Nordic Launches First PMIC nPM1100
USB compatible input regulator, battery charger,
DC/DC buck regulator integrated into WLCSP package


On the 27th, Nordic Semiconductor launched its first Power Management IC (PMIC) product, the 'nPM1100®'. It integrates a USB-compatible input regulator with overvoltage protection, a 400mA battery charger, and a 150mA DC/DC buck regulator in a 2.075 × 2.075mm Wafer Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP).

The nPM1100 ensures stable power supply and operation for Nordic's 'nRF52® and nRF53®' series multi-protocol SoCs. It can also be used as a general-purpose PMIC in all applications utilizing rechargeable lithium-ion/lithium-polymer batteries.

Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) applications based on nRF52 and nRF53 series SoCs using rechargeable lithium-ion/lithium-polymer batteries can bypass the first regulator stage of the SoC through the battery charging characteristics of the nPM1100. It can reduce overall system power consumption and, with a 150mA current capacity, increase the usable current level in other system configurations from 10mA to 100mA.

The nPM1100 supports an ultra-low standby current (IQ) of 700nA under normal conditions and can save an additional 470nA in Ship Mode. Additionally, since power output is disabled in Ship Mode, an external power switch is not required, minimizing the impact on the product's battery life during transport. Furthermore, the PCB area, including passive components, is approximately 23 mm², and even when optimized for performance, it only increases to 27 mm², making it smaller than competing products.

It can draw power from a USB input of 4.1–6.6V or a connected battery input of 2.3–4.35V, and can supply an unregulated voltage of 3.0–5.5V to the application at a maximum output current of 500mA. It can detect USB Standard Downstream Port (SDP), Charging Downstream Port (CDP), and Dedicated Charging Port (DCP). It also includes overvoltage protection against instantaneous overvoltage spikes of up to 20V.

The nPM1100 JEITA-compatible battery charger charges the application's lithium-ion/lithium-polymer batteries with a resistance-selectable charging current of 20 to 400 mA and a selectable termination voltage of 4.1 V or 4.2 V. It includes battery overheating protection and the ability to automatically select three charging modes: automatic slow charging (Trickle), constant current, and constant voltage charging. It also features a discharge current limiting function.

The new high-efficiency DC/DC buck voltage regulator operates at efficiencies of over 90% down to load currents of less than 100µA. It is powered by an input system regulator and provides a maximum current of 150mA at selectable regulated output voltages of 1.8V, 2.0V, 2.7V, and 3.0V. The regulator features a soft startup function and an automatic switching function between hysteresis mode and PWM mode. It also supports FPWM mode to enable operation at the most precise power.

All settings can be configured via pins, so configuration software is not required. The nPM1100 is compatible with all devices designed to operate within the output voltage and supply current range that the chip can provide. The operating temperature range is –40 to 85°C.

Nordic also provides an evaluation kit designed to be used with other Nordic development kits or to test nPM1100 functions in non-Nordic products. The evaluation kit features switches for all selectable settings, transport mode entry/exit buttons, a battery connector, and headers for USB and all PMIC pins.

If configuration needs to be controlled via software, switches can be disabled through the header. Functionality can be tested in existing applications without the need for custom hardware. The evaluation kit can be powered via USB, an external DC power supply through the header pins, or battery power via a battery connector on a single header.

The nPM1100 is currently being supplied as mass-produced products and samples. Nordic plans to host an nPM1100 webinar on June 9 to provide detailed information about the product.