Patent Publication Number: US-8971837-B2

Title: Inductive powering for a mobile communication device and a radio frequency integrated circuit

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/186,918, entitled INDUCTIVE POWERING FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND A RADIO FREQUENCY INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, filed Jul. 20, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,706,074 on Apr. 22, 2011, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/846,591, entitled POWER MODE CONTROL FOR A COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND RADIO FREQUENCY INTEGRATED CIRCUIT USE THEREWITH, filed Jul. 29, 2010, issued Aug. 30, 2011 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,010,078, which claims priority pursuant to 35 USC 120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/719,625, entitled POWER MODE CONTROL FOR A COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, filed Mar. 8, 2010, issued Sep. 7, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,792,515, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S. C. §120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/703,883, entitled INDUCTIVE POWERING FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, filed Feb. 8, 2007, issued on Apr. 27, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,706,771, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Application for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to mobile communication devices and more particularly to a circuit for managing power in a combined voice, data and RF integrated circuit. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     As is known, integrated circuits are used in a wide variety of products including, but certainly not limited to, portable electronic devices, computers, computer networking equipment, home entertainment, automotive controls and features, and home appliances. As is also known, integrated circuits include a plurality of circuits in a very small space to perform one or more fixed or programmable functions. 
     Power management can be an important consideration for electronic devices, particularly for mobile devices that operate from battery power. Lowering the power consumption of a device can increase battery life, or conversely, can potentially decrease the size of the battery that is required, with a corresponding decrease in weight and size. 
     The advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art when presented with the disclosure herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of operation that are further described in the following Brief Description of the Drawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the claims. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of another communication system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment of power management circuitry in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an inductive power module in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an inductive power module in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment of power management circuitry in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integrated circuit package in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an integrated circuit package in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system in accordance with the present invention. In particular a communication system is shown that includes a communication device  10  that communicates real-time data  24  and non-real-time data  26  wirelessly with one or more other devices such as base station  18 , non-real-time device  20 , real-time device  22 , and non-real-time and/or real-time device  24 . In addition, communication device  10  can also optionally communicate over a wireline connection with non-real-time device  12 , real-time device  14  and non-real-time and/or real-time device  16 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention the wireline connection  28  can be a wired connection that operates in accordance with one or more standard protocols, such as a universal serial bus (USB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 488, IEEE 1394 (Firewire), Ethernet, small computer system interface (SCSI), serial or parallel advanced technology attachment (SATA or PATA), or other wired communication protocol, either standard or proprietary. The wireless connection can communicate in accordance with a wireless network protocol such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), WIMAX, or other wireless network protocol, a wireless telephony data/voice protocol such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Personal Communication Services (PCS), or other mobile wireless protocol or other wireless communication protocol, either standard or proprietary. Further, the wireless communication path can include separate transmit and receive paths that use separate carrier frequencies and/or separate frequency channels. Alternatively, a single frequency or frequency channel can be used to bi-directionally communicate data to and from the communication device  10 . 
     Communication device  10  can be a mobile phone such as a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, game console, personal computer, laptop computer, or other device that performs one or more functions that include communication of voice and/or data via wireline connection  28  and/or the wireless communication path. In an embodiment of the present invention, the real-time and non-real-time devices  12 ,  14   16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  can be personal computers, laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, such as cellular telephones, devices equipped with wireless local area network or Bluetooth transceivers, FM tuners, TV tuners, digital cameras, digital camcorders, or other devices that either produce, process or use audio, video signals or other data or communications. 
     In operation, the communication device includes one or more applications that include voice communications such as standard telephony applications, voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, local gaming, Internet gaming, email, instant messaging, multimedia messaging, web browsing, audio/video recording, audio/video playback, audio/video downloading, playing of streaming audio/video, office applications such as databases, spreadsheets, word processing, presentation creation and processing and other voice and data applications. In conjunction with these applications, the real-time data  26  includes voice, audio, video and multimedia applications including Internet gaming, etc. The non-real-time data  24  includes text messaging, email, web browsing, file uploading and downloading, etc. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device  10  includes an integrated circuit, such as a combined voice, data and RF integrated circuit that includes one or more features or functions of the present invention. Such integrated circuits shall be described in greater detail in association with  FIGS. 3-14  that follow. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of another communication system in accordance with the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 2  presents a communication system that includes many common elements of  FIG. 1  that are referred to by common reference numerals. Communication device  30  is similar to communication device  10  and is capable of any of the applications, functions and features attributed to communication device  10 , as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . However, communication device  30  includes two separate wireless transceivers for communicating, contemporaneously, via two or more wireless communication protocols with data device  32  and/or data base station  34  via RF data  40  and voice base station  36  and/or voice device  38  via RF voice signals  42 . 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a voice data RF integrated circuit (IC)  50  is shown that implements communication device  10  in conjunction with microphone  60 , keypad/keyboard  58 , memory  54 , speaker  62 , display  56 , camera  76 , antenna interface  52  and wireline port  64 . In operation, voice data RF IC  50  includes RF and baseband modules for formatting and modulating data into RF real-time data  26  and non-real-time data  24  and transmitting this data via an antenna interface  52  and antenna. In addition, voice data RF IC  50  includes the appropriate encoders and decoders for communicating via the wireline connection  28  via wireline port  64 , an optional memory interface for communicating with off-chip memory  54 , a codec for encoding voice signals from microphone  60  into digital voice signals, a keypad/keyboard interface for generating data from keypad/keyboard  58  in response to the actions of a user, a display driver for driving display  56 , such as by rendering a color video signal, text, graphics, or other display data, and an audio driver such as an audio amplifier for driving speaker  62  and one or more other interfaces, such as for interfacing with the camera  76  or the other peripheral devices. 
     Off-chip power management circuit  95  includes one or more DC-DC converters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other power supplies for supplying the voice data RF IC  50  and optionally the other components of communication device  10  and/or its peripheral devices with supply voltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) that may be required to power these devices. Off-chip power management circuit  95  can operate from power supplied by an inductive power module  275  that converts an electromagnetic signal from an external source into a supply voltage and current. Alternatively or in addition, off-chip power management circuit  95  can receive power from other power sources  29  such as one or more batteries, line power and/or from other power sources, not shown. In particular, off-chip power management module can selectively supply power supply signals of different voltages, currents or current limits or with adjustable voltages, currents or current limits in response to power mode signals received from the voice data RF IC  50  and selectively power portions of the voice data RF IC  50 , other components of communication device  10  and/or other devices coupled thereto in response to power mode signals received from the voice data RF IC  50 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the voice data RF IC is a system on a chip integrated circuit that includes at least one processing device. Such a processing device, for instance, processing module  225 , may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The associated memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices that are either on-chip or off-chip such as memory  54 . Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when the Voice Data RF IC  50  implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the associated memory storing the corresponding operational instructions for this circuitry is embedded with the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. 
     In operation, the voice data RF IC  50  executes operational instructions that implement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time) attributed to communication devices  10  and  30  as discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Further, RF IC  50  includes power management features in accordance with the present invention that will be discussed in greater detail in association with  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 4  presents a communication device  30  that includes many common elements of  FIG. 3  that are referred to by common reference numerals. Voice data RF IC  70  is similar to voice data RF IC  50  and is capable of any of the applications, functions and features attributed to voice data RF IC  50  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 3 . However, voice data RF IC  70  includes two separate wireless transceivers for communicating, contemporaneously, via two or more wireless communication protocols via RF data  40  and RF voice signals  42 . 
     In operation, the voice data RF IC  70  executes operational instructions that implement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time) attributed to communication device  10  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . Further, RF IC  70  includes power management features in accordance with the present invention that will be discussed in greater detail in association with  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5  is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment of power management circuitry in accordance with the present invention. In particular, selected modules of voice data RF IC  50  or  70  are shown that include processing module  225 , memory module  230 , wireline port  64 , clock signal generator  202  and interface modules  240  and  242 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, memory module  230  stores a least one application, such as application  232  and/or application  234  that may include any of the applications discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-4 , as well as other interface applications, system utilities, or other programs executed by processing module  225  to perform the functions and features of communication device  10  or  30 . These applications are stored in memory module  230  and/or an off-chip memory such as memory  54 , as a plurality of operational instructions. Depending on which application is being executed by the processing module  225 , the use characteristics of that application at a given time and/or the power status signals  209  may be used to determine a power mode that powers the voice data and RF IC in an efficient fashion. If communication device  10  or  30  is using certain peripheral devices and/or certain interfaces or modules at a given time, off-chip power management circuit  95  can be commanded to supply only those power supply signals that are required based on the peripheral devices, interfaces and/or other modules that are in use. 
     For instance, if a USB device is coupled to wireline port  64 , then a power mode command can be sent to off-chip power management module  95  to generate a power supply signal  204  that supplies a power supply voltage, (such as a 5 volt, 8 milliamp supply voltage) to the wireline port  64  in order to power the USB device or devices connected thereto. In another example, if the communication device  10  includes a mobile communication device that operates in accordance with a GSM or EDGE wireless protocol, the off-chip power management circuit  95  can generate supply voltages for the baseband and RF modules of the transceiver only when the transceiver is operating. Further, peripheral devices  250 ,  252 , etc. such as the camera  76 , memory  54 , keypad/keyboard  58 , microphone  60 , display  56 , and speaker  62  can be powered through interfaces  240 ,  242 , etc. when these peripheral devices are attached (to the extent that they can be detached) and to the extent that these devices are currently in use by the application. 
     The power management features of the present invention operate based on the processing module determining, for the current application being executed with corresponding current use characteristics, the current power mode of a plurality of power modes. In particular, processing module  225  when executing the application, selects a current power mode based on current use characteristics of the application and/or the power status signals  209 , and generates a power mode signal  208  based on the selected power modes. In an embodiment of the present invention, processing module  225  maintains a register that indicates for a plurality of modules, interfaces and/or peripheral devices either, whether that device is currently being used or a power flag, such as power off, power on, high power, low power, medium power, etc, for that particular device, module and/or interface (when these devices are themselves capable in operating in different power modes). In addition, processing module, via look-up table, calculation or other processing routine, determines power mode  208  by determining the particular power supply signals required to be generated based on the devices in use and optionally their own power states and based on the power status signals  209 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the off-chip power management module monitors the status of the external power sources such as the battery, an external power source such as a power supply or other voltage source, and inductive power module  275 . If the external power source is supplying adequate and reliable power, off-chip power management circuit  95  can set an external power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a ready state. If not, the off-chip power management circuit  95  can set the external power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a not-ready state. Further, if the battery is supplying adequate and reliable power, off-chip power management circuit  95  can set a battery power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a normal state. If not, the off-chip power management circuit  95  can set the battery power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a low power state. In addition, if the inductive power module  275  is supplying adequate and reliable power, off-chip power management circuit  95  can set an inductive power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to an inductive power ready state. If not, the off-chip power management circuit  95  can set the inductive power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a not-ready state. While the various status indicators are described above as bi-state, likewise multi-state status indicators such as having high, medium, low, off states or other states can likewise be employed to make more refined and more accurate power management decisions. 
     These power status signals  209  are supplied to processing module  225  and can be used to select one of a plurality of power modes and to generate a power mode signal  208  that is supplied back to the off-chip power management circuit  95 . In this fashion, as discussed above, a particular power mode can be selected based on the application being run and the particular modules of voice data RF IC  50  or  70  or other peripheral components that are in use. In addition or in the alternative, processing module  225  can select a power mode based on the power status signals to reflect the source of power. For instance, if external power status indicator is in the ready state, the off-chip power management circuit  95 , either one its own, or via command from the processing module  225  through power mode signals  208 , can draw power from the an external power supply, such as when the communication device  10  or  30  is being supplied power from a wall outlet. In response, processing module  225 , through power mode signals  208  can command the off-chip power management circuit  95  to utilize no power conservation measures, or less aggressive power management measures. For instance, any devices that could possibly be called upon for use could be powered in full-power modes. 
     Further, when external power is unavailable (the battery power status indicator is in a normal state and the external power status indicator is in a not-ready state) the off-chip power management circuit  95 , either on its own, or via command from the processing module  225  can draw power from the battery. In addition, the processing module  225  through power mode signals  208  can command the off-chip power management circuit  95  to begin conservation measures to power down unused modules or devices and to operate in a lower power state whenever possible. 
     In addition, when external and battery power are both unavailable (the battery power status indicator is in a low state and the external power status indicator is in a not-ready state) and power is available from the inductive power module  275 , (the inductive power status indicator is in a ready state) the off-chip power management circuit  95 , either on its own, or via command from the processing module  225  can draw power from the inductive power module  275 . In addition, the processing module  225  through power mode signals  208  can command the off-chip power management circuit  95  to other conservation measures, such as more extreme power conservation by discontinuing the generation of power supply signals to nonessential modules or devices, to adjust the power supply signals  204  for some modules, such as by lowering the supply voltage or adjusting the current limits or to employ other conservation techniques. 
     In a particular embodiment, when the battery power status indicator enters the low state and the inductive power status indicator is ready, the processing module, in response to the change of power modes, can command the transmitter to transmit a low power message to devices in communication with the communication device  10  or  30  so that steps can be taken to adapt to the communication device&#39;s operation in an reduced, low or very lower power state. In this mode, the communication channel may be cleared of other traffic or communication could be routed to a clear channel such as a channel reserved for low power communications. Further protocol changes could be implemented between the communication device  10  or  30  to increase coding strength, decrease packet size, reduce unnecessary packet overhead, etc., to increase the throughput of communications from the communication device  10  or  30 . 
     Other examples of power management functions and specific power modes selected by the processing module can include charging the battery if either the inductive power module or external power source are supplying adequate power and the battery power status indicator is not in the highest power state. It should be noted that other power management functions could likewise be performed including other power modes that are different than the particular examples given above. 
     As discussed above, the off-chip power management circuit  95  can, via the generation of power supply signals  204 , generate an additional supply voltage in response to the power mode signal  208 , adjust a supply voltage in response to the power mode signal, and/or adjust a supply current limit in response to the power mode signal based on the source of available power and/or based on the requirements of a particular application. In addition, the voice data and RF IC  95  can include an interface module such as interface modules  240 ,  242 , etc that can be selectively activated by the processing module  225  based on the current use characteristics and the source of available power and wherein the processing module  225  can generate the power mode signal  208  that commands the off-chip power management circuit  95  to generate a supply voltage via power supply signals  204  to power the interface module. Further, the interface module  240 ,  242 , etc. interfaces the voice data RF IC  50  or  70  to a peripheral device  250 ,  252 , etc. that can be selectively activated or deactivated by the processing module  225  based on the current use characteristics and/or the source of power. The processing module  225  generates the power mode signal  208  that commands the off-chip power management circuit  95  to generate a supply voltage via power supply signals  204  to power the interface modules and/or peripheral devices or discontinue the generation of the this supply voltage based on the particular power mode. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, voice data RF IC  50  or  70  couples the power mode signal  208  to the off-chip power management circuit  95  via one or more dedicated digital lines that comprise a parallel interface. Further, the voice data RF IC  50  or  70  can couple the power mode signal  208  to the off-chip power management circuit via a serial communication interface such as an I 2 C interface, serial/deserializer (SERDES) interface or other serial interface. 
     The various modules and circuitry of voice data RF IC  50  or  70  that are shown in conjunction with  FIG. 5  can be implemented with one or more dedicated or shared field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, and/or any devices or other processing devices. In addition, while particular circuits and modules of voice data RF IC  50  or  70  are shown, this integrated circuit includes other modules including one or more RF modules, baseband modules, drivers and interface modules as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 3 and 4  or otherwise required by communication devices  10  and  30  to perform the various functions and features associated with the broad spectrum of applications performed thereby. While a particular connection between these modules is presented, other couplings are likewise possible, particular through the use of one or more buses such as data buses. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an inductive power module in accordance with the present invention. In particular, inductive power module  275  is shown that includes an inductor  278  that receives a power signal by electromagnetic coupling to an external source such as an inductive power source, passive RFID transmitter or other source of electric and/or magnetic field that can be used to power the voice data RF IC  50  and/or  70 . The potential generated by inductor  287  is rectified by rectifier circuit  280  into rectified signal  282 . Optional voltage multiplier circuit  284  increases the voltage using a voltage doubler, voltage tripler or other voltage multiplier circuit to produce unregulated voltage  286  that is coupled to and supplies power if needed to off-chip power management circuit  95 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an inductive power module in accordance with the present invention. In particular, inductive power management module  275 ′ operates in place of inductive power management module  275  and includes several common elements that perform similarly and are referred to by common reference numerals. In addition, inductive power module  275 ′ includes a regulator circuit such as a zener diode, linear regulator or other regulator circuit that produces regulated voltage  290  from unregulated voltage  286  for supply to off-chip power management circuit  95 . 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a voice data RF integrated circuit (IC)  50 ′ is shown that implements communication device  10  in conjunction with microphone  60 , keypad/keyboard  58 , memory  54 , speaker  62 , display  56 , camera  76 , antenna interface  52  and wireline port  64 . In operation, voice data RF IC  50  includes RF and baseband modules for formatting and modulating data into RF real-time data  26  and non-real-time data  24  and transmitting this data via an antenna interface  52  and antenna. In addition, voice data RF IC  50 ′ includes the appropriate encoders and decoders for communicating via the wireline connection  28  via wireline port  64 , an optional memory interface for communicating with off-chip memory  54 , a codec for encoding voice signals from microphone  60  into digital voice signals, a keypad/keyboard interface for generating data from keypad/keyboard  58  in response to the actions of a user, a display driver for driving display  56 , such as by rendering a color video signal, text, graphics, or other display data, and an audio driver such as an audio amplifier for driving speaker  62  and one or more other interfaces, such as for interfacing with the camera  76  or the other peripheral devices. 
     On-chip power management circuit  95 ′, integrated in voice data RF IC  50 ′, includes one or more DC-DC converters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other power supplies for supplying the voice data RF IC  50 ′, and optionally the other components of communication device  10  and/or its peripheral devices with supply voltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) that may be required to power these devices, based on power from inductive power module  275  or other power sources  29 . In particular, on-chip power management module  95 ′ can selectively supply power supply signals of different voltages, currents or current limits or with adjustable voltages, currents or current limits in response to power mode signals received from the voice data RF IC  50 ′ as discussed in conjunction with off-chip power management module  95 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the voice data RF IC  50 ′ is a system on a chip integrated circuit that includes at least one processing device. Such a processing device, for instance, processing module  225 , may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The associated memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices that are either on-chip or off-chip such as memory  54 . Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when the voice data RF IC  50 ′ implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the associated memory storing the corresponding operational instructions for this circuitry is embedded with the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. 
     In operation, the voice data RF IC  50 ′ executes operational instructions that implement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time) attributed to communication devices  10  and  30  as discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Further, RF IC  50 ′ includes on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ that implements power management features in accordance with the present invention that have been discussed in conjunction with off-chip power management circuit  95 . 
     The on-chip power management circuit  95  can be implemented as a multi-output programmable power supply, that receives the power mode signal  208  and generates and optionally routes the power supply signals  204  to particular ports, pins or pads of voice data RF IC  50  or  70  or directly to peripheral devices via a switch matrix, as commanded based on the power mode signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power mode signal  208  is decoded by the on-chip power management module to determine the particular power supply signals to be generated, and optionally—their characteristics such as voltage, current and/or current limit. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an integrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 9  presents a communication device  30  that includes many common elements of  FIG. 8  that are referred to by common reference numerals. Voice data RF IC  70 ′ is similar to voice data RF IC  50 ′ and is capable of any of the applications, functions and features attributed to voice data RF IC  50 ′ as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 8 . However, voice data RF IC  70 ′ includes two separate wireless transceivers for communicating, contemporaneously, via two or more wireless communication protocols via RF data  40  and RF voice signals  42 . 
     In operation, the voice data RF IC  70 ′ executes operational instructions that implement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time) attributed to communication device  10  as discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . Further, RF IC  70 ′ includes on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ that implements power management features in accordance with the present invention that have been discussed in conjunction with off-chip power management circuit  95 . 
       FIG. 10  is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an embodiment of power management circuitry in accordance with the present invention. In particular, selected modules of voice data RF IC  50 ′ or  70 ′ are shown that include processing module  225 , memory module  230 , wireline port  64 , clock signal generator  202  and interface modules  240  and  242 . In an embodiment of the present invention, memory module  230  stores a least one application, such as application  232  and/or application  234  that may include any of the applications discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-7 , as well as other interface applications, system utilities, or other programs executed by processing module  225  to perform the functions and features of communication device  10  or  30 . These applications are stored in memory module  230  and/or an off-chip memory such as memory  54 , as a plurality of operational instructions. Depending on which application is being executed by the processing module  225 , the use characteristics of that application at a given time and/or the power status signals  209  may be used to determine a power mode that powers the voice data and RF IC in an efficient fashion. If communication device  10  or  30  is using certain peripheral devices and/or certain interfaces or modules at a given time, on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ can be commanded to supply only those power supply signals that are required based on the peripheral devices, interfaces and/or other modules that are in use. 
     For instance, if a USB device is coupled to wireline port  64 , then a power mode command can be sent to on-chip power management module  95 ′ to generate a power supply signal  204  that supplies a power supply voltage, (such as a 5 volt, 8 milliamp supply voltage) to the wireline port  64  in order to power the USB device or devices connected thereto. In another example, if the communication device  10  includes a mobile communication device that operates in accordance with a GSM or EDGE wireless protocol, the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ can generate supply voltages for the baseband and RF modules of the transceiver only when the transceiver is operating. Further, peripheral devices  250 ,  252 , etc. such as the camera  76 , memory  54 , keypad/keyboard  58 , microphone  60 , display  56 , and speaker  62  can be powered through interfaces  240 ,  242 , etc. when these peripheral devices are attached (to the extent that they can be detached) and to the extent that these devices are currently in use by the application. 
     The power management features of the present invention operate based on the processing module determining, for the current application being executed with corresponding current use characteristics, the current power mode of a plurality of power modes. In particular, processing module  225  when executing the application, selects a current power mode based on current use characteristics of the application and the power status signals  209 , and generates a power mode signal  208  based on the selected power modes. In an embodiment of the present invention, processing module  225  maintains a register that indicates for a plurality of modules, interfaces and/or peripheral devices either, whether that device is currently being used or a power flag, such as power off, power on, high power, low power, medium power, etc, for that particular device, module and/or interface (when these devices are themselves capable in operating in different power modes). In addition, processing module, via look-up table, calculation or other processing routine, determines power mode  208  by determining the particular power supply signals required to be generated based on the devices in use and optionally their own power states. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the on-chip power management module  95 ′ monitors the status of the external power sources such as the battery, an external power source such as a power supply or other voltage source, and from inductive power module  275 . If the external power source is supplying adequate and reliable power, off-chip power management circuit  95  can set an external power indicator of the power status signals  209  to a ready state. If not, the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ can set the external power indicator of the power status signals  209  to a not-ready state. Further, if the battery is supplying adequate and reliable power, on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ can set a battery power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a normal state. If not, the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ can set the battery power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a low power state. In addition, if the inductive power module  275  is supplying adequate and reliable power, on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ can set an inductive power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a inductive power ready state. If not, the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ can set the inductive power status indicator of the power status signals  209  to a not-ready state. 
     These power status signals  209  are supplied to processing module  225  and can be used to select one or a plurality of power modes and to generate a power mode signal  208  that is supplied back to the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′. In this fashion, as discussed above, a particular power mode can be selected based on the application being run and the particular modules of voice data RF IC  50  or  70  or other peripheral components that are in use. In addition or in the alternative, processing module  225  can select a power mode based on the power status signals to reflect the source of power. For instance, if external power status indicator is in the ready state, the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′, either one its own, or via command from the processing module  225  through power mode signals  208 , can draw power from the an external power supply, such as when the communication device  10  or  30  is being supplied power from a wall outlet. Processing module  225 , through power mode signals  208  can command the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ to utilize no power conservation measures, or less aggressive power management measures. Any devices that could possibly be called upon for use could be powered and in full-power modes. 
     Further, when external power is unavailable (the battery power status indicator is in a normal state and the external power status indicator is in a not-ready state) the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′, either on its own, or via command from the processing module  225  can draw power from the battery. In addition, the processing module  225  through power mode signals  208  can command the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ to begin conservation measures to power down unused modules or devices and to operate in a low power state whenever possible. 
     In addition, when external and battery power are both unavailable (the battery power status indicator is in a low state and the external power status indicator is in a not-ready state) and power is available from the inductive power module  275 , (the inductive power status indicator is in a ready state) the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′, either on its own, or via command from the processing module  225  can draw power from the battery. In addition, the processing module  225  through power mode signals  208  can command the on-chip power management circuit  95 ′ to other conservation measures, such as more extreme power conservation by discontinuing the generation of power supply signals to nonessential modules or devices, to adjust the power supply signals  204  for some modules, such as by lowering the supply voltage or adjusting the current limits or to employ other conservation techniques. 
     In a particular embodiment, when the battery power status indicator enters the low state and the inductive power status indicator is ready, the processing module in response to the change of power modes can command the transmitter to transmit a low power message to devices in communication with the communication device  10  or  30  so that steps can be taken to adapt to the communication device&#39;s operation in an reduced, low or very lower power state. In this mode, the communication channel may be cleared of other traffic or communication could be routed to a clear channel such as a channel reserved for low power communications. Further protocol changes could be implemented between the communication device  10  or  30  to increase coding strength, decrease packet size, reduce unnecessary packet overhead, etc., to increase the throughput of communications from the communication device  10  or  30 . 
     The various modules and circuitry of voice data RF IC  50 ′ or  70 ′ that are shown in conjunction with  FIG. 10  can be implemented with one or more dedicated or shared field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, and/or any devices or other processing devices. In addition, while particular circuits and modules of voice data RF IC  50 ′ or  70 ′ are shown, this integrated circuit includes other modules including one or more RF modules, baseband modules, drivers and interface modules as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 6 and 7  or otherwise required by communication devices  10  and  30  to perform the various functions and features associated with the broad spectrum of applications performed thereby. While a particular connection between these modules is presented, other couplings are likewise possible, particular through the use of one or more buses such as data buses. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integrated circuit package in accordance with the present invention. Voice data and RF IC  325 , such as voice data and RF IC  50 ′ or  70 ′, includes a system on a chip (SoC) die  300 , a memory die  302  a substrate  306 , bonding pads  308  and power management unit (PMU)  308 , such as on-chip power management circuit  95 ′. This figure is not drawn to scale, rather it is meant to be a pictorial representation that illustrates the juxtaposition of the SoC die  300 , Memory die  302 , PMU  304  and the bonding pads  308 . In particular, the voice data and RF IC  325  is integrated in a package with a top and a bottom having a plurality of bonding pads  308  to connect the voice data and RF IC  325  to a circuit board, and wherein the on-chip power management unit  325  is integrated along the bottom of the package. In an embodiment of the present invention, die  302  includes the memory module  230  and die  300  includes the processing module  225 . These dies are stacked and die bonding is employed to connect these two circuits and minimize the number of bonding pads, (balls) out to the package. Both SoC die  300  and memory die  302  are coupled to respective ones of the bonding pads  308  via bonding wires or other connections. 
     PMU  304  is coupled to the SoC die  300 , and/or the memory die  302  via conductive vias, bonding wires, bonding pads or by other connections. The positioning of the PMU on the bottom of the package in a flip chip configuration allows good heat dissipation of the PMU  304  to a circuit board when the voice data and RF integrated circuit is installed. 
       FIG. 12  is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an integrated circuit package in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the bonding pads (balls)  308  are arrayed in an area of the bottom of the integrated circuit with an open center portion  310  and wherein the on-chip power management unit (PMU  304 ) is integrated in the open center portion. While a particular pattern and number of bonding pads  308  are shown, a greater or lesser number of bonding pads can likewise be employed with alternative configurations within the broad scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-12 . In step  400 , at least one power status signal indicating an inductive power status of an off-chip inductive power module is received, the inductive power status including an inductive power ready state, and the at least one power status signal further indicating a battery power status of a battery. In step  402 , a selected one of a plurality of power modes is determined based on the at least one power status signal. In step  404 , a power mode signal is generated based on the selected one of the plurality of power mode. In step  406 , a plurality of power supply signals is generated based on the power mode signal. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, step  406  includes discontinuing the generation of an additional supply voltage in response to the power mode signal. Further, step  406  can include adjusting a supply voltage and/or supply current limit in response to the power mode signal. 
       FIG. 14  is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more of the functions and features described in conjunction with  FIG. 13  wherein step  402  includes determining a first power mode when the battery power status is in a normal state and determining a second power mode when the battery power status is a low state and the inductive power status is in the inductive power ready state. In step  420 , a low power message is transmitted in response to a change from the first power mode to the second power mode. 
     As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “coupled to” and/or “coupling” and/or includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item. As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal  1  has a greater magnitude than signal  2 , a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal  1  is greater than that of signal  2  or when the magnitude of signal  2  is less than that of signal  1 . 
     The present invention has also been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. 
     The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of certain significant functions. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.