Dialog Semiconductor unveils its first nanopower PMICs, the DA9230 and DA9231. Consuming 750 nA of total input current with the buck enabled and under no load conditions, the devices are described as the smallest of their class on the market, enabling longer battery operating time and enhanced efficiency for “always on” IoT applications.
With a predicted 12 percent annual increase in the number of connected devices worldwide from 2017 to 2030 according to IHS1, consumer demands for increased efficiency are growing, particularly when it comes to battery life and functionality. However, engineers have faced challenges when trying to balance small form factors with the need for greater battery life, often resulting in devices with inefficient power management or limited battery capacity.
The DA9230 and DA9231 will enhance the battery life and power efficiency of common IoT devices such as wearables, smart door locks, portable medical devices and remote sensors. The PMICs improve battery life with ultra-low quiescent current, high-efficiency and configurability, all offered in a small footprint to fit into space-constrained applications. One of the strongest features of DA9230 and DA9231 is the form factor, as the smallest PMICs on the market when measuring up against other comparable chipsets. Other PMICs on offer either lack multiple rails and I2C configurability in one chip, or take up twice the size as Dialog’s offering.
Designed to support current and future platforms, the DA9231 features a 300mA buck together with a 100mA LDO and the DA9230 features a standalone buck. For both devices, the buck regulator’s minimum output voltage of 0.6V enables powering advanced 14 or 10-nm geometry SOCs. With a minimum supply voltage of 2.5V, these devices are also ready to support upcoming silicon anode battery technology.
If all this excites your curiosity and you thirst for more knowledge, datasheets for the DA9230 and DA9231 PMICs are available. Both devices are sampling now and will be available through Avnet in the first quarter of 2018.