With two nano-power modules with built-in inductors from Maxim Integrated, now part of Massachusetts-based Analog Devices, designers may extend battery life and shrink the size of space-constrained IoT devices.

The Max M38643 1.8 to 5.5V input, 330nA quiescent current (IQ), 600mA buck module, and the Max M17225 0.4 to 5.5V input, 300nA IQ, 1A boost module with actual shutdown function are stated to offer a lower IQ and deliver better battery life than competing devices.

These micro system-level IC modules (uSLIC) can further shorten the time to market by incorporating a pre-selected inductor and are up to 37% smaller than a standalone IC plus an external inductor.

Consumer products with limited space, wearables, medical drug delivery, sensors, IoT devices, and wired, wireless, and industrial products are some of the applications.

To provide longer battery life, battery-powered IoT devices require a low IQ in system standby mode. Furthermore, the M17225’s low shutdown current – 0.5nA on the M17225 and 1nA on the M38643 – allows systems to shut down with almost minimal power consumption. They use one-tenth and one-twentieth of the quiescent current of competitors with equivalent output currents, respectively.

They also have peak efficiencies of 96 percent and 95 percent, respectively.

As a result, the modules use less power, resulting in longer battery life and lower carbon emissions for both battery-operated and connected always-on devices. Both include the company’s uSLIC power module technology, which uses stacked, integrated inductors to reduce PCB surface area and reduce time spent on component selection and board placement.

“In addition to extending the battery life of tiny IoT devices for next-generation designs, the nano-power M38643 buck and M17225 boost modules can also increase functionality for many sensors, radio and digital circuits in consumer, medical and industrial applications which require lower IQ and higher output current,” said Chinmay Honrao, business manager at Analog Devices.

Both are available in EMGA-ten-pin packages measuring 2.1 by 2.6mm.