Buck/boost regulator combines high efficiency and small size

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. has launched the Continua MAX38889 2.5 V-to-5.5 V, 3 A reversible buck/boost regulator, designed for backup power applications using supercapacitor or other energy sources. Maxim claims the Continua family of backup regulators delivers the industry’s tightest output regulation of 2.5% to support 5-V applications and highest peak efficiency of 94%, which is 9% higher than the closest competitor.

The backup regulator solution also claims one-third the size of the closest competitive solution (218 mm² vs. 606 mm²), targeting space-constrained applications. In addition to saving board space, it allows designers to reduce component count and bill-of-materials costs, said Maxim Integrated.

MAX38889 simplified application diagram (Image: Maxim Integrated Products)

 The MAX38889 supports a 2.5 V-to-5.5 V system output voltage range and a 0.5 V-to-5.5 V supercapacitor voltage range. After the supercapacitor is charged, the backup regulator draws only 4 µA of quiescent current. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 125°C.

In applications such as smart utility meters or automotive dashboard cameras, the MAX38889 Continua regulator operates in buck mode to charge a backup power source, such as a supercapacitor, said Maxim. When the main power is lost, the regulator reverses direction automatically, boosting the supercapacitor voltage to power the system, until main power is restored, added the company.

The MAX38889 regulates backup power for a variety of portable and non-portable applications, including retail price scanners and surveillance cameras, as well as home, building, automotive, industrial automation, and health-care IoT applications.

 The MAX38889 is priced at $2.36 (1000-up, FOB USA) on Maxim Integrated’s website and is available from authorized distributors. The MAX38889EVKIT# evaluation kit is priced at $63. EE-Sim models are available.