings for easy integration with automation
02 with intricate PMIC functionalities.
frameworks like TestStand or LabVIEW.
Automated Validation and
Characterization Developing software for automated Automation capabilities significantly reduce
validation can be time-intensive and the time spent on validation processes,
may pose integration challenges. ensuring consistent and reliable results.

The PXI platform, coupled with NI’s

Traditional validation setups may lack
solution, provides flexibility in configuring
flexibility, making it challenging to adapt to
and adapting the validation setup to meet
evolving PMIC designs and functionalities.
03 diverse testing scenarios.
Workflow Flexibility
Rigidity in workflows may hinder the Seamless transitions between interactive
quick transition between interactive tasks and automated processes enhance
and automated tasks. overall workflow flexibility.

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 06

Automation Capabilities
The automation capabilities of NI’s Power Management IC Validation Solution empower engineers
to expedite the validation process, reduce manual intervention, ensure repeatability, and achieve
a higher level of efficiency in PMIC development workflows. Whether through configurable control
interfaces, exportable settings, scripting support, or integration with established frameworks,
these capabilities contribute to shorter time-to-market and more reliable PMIC validation results.

FIGURE 2
This InstrumentStudio Soft Front Panel in source and sample mode is showing chart voltage and current over time, along with monitor
instrument output with debug driver technology.

InstrumentStudio Professional Software

Built to accelerate validation test, InstrumentStudio combines native instrument panels, customizable
measurement plug-ins, and in-app automation for a configuration based approach to test.

Customizable panels for instruments

Multi-instrument and multi-measurement views
Run measurement plug-ins (example: power management, signal chain)
In app sequencing
Out-of-the-box control for NI instruments
NI shipping examples
Automatically detect published plug-ins
Build repositories
Develop measurements plug-ins with LabVIEW or python templates
Copy-paste functionality with TestStand for advanced automation

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 07

Programming languages for custom interface: LabVIEW, C/C++, C# .NET, and Python. NI instrument-
class driver APIs are consistent across all past and future product variants. InstrumentStudio
provides a built-in abstraction layer to prevent unnecessary code revisions when hardware is
upgraded/replaced.

FIGURE 3
TestStand Automation Example Shown for Data Capture

TestStand Software
TestStand is a test executive software that accelerates system development and deployment for engineers in
validation and production. TestStand automates, accelerates, and standardizes the overall test process across all of
your testers with native functionality for:

Calling and executing tests written in LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, or .NET

Complex tasks, such as parallel testing, sweeping, looping, and synchronization
Creating custom operator interfaces and robust tools for deployment and debugging
Unit tracking, creating automated reports, and storing results to local or network databases

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 08

Solution Advantages
01 02 03
Precise and Accurate up to 300 Flexible Measurement Instrumentation Standardization
W of DC power with precision Synchronization with PXI’s with PXI offers seamless
voltage and current measurements architecture enables seamless integration, unmatched accuracy
at sample rates up to 1.8 MS/s, coordination across multiple down to nanoseconds, variety of
ensuring accurate testing. modules or chassis to allow for instrumentation, fast data transfer
seamless system expansion. rate, and scalability.

04 05 06
Seamlessly transition from bring- Versatile Power Measurement Accelerate Test Time with PXI
up and debug to fully automation Suite with open-source plug-ins platform’s high-speed data
by utilizing TestStand and pre- on GitHub for InstrumentStudio transfer, boasting up to 132 MB/s
built interface to streamline Professional, with Python and per slot, enabling swift handling
process, ensuring efficiency LabVIEW examples for power of large datasets for streamlined
and accuracy throughout. management validation. testing processes.

Interactive Application Software For the Lab Industry-Standard Test Sequencer NI Instrument Drivers

DC Source and Measure DC Sink and Measure

PMIC
PXI SMU/ PXI SMU/
Vin VO1
Power Supply E-Load
….

GND VO n

SDA/SDO/SDI GND
GPIO and Interface

Digital Pattern PXI SMU/

SCLK
Instrument E-Load

GPIO, etc.

Generate Waveform Capture Waveform

FGEN Oscilloscope

FIGURE 4
PMIC Validation Setup

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 09

Testimonials
I couldn’t believe the transformation in our PMIC
validation process since implementing NI’s Power
Management IC Validation Solution! The seamless
integration into our existing workflows was a game-
changer. The configurable instrument control
through InstrumentStudio is so intuitive; it feels like “NI’s solution is not just a tool;
the instruments are reading our minds. it’s a partner in our success.
I highly recommend NI’s Power
The automation capabilities have slashed our validation
timelines, allowing us to bring our products to market Management IC Validation
faster than ever. The exportable configuration settings Solution to any engineering
feature makes automated testing a breeze, and our team looking to supercharge
team has never been more productive. The solution’s their validation process!”
reliability has given us the confidence that our PMICs
Lead Power Electrical Engineer
will perform consistently in any application. Leading Semiconductor Company

Technical Specifications
Due to the detailed and dynamic nature of technical specifications, we encourage you to visit the
NI website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. The technical specifications
for NI’s Power Management IC Validation Solution, including instrumentation details, software
capabilities, and system requirements, are regularly updated on NI.com.

Visit the NI Power Management IC Validation Solution page for in-depth technical specifications, including:

Instrumentation details System requirements

Explore the specifications of specialized instruments Understand the system requirements for
such as PXI Power Supply, PXI Electronic Load Module, implementing NI’s Power Management IC
PXI Waveform Generators, PXI Source Measure Units Validation Solution, including hardware and
(SMUs), PXI Digital Multimeters (DMMs), PXI Digital software compatibility.
Instruments, and PXI Oscilloscopes. Additional resources
Software capabilities Access white papers, application notes, and
Learn about the features and capabilities of documentation that provide detailed insights
InstrumentStudio, TestStand integration, and other into the technical aspects of the solution.
software components that enhance the configurability
and automation of the validation solution.

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 10

Example Configurations
For more information, reach out to your local sales representative or contact us directly.

Example PMIC 1 Bundle Example PMIC 2 Bundle

PXIe-8881 Controller x1 PXIe-8881 Controller x1

PXIe-1092 Chassis x1 PXIe-1095 Chassis x1

PXIe-4151 PPS x1 PXIe-4151 PPS x3

PXIe-4051 E-load x1 PXIe-4051 E-load x3

APS-4158 Aux Power Supply x1 APS-4159 Aux Power Supply x1

Aux Cable for APS-415x x1 Aux Cable for APS-415x x3

Power Cord, AC, U.S, 120 VAC, 2.3 meters x2 Power Cord, AC, U.S, 120 VAC, 2.3 meters x2

Example Optional Add-Ons Recommended Software and Drivers

InstrumentStudio Professional

PXIe-5162 Scope 4-channel x1 DC-Power driver (for use with the PPS and E-load)

PXIe-4081 DMM x1 LabVIEW (for user-defined tests and to pull into TestStand)

PXIe-6571 Digital Pattern Instrument (DPI) (8 channel) x1 InstrumentStudio (for interactive measurements)

PXIe-6571 DPI (32 channel) x1 TestStand (for automation)

PXIe-5444 FGEN x1 NI-Digital (optional when using DPI)

NI-Scope (optional when using a scope)

NI-DMM (optional when using a DMM)

NI-FGEN (optional when using an FGEN)

Python (optional for users who want to use Python API of

DCPower Driver)

How to Get Started

To delve into the intricacies of high-power DC-DC converter measurements using the NI PXI System, access the
dedicated High-Power DC-DC Converter Measurements Using the NI PXI System application note. Upon finding
the application note, you can download it or follow the provided instructions to gain valuable insights into effectively
conducting measurements with high-power DC-DC converters using the NI PXI System.

Empowering Precision for Power Management Validation 11

System Integration on Your Terms
NI offers a variety of solution integration options customized to your application-specific
requirements. You can use your own internal integration teams for full system control or
leverage the expertise of our worldwide network of NI Partners to obtain a turnkey system.

Contact your account manager or call or email us to learn more about how NI can help you
increase product quality and accelerate test timelines at (888) 280-7645 or [email protected].

NI Services and Support

Consulting and Integration Global Support

Turnkey Solution Delivery and Support Prototyping and Feasibility Analysis

Repair and Calibration Training and Certification

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