The MAX77827 buck-boost converter from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. boasts the lowest quiescent current (IQ) in its class of 6µA, as well as the highest peak efficiency of 96 percent in the market. The 1.5A high-efficiency, compact converter allows 1.8V to 5.5V input and 2.3V to 5.3V output, while providing the system stability needed to minimize abrupt or unexpected shutdowns. The device addresses the power requirements of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) applications, asset tracking devices and many IoT applications.
The growing lithium-ion battery market is largely driven by an increasing inclination towards smart electronic devices with expanding functionalities packed within. Primary cell batteries based on Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl2) chemistry or dual-cell Alkaline (AA or AAA) with operations as low as 1.8V is also gaining popularity in the long-life portable market segment. However, regardless of the types of batteries used, these devices will discharge through a wide range of voltages while sustaining a power rail between 2.8V to 3.8V, specifically for powering MCU, Wi-Fi, BLE and GPS features. The traditional buck or bypass boost plus low dropout (LDO) topologies are not ideal solutions for these sophisticated devices because they are not the most efficient at prolonging battery life. Additionally, a simple buck converter topology may cause earlier system shutdown when battery voltage is high to maintain the required power for the aforementioned applications, leaving underutilized battery capacity.
With the lowest quiescent current in the market, highest efficiency gains and small solution size, the MAX77827 buck-boost converter sets the standard for maximizing battery life. It is an ideal solution to support applications with low power requirements because, regardless of the battery voltage variations, it can automatically transition between buck and boost modes to provide a consistent output power supply. Compared with the current means of utilizing a bypass boost converter followed by an LDO, the MAX77827 improves efficiency by up to 12 percent. Compared with utilizing a buck converter, it allows continuous system operation with lower voltage from the battery to further utilize the battery capacity. The MAX77827 is the latest buck-boost converter in Maxim’s portfolio.
The MAX77827 is available at Maxim’s website for $0.84 (1000-up, FOB USA); also available from authorized distributors. The MAX77827EVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $50.
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