Designers can extend battery life and reduce size in space-constrained IoT devices with two nano-power modules with built-in inductors from Maxim Integrated, now part of Massachusetts-based Analog Devices.

The Max M38643 1.8 to 5.5V input, 330nA quiescent current (I_Q), 600mA buck module and the Max M17225 0.4 to 5.5V input, 300nA I_Q, 1A boost module with true shutdown feature are said to have a lower I_Q than competitive products and deliver more battery life.

By integrating a preselected inductor, these micro system-level IC modules (uSLIC) can also accelerate time to market and are up to 37 per cent smaller than a standalone IC plus external inductor.

Applications include space-constrained consumer products, wearables, medical drug delivery, sensors, IoT devices, and wired, wireless and industrial products.

Battery-powered IoT devices require low I_Q in system standby mode to deliver longer battery life. Further, low shutdown current – 0.5nA on the M17225 and 1nA on the M38643 – allows systems to consume virtually no system power during shutdown mode. They consume one-tenth and one-twentieth less, respectively, quiescent current than competitive produvcts with similar output currents.

In addition, they have peak efficiencies of 96 and 95 per cent, respectively.

As a result, the modules consume less power to deliver longer life and reduced carbon footprint for battery-operated and wired always-on devices. Both use the firm’s uSLIC power module technology featuring stacked, integrated inductors that enable designers to reduce 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 nano-power M38643 buck and M17225 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 at Analog Devices.

Both are available in 2.1 by 2.6mm EMGA-ten-pin packages.