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Nordic introduces first PMIC for tight spaces

Fri, May 28, 2021

Nordic Semiconductor’s first power management device is the nPM1100, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). It combines a USB compatible Li-ion/Li-Po battery charger and DC/DC buck regulator in a compact WLCSP for space-constrained applications.

The low IQ PMIC for the company’s nRF52/nRF53 series SoCs and other compatible devices. The 400mA battery charger and 150mA DC/DC step down regulator is integrated with a USB-compatible input regulator with overvoltage protection in a WLCSP which measures 2.075 x 2.075mm. The PMIC ensures reliable power supply and stable operation for the nRF52 and nRF53 series multi-protocol SoCs and maximises the application battery life, says Nordic. It can be used as a generic PMIC for any application using rechargeable Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer batteries. Its form factor makes it suitable for wearables, connected medical devices, and other space-constrained applications.

The nPM1100’s battery charger can bypass the first regulator stage of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) applications based on nRF52 and nRF53 SoCs. In this configuration the buck regulator’s high efficiency reduces overall system power consumption while its 150mA current capability increases the current available for other system components from approximately 10 to 100mA.

The nPM1100 features a low quiescent current (IQ) of 700nA (typicall) which can be further reduced to 470nA in “ship mode” (i.e disabling the power output, removing the need for an external power switch), which minimises battery lifetime impact on products in transit. The power management solution takes up as little as 23mm² of PCB area, including passive components (rising to 27mm² when optimised for performance).

The nPM1100 input regulator draws its power from either a 4.1 to 6.6V USB input or from a 2.3 to 4.35V connected battery input. It can supply a 3.0 to 5.5V unregulated voltage to the application at up to 500mA output current. The PMIC supports USB standard downstream port (SDP), charging downstream port (CDP) and dedicated charger port (DCP) detection. The input regulator includes over-voltage protection for transient voltage spikes up to 20V.

The battery charger is JEITA-compliant and will charge the application’s Li-ion/Li-Po battery with a resistor-selectable charge current from 20 to 400mA and a selectable termination voltage of 4.1 or 4.2V. The charger includes battery thermal protection and automatic selection from three charging modes: automatic trickle, constant current and constant voltage. The charger also features a discharge current limitation.

The DC/DC buck voltage regulator runs at more than 90 per cent efficiency down to below 100 microA load current. It takes its power from the input system regulator and provides up to 150mA current at a selectable 1.8, 2.0, 2.7 or 3.0V regulated output voltage. The regulator features soft start up and automatic transition between hysteretic and pulse width modulation (PWM) modes. It also supports a forced PWM mode for clean power operation.

No configuration software is required as all settings are pin configurable. The PMIC is compatible with all devices designed to operate within the output voltages and supply currents the chip can deliver. The product’s operating temperature range is -40 to 85 degrees C.

Nordic also offers the nPM1100 evaluation kit with switches for all selectable settings, buttons to enter and exit ship mode and connectors for batteries, USB and headers for all pins on the PMIC. It can be powered by USB via the on-board micro-USB port, from an external DC power supply through header pins or from battery power via the battery connectors on one of the headers.

http://www.nordicsemi.com

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NuCurrent cuts loose by extending HF wireless charging

Fri, Mar 26, 2021

For product categories that are using RF and inductive charging, NuCurrent has launched NuEva (high frequency) HF development platform based on inductive resonant power transfer.

“There are a great number of product categories that aren’t well-served by RF and inductive charging,” said NuCurrent’s CEO, Jacob Babcock. “NuEva HF delivers power levels about 1,000 times higher than RF and it provides positioning flexibility about 100 times that of Qi,” he said. It can also charge multiple devices simultaneously.

The NuEva HF platform operates at 6.78MHz, the same frequency as the standard developed by the AirFuel Alliance. In addition to multi-device charging from a single transmitter, greater spatial freedom and positioning flexibility, the HF method of power transfer delivers high system efficiencies and uniform charging zones and up to 300W power.

“NuEva HF represents a generational leap forward for inductive resonant power transfer,” said Babcock. It is intended for a range of applications, from gaming and robotics to personal transportation and medical devices, using wireless power.

NuEva HF offers several patented and proprietary technologies developed by NuCurrent. Among these innovations is face “repeater” technology which extends charging surface areas using inexpensive passive electronics driven from a single power source.

There is also multi-layer, multi-turn (MLMT) antennae that increase efficiencies and lower thermals and a variety of methods for cost-effective EMI mitigation, said NuCurrent.

The in-band communications reduce system cost, compared to Bluetooth, claims NuCurrent and there are is added flexibility for siting, with options for power transfer through a variety of materials (e.g. metal, tissue).

NuCurrent supplies developers with wireless power technologies and product integration expertise. Core technologies span magnetics, software and systems simulation. The company has generated over 150 patents granted and pending globally. It also offers internal tools to enhance speed to market, improve product performance and mitigate major development risks. The company says that its systems integration expertise supports manufacturers of appliances, smartphones, wearables, hearables, consumer electronics, medical devices, robotics, IoT, sporting equipment and other emerging product categories.

NuCurrent solutions are based on inductive and inductive resonant wireless power transfer which offers convenience, safety, efficiency, and enhanced user experience.

http://www.nucurrent.com

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Measurement ICs double battery life and have highest accuracy, claims Maxim

Tue, Feb 23, 2021

Three ICs from Maxim Integrated allow designers to achieve double the battery life, while offering protection and what is claimed to be the highest accuracy for IoT, industrial and healthcare applications.

The trio are the MAX41400 instrumentation amplifier, the MAX40108 precision operational amplifier and the MAX31343 real time clock (RTC) with integrated MEMS oscillator.

IoT and battery-operated sensors require the development of systems that provide longer battery life while accurately measuring real world voltages, forces and pressures. Battery life is extended from the previous limit of 7.4 hours to 11.5 hours. Power budgets demand these sensors achieve precision on the first measurement, with little to no calibration. An added challenge is that for industrial and IoT applications, these sensors must withstand extreme physical conditions of temperature, humidity and mechanical abuse.

The MAX41400 instrumentation amplifier enhances sensor system accuracy by a factor of four, and extends battery life by 55 per cent compared to the closest competitive offering, claims Maxim. It provides low offset of 25 microV, low noise and programmable gain with only 65 microA current consumption.

The MAX40108 is claimed to be the lowest voltage precision operational amplifier in its class, operating with supplies as low as 0.9V. This low operational supply voltage is combined with a lower power consumption and 25.5 microA quiescent current which allows engineers to double sensor battery life, Maxim explains.

The MAX31343 I²C RTC with integrated MEMS oscillator provides timekeeping accuracy of ±5ppm; a figure “substantially better than the closest competitor”, according to Maxim. An integrated MEMS resonator also offers robust protection, i.e. shock resistance of above 2900G and vibration resistance of above 50G to eliminate crystal mechanical failures.

All these products offer multiple and small form factor package choices.

The MAX41400 is available now, and an evaluation kit, the MAX41400EVKIT#, is also available.

The MAX40108 is available from the company and its authorised distributors, together with the MAX40108EVKIT# evaluation kit.

The MAX31343 and MAX31343SHLD# evaluation kit are also available.

http://www.maximintegrated.com

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Wireless power receiver from Renesas has WattShare TRx mode

Wed, Sep 09, 2020

Renesas Electronics has added the P9415-R wireless power receiver to its portfolio. The 15W receiver uses WattShare technology and enables smartphones, power banks, and portable industrial and medical equipment, to wirelessly charge other mobile devices and accessories that also have wireless charging capabilities.

The P9415-R features up to 5W of transmit power capability in transmitter/receiver (TRx) mode, as well as receive up to 15W on Qi transmitters, enabling quick and convenient mobile device charging on the go.

Renesas believes the P9415-R will bring WattShare technology to a wider audience. It combines receiver and transmitter capabilities, allowing smartphones, smart watches, wireless ear buds and other devices to be wirelessly charged simply by placing them on top of a smartphone or other industrial and medical portable devices.

In WattShare TRx mode, the P9415-R enables these mobile devices to change the power flow direction and deliver up to 5W of power to charge other devices. Customers can use the same wireless power coil and same P9415 circuitry to both receive and transmit power wirelessly.

The P9415-R wireless power receiver has an MTP non-volatile memory for easy firmware and device function updates. It also has graphic user interface (GUI) support for user customisation.

It receives up to 30W in proprietary mode and has under voltage lockout down to 2.7V which increases the available charging area and connection times. Sensory accuracy has been improved compared with earlier devices in Renesas’ wireless portfolio to increase foreign object detection capabilities.

The receiver also has bi-directional communications to support proprietary authentication with encryption and x-y alignment circuitry for better receiver/transmitter device alignment.

It is also Renesas’ first WPC 1.3-ready wireless power receiver based on the Wireless Power Consortium’s latest inductive standard.

Renesas produces both the power receivers (PRx) used in smartphones and other applications, as well as the power transmitters (PTx) used in charging pads and automotive in-car applications.

The P9415-R 15W WattShare wireless power receiver is available now.

http://www.renesas.com

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Nordic introduces first PMIC for tight spaces

NuCurrent cuts loose by extending HF wireless charging

Measurement ICs double battery life and have highest accuracy, claims Maxim

Wireless power receiver from Renesas has WattShare TRx mode

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