Sensors Expo 2018: Fuel Gauges Maximize Runtime For Myriad Applications

During Sensors Expo 2018 in San Jose, CA, Maxim Integrated Products, in booth #1035, introduced the MAX17260 and MAX17261 ModelGauge m5 EZ fuel gauges. Viable for a broad range of li-ion battery powered applications, the devices require no battery characterization.

 

The MAX17260 and MAX17261 employ the ModelGauge m5 EZ algorithm and are said to provide a high level of accuracy in fuel gauging compared to comparable solutions. This allows designers to maximize their devices' runtime by preventing premature or sudden device shutdowns, while maintaining a smaller battery size. The fuel gauges, which are housed in an ultra-small 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm package, feature a quiescent current of 5.1 µA. 

 

Summary of Features

  • High Accuracy: Accurate battery state of charge (SOC) prevents sudden crash and premature device shutdown; Provides easy to understand battery information for end users such as time to empty, time to full under current, as well as hypothetical load conditions; Dynamic power technology enables high system performance without crashing the battery; Results in smaller battery size
  • Maximized End-Device Runtime: Very low quiescent current of 5.1 µA prevents excessive energy loss during long periods of standby time
  • Simplified Design: Battery characterization-free solution offers no battery size limit; MAX17260 offers a high-side Rsense option to simplify ground-plane design; MAX17261 offers a flexible switched resistor divider option to support any number of series cells (multi-cell batteries)
  • Compact Solution: Supports small electronics with 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm wafer-level packaging (WLP) as well as 3 mm x 3 mm TDFN

The MAX17260 is available for $0.93 each/1,000 and the MAX17261 is available for $1.22 each/1,000, while the MAX17260GEVKIT and MAX17261GEVKIT evaluation kits are available for $60. 

 

For greater enlightenment, checkout the MAX17260 and MAX17261 datasheets.