Maxim Integrated Korea has released the MAX32660 and MAX32652 ultra-low-power microcontrollers (MCUs) that enhance battery life and functionality. Maxim's DARWIN MCU family is a solution that integrates ultra-low-power technology for wearables, best-in-class embedded memory, and the most advanced embedded security technology.

System designers can develop compelling applications in power-constrained environments by using Maxim's ARM Cortex-M4 processor-based MCUs with integrated Floating Point Units (FPUs) for Internet of Things (IoT) and environmental sensors, smartwatches, medical and disease prevention wearables, and other small devices.

Memory, size, power consumption, and processing power are critical factors in designing complex algorithms for smart IoT applications. However, existing solutions tend to compromise processing and memory capabilities when power consumption is adequate, while powerful processors and ample memory tend to lead to high power consumption.

In contrast, the MAX32660 offers ample memory (256KB flash, 96KB SRAM) to run advanced algorithms and manage sensors. It also offers excellent power performance (up to 50uW/MHz) and a small 1.6mm x 1.6mm WLP package at a reasonable price. Not only can they be small and inexpensive to build, they can also extend battery life for intelligent sensors and systems.

As IoT devices become more intelligent, they require more memory and additional embedded processors, leading to higher prices and power consumption. The MAX32652 helps designers design embedded MCUs that support low power consumption while retaining high-performance application processor capabilities. Equipped with 3MB of flash and 1MB of SRAM, it operates at up to 120MHz. It is a highly integrated solution for IoT devices that offer higher processing power and artificial intelligence.

The MAX32652 serves as the low-power brain of high-performance IoT devices, featuring integrated high-speed peripherals such as high-speed USB 2.0, an SD card controller, a thin-film transistor (TFT) display, external memory, and a complete security engine. Its ability to execute from external memory via HyperBus or XcellaBus enables the design of competitive architectures.

Maxim's new low-power MCUs also support the development of security sensors for IoT devices, leveraging Maxim's best-in-class security toolbox.

“Maxim MCUs deliver exceptional features that enable designers to elevate existing applications,” said Prem Nayar, senior director, Micros, Security, and Software Business Unit at Maxim Integrated. “In the past, designers had to choose between two of three key factors: low power, high performance, and low system cost. Our new low-power MCUs deliver on all three.”