Maxim introduces the MAX20310 ultra-low static current (IQ) power management integrated circuit

     Maxim introduces the MAX20310 ultra-low static current (IQ) power management integrated circuit (PMIC) to support the design of battery-powered wearable and fitness products, reducing the size of the solution by 50% and effectively extending battery life. The PMIC of wearable products needs to support input voltage as low as 0.7V, suitable for new high energy density battery architectures such as zinc-air batteries or silver oxide batteries, as well as the increasingly popular alkaline battery architectures. With the market driven by the need for personal and remote monitoring, reducing the size of the solution and extending the battery life have become critical factors. For example, according to a report by Allied Market Research, the global remote monitoring market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%, reaching a market size of $2.13 billion by 2022.

     There are many factors to consider when designing wearable medical and fitness applications, including ultra-small size specifications and longer battery life. However, designers often need to build complex power networks using discrete components, which takes up valuable board space, consumes high static current, and consumes battery life when the device is in sleep mode. In the clinical environment, the design challenge is further exacerbated by the fact that the contacts, clamps and charging ports involved in the rechargeable solution are prone to bacterial growth.

     The MAX20310 features an innovative Single inductor Multiple Output (SIMO) architecture that integrates four power outputs using a single inductor, each delivering ultra-low static current. This highly integrated solution reduces the size by half and static current by more than 40% compared to conventional discrete solutions, extending battery life. In a clinical setting, the galvanic cell architecture can form a tightly sealed unit that can be safely disinfected or even thoroughly cleaned before each use to prevent cross-infection between patients. The MAX20310 is ideal for use in non-rechargeable medical stickers, environmental and device monitoring, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors. The MAX20310 operates in the -40°C to +85°C temperature range in a small 1.63mm x 1.63mm wafer-scale package (WLP).