Maxims PMICs Offer Hearables Low Standby Power and High Efficiency at Less Than Half the Size


MAX77650Designers of Bluetooth headphones, activity monitors, smart garments, smartwatches, and other size-constrained devices can now increase battery life and efficiency using the MAX77650/MAX77651 power management ICs (PMICs) from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Size is critical for hearables and wearables as they continue moving to smaller form factors. Most PMICs for these small, lithium-ion battery-operated devices require additional components, such as boost, buck, and low dropout (LDO) regulators; a charger; and current regulators for LED indicators. For space-savings and efficiency, Maxim has integrated all these functions into a complete power solution that is 19.2 mm2, less than half the size of existing component combinations.

The MAX77650 and MAX77651 feature single inductor multiple output (SIMO) buck-boost regulators that provide three independently programmable power rails from a single inductor, 150 mA LDO, and three current sink drivers to reduce overall component count and maximize available board space. For design flexibility, the MAX77650 operates up to 3.3 V and the MAX77651 operates up to 5 V, both include an analog multiplexer (MUX) output for safe battery monitoring, making them well suited for low-power designs.