PMICs cut size and power for wearables and hearables
Size is critical for hearables and wearables as they continue moving to smaller form factors. Most PMICs for these small, lithium-ion battery-operated devices require additional components, such as boost, buck, and low dropout (LDO) regulators; a charger; and current regulators for LED indicators. For space-savings and efficiency, Maxim has integrated all these functions into a complete power solution that is only 19.2-mm-squared — less than 1/2 the size of existing component combinations.
The MAX77650 and MAX77651 feature single inductor multiple output (SIMO) buck-boost regulators that provide three independently programmable power rails from a single inductor, 150mA LDO, and three current sink drivers to reduce overall component count and maximize available board space. For design flexibility, the MAX77650 operates up to 3.3V and the MAX77651 operates up to 5V — both include an analog multiplexer (MUX) output for safe battery monitoring, making them ideal for low-power designs.
The devices offer the lowest standby power of 0.3 µA; 5.6 µA operating current. Further, 3-output SIMO channels plus LDO extend Li+ battery life and a multi-channel SIMO regulator reduces component count.
“Demand for consumer battery management ICs is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5 percent from 2017 to 2020,” said Richard Eden, Senior Analyst, Power Semiconductors, IHS Markit Technology. “Among consumer applications, battery management for wearables — which includes hearables — shows the fastest CAGR of 29 percent over the same 3-year period.”
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