Voltage Distribution in Samsung Galaxy A12 (SM-A125) MT6357 PMIC

Voltage Distribution in Samsung Galaxy A12 (SM-A125) MT6357 PMIC

Introduction to the PMIC System

The Samsung Galaxy A12 (SM-A125) employs the MT6357 Power Management IC (PMIC) to efficiently manage the distribution of power across various components in the phone. This IC handles multiple voltage rails, ensuring that each part of the device receives the correct voltage needed for optimal performance. The schematic provided below shows how the different voltage levels are regulated and distributed across the device’s main sections.

Samsung SM-A125 MT6357 Schematic

Overview of the Voltage Distribution

The MT6357 PMIC takes input from the battery and various power rails and converts them into the necessary output voltages that power key components like the processor (SOC), DRAM, eMMC, and various sensors. Below is a detailed explanation of how each voltage is handled and its function within the phone:

Voltage Rails and Their Purpose

  • 3.7V (VSYS): The main supply voltage derived from the battery. It is used to power major components like the PMIC itself and the main power system of the device.
  • 2.8V: Used by various sub-systems in the device for specific components requiring this voltage level for stable operation.
  • 2.2V: This is used by the main processor (SOC), which requires this voltage for efficient processing.
  • 1.8V: A common voltage level used by the DRAM memory modules and some other peripheral components in the device.
  • 1.2V: Used for low-power components and some sensors in the device.
  • 1.35V (VS2): A regulated voltage required by certain high-performance modules, ensuring they operate with enough power to handle intensive tasks.
  • 0.8V: A critical low voltage for sensitive components like the processor’s core or low-power peripherals.
  • 0.75V: Utilized in specific low-power areas, ensuring that components that do not require a high voltage level receive the right amount of power.
  • 0.6V: This is used for very low-power sections of the phone, often for power management and background operations.
  • 1.125V: This voltage is used for the DRAM system, ensuring proper operation and fast memory access.
  • 3.0V: Power for high-demand components such as communication modules (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

Detailed Explanation of Key Components

The schematic shows how the PMIC regulates the different voltage levels and sends them to specific sections of the phone:

The PMIC - MT6357

The MT6357 PMIC is a highly integrated power management solution that handles multiple power rails, including the 3.7V from the battery. This IC plays a crucial role in ensuring that all voltage requirements are met for the various components inside the Galaxy A12. It provides both regulated and unregulated power to different sections based on the requirements of each subsystem.

Voltage Regulation

The process of voltage regulation is managed by LDOs (Low Dropout Regulators) and buck converters. These are responsible for stepping down the input voltages to the required levels. For example:

  • 1.8V LDO (U5004): This regulator provides 1.8V for the processor (SOC) and other parts of the system that require a steady supply of power.
  • 0.8V LDO (U5002): Used for processor cores and other critical low-power areas.
  • 0.75V LDO: Ensures that voltage-sensitive components receive the exact voltage for proper operation.
  • 1.35V (VS2) Buck Converter: Regulates voltage for higher-power components such as specific processors and memory.
  • 0.6V LDO: A low-voltage regulator used for sensitive circuits and ensuring power efficiency.

Power Distribution and Pathways

The power is distributed throughout the phone in a series of carefully designed pathways. These pathways are designed to ensure that each component gets the correct voltage without overloading any system. Components like the processor (SOC), DRAM, eMMC, and the rest of the subsystems are all interconnected with the PMIC, which intelligently manages the flow of power. The PMIC ensures that the required voltage levels for various components such as the processor’s power supply, memory, and communication modules are always maintained.

How Power Is Used in the Device

Each voltage rail is routed through specific power management ICs and regulators, ensuring that only the necessary voltage reaches each component. Here is a breakdown of how power is allocated:

  • Battery Power (3.7V): This is the primary power source for the device, which is directly routed to the MT6357 PMIC. It is used to generate other voltage levels required by the phone’s components.
  • Processor (SOC): The processor, responsible for running all the tasks on the phone, requires multiple voltage levels (1.8V, 2.2V) for various power states and performance requirements. These voltages are managed by the PMIC and distributed efficiently.
  • Memory (DRAM and eMMC): Components like DRAM require 1.125V for optimal memory performance, while eMMC storage typically uses a regulated 3.0V for proper read/write operations.
  • Communication Modules: Power for communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) is handled through the 3.0V rail, ensuring seamless wireless communication.

Conclusion

The MT6357 PMIC in the Samsung Galaxy A12 plays a pivotal role in managing the device’s power system. It ensures that each component, from the processor to memory, gets the right voltage required for its operation. By intelligently managing the power rails, the PMIC not only helps optimize the phone’s performance but also plays a significant role in power efficiency, ultimately improving battery life. Understanding this power distribution is key to understanding how smartphones operate efficiently and reliably.

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