Targeting lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery-powered mobile and portable devices, Maxim Integrated Products’ MAX17262 single-cell and MAX17263 single-/multi-cell fuel-gauge ICs are low-power devices that promise longer run times for said devices. The MAX17262 features a 5.2-μA quiescent current, said to be the lowest level in its class, along with integrated current sensing. The MAX17263 features a 8.2-μA quiescent current and drives three to 12 LEDs to indicate battery or system status.
The MAX17262 and MAX17263 combine traditional coulomb counting with the company’s ModelGauge m5 EZ algorithm for high-accuracy battery SOC without requiring battery characterization. With their low quiescent current, both fuel-gauge ICs minimize current consumption during long periods of device standby time, extending battery life in the process. Both also have a dynamic power feature that enables the highest possible system performance without draining the battery. In the MAX17262, an integrated RSENSE current resistor eliminates the need to use a larger discrete part, simplifying and reducing the board design. In the MAX17263, the integrated, pushbutton LED controller further minimizes battery drain and alleviates the microcontroller from having to manage this function.
Pricing for the MAX17262 is $0.95 each/1,000 and the MAX17263 costs $1.49 each/1,000. The MAX17262XEVKIT and MAX17263GEVKIT evaluation kits are available for $60 each. Support includes the MAX1726x ModelGauge m5 EZ User Guide and Software Implementation Guide, as well as Linux drivers. Datasheet are available for the MAX17262 and MAX17263.