Analog ICs deliver advances in efficiency and size

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. offers three new building-block high-performance analog ICs, aimed at delivering greater system efficiency and performance in shrinking electronic systems for building automation, industrial, automotive, and portable applications. The three new products are the MAX41464 sub-1-GHz wireless transmitter,  the MAX38888 backup power regulator, and the  MAX16141 36-V ORing FET controller. Maxim will feature the new products at the electronica 2018 conference, Nov. 13–16.

The key benefits that these new products provide range from improving system efficiency and extending battery life to reducing form factors and lowering bill-of-material (BOM) costs.

Claiming the highest output power of +16 dBm for long-range wireless sensors for applications such as building automation and security systems, the MAX41464 is a sub-1-GHz frequency-shift keying (FSK) transmitter. The transmitter, which is fully programmable via an I² C interface, consumes only 12-mA operating current, operating from a single coin-cell battery, which is touted as 30% lower than its closest competitor. Other key features include a preset frequency mode option using a 16-MHz crystal, which eliminates programming and allows for a single wire interface to an external microcontroller, frequency hopping range from 300 MHz to 960 MHz for worldwide use, and a wide operating temperature range of –40°C to 105°C.

Aimed at backup power for mission-critical applications, the new Continua family of backup power regulators charges a backup power source, such as a supercapacitor or capacitor bank, in seconds to deliver continuous power to critical system components when the main power source is turned off. The MAX38888 reversible buck/boost regulator, the first member of the  Continua family, delivers a 95% peak efficiency. The MAX38888, operating over 2.5- to 5-V input in buck mode, charges an energy storage device at up to 500-mA peak inductor current. On supply failure, the MAX38888 operates in a boost mode, providing 2.5- to 5-V output at up to 2.5-A peak inductor current from an energy storage device, discharging to 0.8 V.

Maxim said that the MAX38888 doubles battery life in portable electronics by lowering quiescent current up to 15 times lower than competitive solutions during idle mode. In addition, the power regulator is housed in a 38-mm²  solution size, which is 33% smaller than the closest competitive solution, according to Maxim.

The MAX16141 36V ORing FET controller with voltage and current circuit breaker is used for monitoring overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, reverse-current, and overtemperature conditions in automotive power applications, including infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The device touts a full suite of system protection functions and provides a rapid response time of 0.3 µs to reverse current events, which increases system hold-up time and functionality during automotive transient conditions. “By enabling a true shutdown mode to prevent leakage current and by minimizing the current draw to inactive circuitry, the controller decreases total system power and prioritizes engine starting power over all other electrical systems,” said Maxim.

The devices, along with evaluation kits are available now at Maxim’s website and from select authorized distributors. Pricing information is as follows:

• The MAX41464 is priced at $0.68 (1,000-up, FOB USA). The MAX41464EVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $98.69.
• The MAX38888 is priced at $2.98 (1,000-up, FOB USA). The  MAX38888EVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $45.
• The MAX16141 is priced at $2 (1,000-up, FOB USA). (The automotive grade version has /V in the part number nomenclature.) The  MAX16141EVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $68.