Maxim Announces ModelGauge M5 EZ Fuel Gauges

Article By : Maxim Integrated

Maxim’s Fuel Gauges with ModelGauge m5 EZ Maximize Device Runtime for a Broad Range of Applications

San Jose, CA—Jul 1, 2018 — Designers can maximize runtime and achieve an enhanced user experience with the MAX17260 and MAX17261 ModelGaugeTM m5 EZ fuel gauges by Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXIM). Ideal for a broad range of Li-ion battery powered applications, these battery characterization-free solutions provide high levels of accuracy while also offering small size and ease of design.

With modern technology continuing to advance, consumers have become more dependent on their wireless, battery-powered devices. As devices have become more sophisticated with their feature offerings and increasing power density, designers are now challenged with achieving an enhanced user experience without compromising battery runtimes. There is also a huge market need for highly accurate fuel gauges, as less accuracy may introduce uncertainty that must be compensated with higher battery capacity and larger physical dimensions. As designers consider a wide range of applications, minimizing the physical size of the battery becomes crucial for these tiny form factors. These applications include handheld gaming systems, remote controls, smart home devices, USB Type-C™ portable devices and more.

The MAX17260 and MAX17261, which feature the ModelGauge m5 EZ algorithm, provide a high level of accuracy in fuel gauging compared to competing 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 1.5mm x 1.5mm package, feature a very low quiescent current of 5.1µA to minimize draining the battery during long periods of standby time. The products allow designs to be quickly done without battery characterization or calibration.