NanoPower modules extend battery life in space-constrained applications

Designers can now extend battery life and reduce size in space-constrained internet of things (IoT) devices with two nanoPower modules with built-in inductors from Analog Devices, Inc. Both products are part of Analog Devices’ Essential Analog family of efficient power ICs. The MAXM38643 1.8V to 5.5V input, 330nA quiescent current (I_Q), 600mA buck module and the MAXM17225 0.4V to 5.5V input, 300nA I_Q, 1A boost module with True Shutdown feature the lowest I_Q compared to competitive solutions and deliver more battery life. By integrating a preselected inductor, these micro system-level IC modules (uSLIC) also accelerate time to market and are up to 37% smaller size compared to a standalone IC plus external inductor. Applications include space-constrained consumer products, wearables, medical drug delivery, sensors, IoT devices, as well as wired, wireless and industrial products.

Battery-powered IoT devices require low I_Q in system standby mode to deliver longer battery life. Further, ultra-low shutdown current (0.5nA on MAXM17225 and 1nA on MAXM38643) allows systems to consume virtually no system power during shutdown mode. Both MAXM38643 and MAXM17225 consume an order of magnitude less quiescent current (one-tenth and one-twentieth, respectively) than competitive solutions with similar output currents. In addition, MAXM38643 and MAXM17225 have peak efficiencies of 96%and 95% respectively, the highest compared to competitive solutions. As a result, the modules consume less power to deliver longer life and reduced carbon footprint for both battery-operated and wired always-on devices. Both products utilize Analog Devices’ uSLIC power module technology featuring stacked, integrated inductors that enable designers to reduce solution PCB surface area and eliminate the time spent on component selection and board placement.

“In addition to extending the battery life of tiny IoT devices for next-generation designs, the nanoPower MAXM38643 buck and MAXM17225 boost modules can also increase functionality for many sensors, radio and digital circuits in consumer, medical, and industrial applications which require lower I_Q and higher output current,” said Chinmay Honrao, Business Manager, Standard Power Products for the Core Products Group at Analog Devices.

Essential Analog ICs deliver Analog Devices’ advances in low-power, high-performance, single-function products to enable next-generation innovation in multiple applications and markets.

MAXM38643 Buck Module and MAXM17225 Boost Module Features and Benefits

• Longer Battery Life: Lowest quiescent power compared to competitive solutions helps extend battery life for always-on devices
• Smallest Solution Size: 3D-Module form factor with stacked, integrated inductors reduces solution size up to 37 percent compared to a standalone IC
• Reduced Design Time: Eliminating inductor selection, design and sourcing reduces time to market