Maxim Announces 4-Channel PMICs with Two Step-Down DC-DC Converters and Two Low-Input LDOs

Maxim Integrated Products introduced the MAX8667/MAX8668, which the company claims is the industry’s first 4-channel power-management ICs (PMICs) in a tiny, 9mm2 TQFN package. These PMICs minimize total solution size by integrating two step-down dc-dc converters and two low-input, low-dropout regulators (LDOs), as well as all feedback networks. To further save space and cost, they utilize a 1.5MHz switching frequency to enable the use of tiny external components, such as 0805 2.2µH inductors. The MAX8667/MAX8668 are suitable for cell phones, PDAs, and other space-constrained, handheld applications.

In addition to saving space, the MAX8667/MAX8668 are said to extend battery life by integrating a synchronous rectifier in each dc-dc converter in order to achieve up to 93% efficiency, while drawing only 100µA (typ) quiescent current with all regulators enabled. One of the dc-dc converters delivers up to 1.2A output current, while the other delivers up to 600mA. The low-input LDOs operate down to 1.7V input, thus saving 80% of total power loss in the system as compared with conventional linear-regulator solutions. The output voltages of the dc-dc converters are adjustable from 0.6 to 3.3V (MAX8668) or factory preset (MAX8667). The output voltages of the low-noise LDOs are all factory preset to eliminate the need for an external feedback network.

Packaged in a 3mm x 3mm TQFN, these PMICs are fully specified for the extended temperature range (-40 to +85°C). Prices start at $2.95 (2500-up, FOB USA). An evaluation kit is available to speed designs.