Maximize wireless device operating time
Provides a high level of accuracy, miniaturization, and design convenience

Maxim Integrated Korea has launched the 'MAX17260' and 'MAX17261' ModelGauge m5 EZ fuel gauges. Ideal for products powered by various lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, this solution maximizes device operating time and provides a convenient user experience. It eliminates the need to check battery characteristics and boasts a high level of accuracy. It enables device miniaturization and enhances design convenience.

As technology advances, consumer reliance on battery-operated wireless devices is increasing. As features become more sophisticated and power density rises, designers must provide a convenient user experience without compromising battery life.

Since low accuracy inevitably leads to larger battery capacity and physical size, a fuel gauge with high accuracy is required. Furthermore, when considering various applications, minimizing the physical size of the battery is a critical factor in designing for small form factors. Portable game consoles, remote controls, smart home devices, and USB Type-C portable devices fall into this category of applications. The MAX17260/17261, equipped with the Model Gauge m5 EZ algorithm, provides a high level of accuracy in measuring battery level compared to competing products. It maximizes operating time and miniaturizes the battery size by preventing the device from stopping earlier than expected or suddenly with high accuracy. The MAX17260/17261 provides easy-to-understand battery information, such as discharge time, full charge time, and virtual load conditions. Through dynamic power technology, it supports excellent system performance without overloading the battery.

The Maxim Battery Fuel Gauge, available in 1.5mm x 1.5mm wafer-level (WLP) and 3mm x 3mm TDFN packages, has a very low standby current of 5.1µA, minimizing battery consumption during long standby times. Additionally, design time is reduced as there is no need for battery characteristic verification or calibration processes.

The MAX17260 simplifies ground-plane design by providing a high-side sensing resistor (Rsense) option. The MAX17261 supports a flexible switched resistor divider option that supports multi-cell batteries.

“According to Technavio’s latest report, as the number of electronic products equipped with rechargeable batteries increases, there is a growing demand for small batteries that enable maximum operating time,” said Raghu Raj Sing, Senior Analyst at Technavio Semiconductor Equipment. “Maxim’s newly launched Battery Fuel Gauge is a solution that perfectly meets market demands to save space and significantly extend the battery life of portable products.”

Perry Tsao, Director of Mobile Solutions at Maxim Integrated, stated, “Designers must continuously innovate and improve the user experience to enhance competitiveness. Simple yet highly accurate, Maxim Fuel Gauges maximize product uptime, which is most important to users.”