Renesas and Intel Collaborate on Power Management ICs for AI PCs

Intel and Renesas recently partnered to produce power management solutions that support the Intel Core Ultra 200-V series-based laptops. The companies announced three new devices to this end: the RAA225019 power-management IC (PMIC), the RAA489301 high-efficiency pre-regulator, and the ISL9241 battery charger.

The new solutions may support the small size and long battery life next-gen AI PCs require. Image (modified) used courtesy of Renesas

In this piece, we’ll look at the new devices, their unique features, and how they come together to support Intel’s PCs. 

Configurable Power-Management IC

The RAA225019 (datasheet linked) from Renesas is a six-phase, highly configurable PMIC designed specifically for Intel’s IMVP9.2 standard and targeted at Lunar Lake applications. This PMIC integrates high-performance MOSFETs and current-sensing circuitry and offers three configurable outputs to distribute six phases. The primary output, or SVID1 rail, allows for up to six phases, while the SVID2 and auxiliary BUCK3 rails can be configured in one- or two-phase modes.  

RAA225019 block diagram. 

Leveraging the Renesas Robust Ripple Regulator (R3) technology, the RAA225019 achieves fast transient response and variable switching frequencies, which minimizes output capacitance requirements. The PMIC operates up to 2 MHz across the rails, reducing magnetic sizes. This device also integrates an LDO with a power gate bypass option and provides telemetry data for input voltage, output current, temperature, and PSYS through an I2C interface.

Buck Voltage Pre-Regulator

Complementing the RAA225019 is the RAA489301 (datasheet linked), a three-level buck voltage controller.

The RAA489301 employs adaptive MOSFET drivers with shoot-through protection, leveraging a proprietary modulator for flying capacitor balancing and smooth mode transitions. Performance capabilities include an input voltage range of 4.5 V to 24 V and an output range from 3 V to 24 V. The controller operates with a programmable switching frequency of up to 367 kHz, doubling this at the switching node. In addition, an EXT5V pin generates either a 5 V or 10 V gate drive voltage via an internal charge pump, further optimizing efficiency across load conditions. 

The RAA489301 block diagram. 

This device also facilitates transitions between operating modes, supporting output voltages both below and above half the input voltage, along with a pass-through mode that efficiently maintains voltage consistency when the input and output are equal. It incorporates Renesas' R3 technology to enhance light-load efficiency, provide a fast transient response, and effectively manage dynamic loads.  

Additionally, the RAA489301 integrates comprehensive protection features, including overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, and overtemperature protection.

Buck-Boost Battery Charger

Finally, the ISL9241 (datasheet linked) is Renesas’ buck-boost battery charger IC. Featuring narrow voltage direct charging (NVDC) and hybrid power buck-boost (HPBB) modes, this design efficiently charges and manages power for applications such as tablets and notebooks with up to four-series cell Li-ion batteries. 

Using advanced Renesas R3 technology, the ISL9241 maximizes efficiency under light loads, while firmware-controlled switching between NVDC and HPBB modes enables adaptive power delivery based on system requirements. The device operates within an input voltage range from 3.9 V to 23.4 V. It outputs up to 18.304 V to support a broad spectrum of power sources, including conventional AC/DC adapters and USB type-C power delivery.

Typical ISL9241 application. 

Meanwhile, the ISL9241's power management architecture enables operation from an adapter, battery, or both, with bypass mode providing direct power from the adapter to the system. An integrated system power monitor (PSYS) facilitates compliance with Intel IMVP, outputting an analog signal for system-wide power assessment. The reverse operation is supported through OTG mode, allowing USB-C power delivery output configurations with programmable power supply (PPS) capability.

Efficient PC Power Management

The RAA225019 PMIC, RAA489301 pre-regulator, and ISL9241 battery charger combine to create an effective power management framework for Intel-based laptops. Each device contributes unique capabilities—multi-phase power distribution, adaptive voltage regulation, and efficient battery charging—that enhance energy use and extend battery life. The goal of the coordinated setup is to help Intel’s systems maintain stable performance, optimize power across different operating conditions, and ultimately enable more reliable and energy-efficient laptop use.