Small quad-output SIMO PMIC achieves high power density

This PMIC delivers a 70% reduction in solution size compared to the nearest competition, with 700mA across four buck-boost channels and only one inductor required for a total solution size of 17mm².

Designers of ultra-small portable devices such as wearables, internet of things (IoT) sensor nodes and health monitors are looking to increase computing capability, memory and sensor resources in their feature-rich devices – all in an ever more compact form factor. The MAX77655 SIMO PMIC addresses this space-constraint issue by sharing one inductor among all four supplies in a single 3.95mm² IC.

In addition, ultra-high efficiency helps to extend battery life by providing 90% regulator efficiency during moderate to heavy load conditions, while consuming only 6.9µA of quiescent current during light load conditions.

For additional power management platforms regarding systems requiring less than 500mA, Maxim Integrated also introduced two new configurable PMICs – the MAX77643 and MAX77642. These ICs offer the industry’s highest efficiency at 93% from a single inductor and a 3-output buck-boost regulator with a 150mA LDO/Loadswitch.

Advantages

• High density: Offers 85% higher power density; provides up to 700mA total current from just 17mm² PCB space to support higher current loads for adding computational and sensor resources to next-generation designs.
• Smallest size: Cuts power management board size by 70% by integrating four supplies, while using only a single inductor.
• High efficiency: Provides up to 90% efficiency at 3.7 VIN and 1.8 VOUT.

“As ultra-small electronics become more wearable and integrated for end users, it becomes harder for designers to add functionality,” said Kevin Anderson, Power Semiconductor Analyst at Omdia. “Any part of the system that can be reduced in size while increasing power will allow designers to pile on more computing horsepower for next-generation applications.”

The MAX77655 is available at Maxim Integrated’s website for $1.50 (1000-up, FOB USA); also available from authorised distributors.