Power ICs extend battery life, improve system efficiency

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. has introduced three new power ICs in its family of Essential Analog ICs. The MAX17227A 2 A nanoPower boost converter, the MAX17291 high voltage, 1 A boost converter, and the MAX38911 500 mA LDO provide the lowest quiescent current compared to competitive solutions to improve system efficiency and increase battery life, said Maxim. These devices can be used in a range of applications such as consumer, industrial, health care and IoT systems.

Here are the key specs for the three new power ICs:

MAX17227A: The MAX17227A is said to deliver the highest output power and the lowest quiescent current for battery-operated IoT systems. It handles up to 2-A switch current, twice that of the closest competitive solution, and consumes half the quiescent current, at just 350 nA, said Maxim. The nanoPower boost converter features short-circuit protection, true shutdown, and an input voltage range from 400 mV to 5.5 V, and it can extend battery system life up to 10 percent.

MAX17291: Delivering a high voltage boost up to 20 V, the MAX17291 offers a quiescent current that is 80 percent lower in a 60 percent smaller solution size compared to competitive devices, according to the company. The boost converter fits battery-operated systems with higher output voltage loads such as displays or sensors.

MAX38911: Touted as 50 percent smaller than competitive solutions, the MAX38911 500-mV LDO for battery-operated IoT systems draws 19 µA during idle mode to extend battery life up to 10 percent. It also claims the industry’s best power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) at a level 16 dB better than the closest competitor, which helps prevent noisy power supplies from interfering with critical functions such as precise measurements and communications.

Pricing for the devices:

• The MAX17227A is available at Maxim Integrated’s website for $0.76 (1000-up, FOB USA), and is also available from authorized distributors
• The MAX17291 is available at Maxim Integrated’s website for $0.74 (1000-up, FOB USA), and is also available from authorized distributors
• The MAX38911 is available at Maxim Integrated’s website for $0.67 (1000-up, FOB USA), and also is available from authorized distributors
• The MAX17227AEVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $69.99
• The MAX17291EVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $69.99
• The MAX38911EVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $69.99
• EE-Sim models are available for the MAX17227A and MAX17291.